Founding Middle School Humanities Teacher | Quest Forward - Santa Rosa

Founding Middle School Humanities Teacher | Quest Forward Santa Rosa

About Quest Forward Santa Rosa
Quest Forward (QFHS) is a private 9 - 12th-grade high school that opened in August 2017.  We are a fully accredited comprehensive high school that believes in academic excellence, offers  A-G University-approved courses, and is hyper-focused on college and career preparation.  Our small class sizes, no cell phone policy, and personal attention to students create a welcoming, authentic learning environment for students. As one of the flagship schools for Opportunity Education (www.opportunityeducation.org), Quest Forward aims to set a model for schools nationwide. By Fall 2025, Quest Forward will be adding 7th and 8th grade to its school community. 

By Fall 2025, Quest Forward will be adding 7th and 8th grade to its school community. This is a pivotal opportunity to offer a middle school option to families and students and begin building community amongst students who will matriculate to the Quest Forward High School. The Founding Humanities Teacher will work in partnership with the Founding Math & Science Teacher as they teach a cohort of 7th graders (~15 students) and a cohort of 8th graders (~15 students). We know this will be unique opportunity to build cohesive middle school culture, launch special middle school traditions, and teach middle school content in a personalized setting. 

About the Role: Humanities Teacher

The Founding Middle School Humanities Teacher will play a vital role in shaping a rigorous, engaging, and supportive learning environment where all students can thrive. At Quest Forward Santa Rosa, you will have the opportunity to build a strong middle school humanities program that fosters both conceptual understanding and real-world application.

Reporting to the school principal, with regular coaching from the schools Associate Director of Curriculum and Instruction, the Humanities Teacher will be responsible for delivering high-quality instruction, collaborating with colleagues to align curriculum and instructional practices, leveraging student data for continuous improvement, and helping students develop the skills and confidence needed for success in high school and beyond. This role is ideal for an educator who is deeply knowledgeable in ELA and/or History/Social Studies, skilled in engaging students of diverse backgrounds, and excited about being part of an innovative school model that prioritizes academic excellence, student agency, and college preparation.

Responsibilities

As a dynamic and growing organization, responsibilities will evolve; however, core areas of focus include:

Instruction Delivery & Curriculum Development (65%)

• Deliver engaging and rigorous instruction in alignment with state standards, college readiness assessments,  and school priorities.
• Utilize a variety of instructional strategies to meet the needs of diverse learners, including hands-on activities, project-based learning, and technology integration.
• Regularly assess student progress using a combination of formative and summative assessments to guide instruction.
• Provide students with clear, actionable feedback that supports growth and mastery.

Student Engagement & Support (20%)

• Build strong relationships with students, fostering a culture of high expectations, accountability, and support.
• Serve as an Advisory teacher, mentoring a small group of students in academic and personal growth for their entire middle school experience at Quest Forward
• Differentiate instruction and provide targeted interventions to ensure all students succeed.
• Collaborate with support personnel to meet the needs of all learners.
• Contribute to the development of a strong school culture within the school through tutoring, clubs, or extracurricular opportunities.

Collaboration & Professional Growth (10%)

• Work closely with fellow teachers and school leadership to align curriculum, assessment, and instructional strategies.
• Participate in school-wide professional development to continuously refine instructional practice, including regular data and assessment reflection cycles.
• Engage in feedback cycles with the Associate Director of Curriculum and Instruction and Principal to improve teaching effectiveness.

Family & Community Engagement (5%)

• Communicate regularly with families about student progress, celebrating successes and addressing challenges proactively
• Participate in school events, family conferences, and outreach efforts to build strong relationships with families and the community

Ideal Candidate Experiences

• 3+ years of teaching experience, preferably in middle school or high school English or Social Studies/History 
• Strong track record of student achievement 
• Experience designing and implementing differentiated instruction to meet the needs of students of varying levels
• Proven academic growth for students below grade level with interventions
• Experience integrating technology into humanities instruction, particularly to enhance student engagement 

Ideal Candidate Traits

• Deep belief in all students’ potential and a commitment to holding high academic and behavioral expectations
• A growth mindset, constantly seeking to refine and improve instructional practice
• Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills, with the ability to build positive relationships with students, families, and colleagues
• Passion for English and/or History  education and making humanities relevant and engaging for students
• Readiness to go above and beyond, including putting in extra time in and outside of your role, to build Quest Forward’s college prep school

Application Process

Interested applicants should apply online at https://qfhs.org/santarosa/

Compensation

Salary is currently budgeted in a range competitive with local district expectations.  This role is eligible for a full suite of medical, dental, vision, and other benefits.

Start Date 

The expected start date for the position is late July 2025, with onboarding and professional development before the school year begins to ensure a successful founding year.

Statement of Non-Discrimination

Opportunity Education is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. We are committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace where all individuals are valued and respected.