Code Number
0065
Title
Middle School Social Studies (Anticipated)
Location
Independence Academy
Description
Position Summary
Independence Academy Charter School is seeking a passionate and reflective Middle School Social Studies Teacher who believes in student-centered, inquiry-based, and culturally responsive instruction. The ideal candidate designs engaging learning experiences that empower students to think critically about history, geography, civics, and current events. This position emphasizes interdisciplinary learning, authentic inquiry, and meaningful integration of STEAM concepts.
Major Responsibilities and Duties
The Middle School Social Studies Teacher provides instruction that is hands-on, inquiry-based, and highly engaging. The teacher will:
• Design and deliver Social Studies instruction aligned to Colorado Academic Standards for grades 6–8 using an inquiry-based model (questioning, investigation, analysis, and reflection)
• Foster a classroom culture that values student voice, curiosity, and critical thinking about historical and contemporary issues
• Use diverse, culturally responsive, and inclusive resources that reflect a wide range of identities, perspectives, and global experiences
• Teach key concepts in history, geography, civics, and economics through primary and secondary sources
• Engage students in analyzing multiple perspectives, evaluating evidence, and constructing arguments
• Design meaningful learning experiences that integrate Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM) through interdisciplinary projects
• Incorporate discussion-based strategies (Socratic seminars, debates, simulations, and collaborative inquiry) to strengthen speaking and listening skills
• Utilize formative and summative assessments to inform instruction and support student growth
• Integrate technology purposefully to enhance research, collaboration, and student engagement
• Collaborate with colleagues to plan interdisciplinary units and align instruction across content areas
• Willingly participate in team teaching with an ELA partner to support integrated humanities instruction
Leadership and Professional Growth
The Middle School Social Studies Teacher will:
• Apply research-based instructional practices and learning theory to planning and decision-making
• Reflect on instructional practices and use student data to improve outcomes
• Participate in professional development focused on social studies instruction, culturally responsive teaching, and innovative classroom practices
• Collaborate with colleagues to strengthen instructional coherence and school-wide goals
Independence Academy Charter School is seeking a passionate and reflective Middle School Social Studies Teacher who believes in student-centered, inquiry-based, and culturally responsive instruction. The ideal candidate designs engaging learning experiences that empower students to think critically about history, geography, civics, and current events. This position emphasizes interdisciplinary learning, authentic inquiry, and meaningful integration of STEAM concepts.
Major Responsibilities and Duties
The Middle School Social Studies Teacher provides instruction that is hands-on, inquiry-based, and highly engaging. The teacher will:
• Design and deliver Social Studies instruction aligned to Colorado Academic Standards for grades 6–8 using an inquiry-based model (questioning, investigation, analysis, and reflection)
• Foster a classroom culture that values student voice, curiosity, and critical thinking about historical and contemporary issues
• Use diverse, culturally responsive, and inclusive resources that reflect a wide range of identities, perspectives, and global experiences
• Teach key concepts in history, geography, civics, and economics through primary and secondary sources
• Engage students in analyzing multiple perspectives, evaluating evidence, and constructing arguments
• Design meaningful learning experiences that integrate Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM) through interdisciplinary projects
• Incorporate discussion-based strategies (Socratic seminars, debates, simulations, and collaborative inquiry) to strengthen speaking and listening skills
• Utilize formative and summative assessments to inform instruction and support student growth
• Integrate technology purposefully to enhance research, collaboration, and student engagement
• Collaborate with colleagues to plan interdisciplinary units and align instruction across content areas
• Willingly participate in team teaching with an ELA partner to support integrated humanities instruction
Leadership and Professional Growth
The Middle School Social Studies Teacher will:
• Apply research-based instructional practices and learning theory to planning and decision-making
• Reflect on instructional practices and use student data to improve outcomes
• Participate in professional development focused on social studies instruction, culturally responsive teaching, and innovative classroom practices
