Sixth Grade Social Studies Teacher

Job Type

Full-time

Description

Full Time, Starting August 2026

Why Overlake?

Picture yourself working on 75 acres of nature, just minutes from Downtown Redmond. Our community is united by a shared sense of purpose, a love of learning, and an unwavering belief in the power of people.

We value tradition and forward-thinking in equal measure. We laugh together, learn together, and lead with compassion. As part of Overlake's Faculty, you will help ensure that every student can thrive-now and for generations to come.

The Details:

Wage: $63,971 - $122,532 salaried exempt. The wage offered will depend on education level and years of experience.

Work Hours and Location: This position is in person from 8:00 a.m.

- 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, with occasional evenings and weekends throughout the school year.

The Process: Please include a cover letter, resume, and contact information for professional references with your application. This posting will remain open until sufficient applications have been received. The first round of virtual interviews will occur on a rolling basis. Final round on-site interviews will occur shortly thereafter.

Benefits

• $5 employee premium for all medical plans
• 100% employee coverage for dental and vision plans
• 35% medical, dental, and vision coverage for dependents
• 10 days of paid time off accrued per year up to 40
• Paid holidays and school breaks
• 5-10% employer retirement match based on years of service
• On-site health and wellness
• Professional development allowance
• Meal allowance for breakfast, lunch, and snacks daily
• Employee Assistance Program
• Long-term and short-term disability as well as life insurance
• Use of School Library
• New Employee Mentorship Program

What You'll Do

Teach four sections of Sixth Grade Social Studies, grounded in the department's core values of historical awareness, global perspectives, civic engagement, and social justice.

Design and facilitate an inquiry-based, student-centered curriculum that:

• Engages students in examining assumptions through diverse sources and perspectives
• Connects the past to the present
• Builds research skills and evidence-based writing
• Encourages curiosity, empathy, independent thinking, and civic responsibility
• Supports developmentally appropriate discussions of historical and contemporary issues

Additionally:

• Lead an advisory (homeroom) of approximately 11-12 students and cultivate responsive student-teacher-family relationships.
• Proctor weekly study halls and exams as assigned.
• Sponsor or advise at least one club or student-led organization.
• Serve as an adult supervisory presence before, during, and after school, including lunch and school events.
• Hold office hours three days a week.
• Participate in Project Week annually.
• Substitute/cover for absent teachers up to seven periods per year.
• Chaperone class and grade-level events.

Attend and participate in:

• All School, Division, Department, Grade-Level, and Faculty meetings
• Fall Retreat overnight(s) or field studies as assigned
• New Family Orientations
• Back to School Nights
• Admissions Open Houses (two of three, or equivalent)
• Student-Led Conferences and Parent-Teacher Conferences
• Graduation events (as applicable)
• All required professional development, including August faculty meetings

Department Expectations

Actively engage in the professional learning cycle of supervision and evaluation.

• Collaborate closely with the Social Studies department and sixth grade team to:
• Maintain and refine scope and sequence
• Keep curriculum current and aligned
• Share assessment practices and instructional strategies
• Uphold Division and Department expectations for LMS accuracy and grade reporting

Contribute to a joyful, caring, and student-centered classroom culture aligned with Overlake's mission and commitment to culturally responsive practice.

Requirements

• Mission-aligned and student-focused
• Strong background in middle grades teaching, with experience in social studies or history (American history and/or Washington State history preferred)
• Deep content knowledge and strong pedagogy
• Ability to inspire students to think critically and communicate thoughtfully
• Student-centered approach with demonstrated ability to differentiate instruction, particularly in writing
• Experience facilitating developmentally appropriate discussions about complex historical and contemporary issues
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with students, families, and colleagues
• Collaborative and generative mindset
• Proficient with technology and interested in integrating digital tools into instruction
• Organized, responsive, flexible, and able to exercise sound professional judgment with healthy boundaries
• A bachelor's degree or relevant experience required; master's degree and/or teaching credential preferred
• Ability to pass required background checks and provide work authorization documentation

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with Understanding by Design (UbD) and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) frameworks
• Familiarity with middle grades student life and culture
• Cultural competency and a…