Needed: Coming of Age/Middle School Teacher
The Ethical Society of St. Louis is seeking a caring, dynamic individual to teach our middle school group (Coming of Age) on Sunday mornings Sept-May (certain holiday weekends excluded). Hours are 9:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Pay is $16/hr. Additional hours outside of Sunday mornings may apply for outings and special events.
In Coming of Age, youth in grades 6-8 work on further expanding their ethical education, building a supportive community of peers, discovering who they are as unique individuals, and finding healthy and productive ways to navigate adolescence. The group will also serve the community and explore the ways people from different belief-systems and cultures answer big life questions. The program culminates in a personalized graduation ceremony at the end of 8th grade, in which students are recognized and celebrated by their families and the Society.
Responsibilities:
- Foster a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment that respects and celebrates the diversity of young people.
- Serve as a mentor and role model, providing guidance and support to youth in their personal development and ethical education.
- Implement pre-planned lessons and facilitate group activities.
- Maintain an organized classroom space; perform set up and clean up procedures each week.
- Coordinate with the Youth Education Director and parents on logistics for scheduled outings.
- Assist with the planning and implementation of the Coming of Age graduation ceremony in spring.
Requirements:
- Proven work in an educational setting and enthusiasm for working with young people.
- Willing to develop a working understanding and knowledge base of Humanist culture and the values and mission of the Society.
- Strong interpersonal/communication skills and ease connecting with young people.
- Skilled at facilitating group discussions, managing conflicts, and promoting positive group dynamics.
- Familiar with youth development principles and knowledge of relevant social, emotional, and ethical issues faced by youth.
- Flexibility to adapt to changing needs and adjust program activities accordingly.
- Ability to work alongside fellow staff and volunteers.
- Fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
- Must pass a background check and adhere to the Society’s Child Protection Guidelines and Code of Conduct.
- Must provide references that speak to experience working with youth.
Preferred Qualifications:
- BA in Education or related field; may be supplemented with relevant experience.
The Ethical Society of St. Louis is an ethics-centered community dedicated to deed before creed. We believe every person is unique, worthy of dignity and respect, and we strive to create a more just, loving and sustainable world for all. We are committed to celebrating diversity and encourage applicants from minority and marginalized communities to apply.
Interested and qualified applicants, please email Megan McCarthy, Youth Education Director, at mmccarthy@ethicalstl.org.