• Collaborate with colleagues to strengthen instructional coherence and school-wide goals
Benefits
What We Offer
At Independence Academy Charter School, we are committed to supporting educators as professionals and as people. We offer:
• Work–Life Balance: A four-day instructional work week designed to support teacher wellness, planning, and sustainability
• Comprehensive Benefits: Fully paid medical, and dental benefits for employees
• Professional Growth: Ongoing, meaningful professional development aligned to instructional best practices and teacher interests
• Smaller Class Sizes: Class sizes that allow for strong relationships, individualized instruction, and effective student support
• Leadership Opportunities: Opportunities to take on instructional leadership roles and help shape curriculum and practice
• Collaborative Culture: A supportive, team-oriented environment that values collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement
At Independence Academy Charter School, we are committed to supporting educators as professionals and as people. We offer:
• Work–Life Balance: A four-day instructional work week designed to support teacher wellness, planning, and sustainability
• Comprehensive Benefits: Fully paid medical, and dental benefits for employees
• Professional Growth: Ongoing, meaningful professional development aligned to instructional best practices and teacher interests
• Smaller Class Sizes: Class sizes that allow for strong relationships, individualized instruction, and effective student support
• Leadership Opportunities: Opportunities to take on instructional leadership roles and help shape curriculum and practice
• Collaborative Culture: A supportive, team-oriented environment that values collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement
Requirements
Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree in History, Social Studies Education, or a related field
• Valid Colorado Teaching License in Social Studies (or ability to obtain)
• Strong understanding of adolescent development and best practices in social studies instruction
• Experience or interest in inquiry-based instruction and interdisciplinary teaching
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills
• Strong written, verbal, and technology-based communication skills
Professional Expectations
In addition to instructional responsibilities, the teacher is expected to:
• Support and uphold IACS’s mission and educational philosophy
• Promote a positive and inclusive school culture
• Collaborate respectfully and professionally with colleagues, students, and families
• Maintain confidentiality regarding students, staff, and school operations
• Demonstrate responsibility, punctuality, flexibility, and professionalism
• Respond positively to feedback and demonstrate a growth mindset
• Model the character traits and values expected of IACS’s students
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and three professional references (names, phone numbers, and email addresses) to:
Lisa Gonsalves, Executive Director – [email protected]
Becky Polniak – [email protected]
For more information about Independence Academy Charter School, please call (970) 254-6850 or visit http://independenceacademygj.com
• Bachelor’s degree in History, Social Studies Education, or a related field
• Valid Colorado Teaching License in Social Studies (or ability to obtain)
• Strong understanding of adolescent development and best practices in social studies instruction
• Experience or interest in inquiry-based instruction and interdisciplinary teaching
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills
• Strong written, verbal, and technology-based communication skills
Professional Expectations
In addition to instructional responsibilities, the teacher is expected to:
• Support and uphold IACS’s mission and educational philosophy
• Promote a positive and inclusive school culture
• Collaborate respectfully and professionally with colleagues, students, and families
• Maintain confidentiality regarding students, staff, and school operations
• Demonstrate responsibility, punctuality, flexibility, and professionalism
• Respond positively to feedback and demonstrate a growth mindset
• Model the character traits and values expected of IACS’s students
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and three professional references (names, phone numbers, and email addresses) to:
Lisa Gonsalves, Executive Director – [email protected]
Becky Polniak – [email protected]
For more information about Independence Academy Charter School, please call (970) 254-6850 or visit http://independenceacademygj.com
Start Date
08/01/26
Salary
Starting at $46,000 (0 years of professional experience) more based on years of experience
Contact
Becky Polniak
Phone: (970) 254-6850
Fax: (970) 241-2064
becky@d51schools.org
675 29 Road, Grand Junction, CO 81504
Phone: (970) 254-6850
Fax: (970) 241-2064
becky@d51schools.org
675 29 Road, Grand Junction, CO 81504
Files
- Middle School Social Studies Teacher (127.05 KB)