Career Opportunity: Math Teacher – Upper School

Clean Professional Job Summary

The Ethical Culture Fieldston School (ECFS) is seeking a dedicated, full-time Math Teacher for its Upper School division in Riverdale, NY, for the 2026-27 school year. This role is ideal for an educator who excels in teaching high-level mathematics—including Geometry, Algebra II, Pre-Calculus, and Calculus—within a progressive, values-based framework. As a member of a nonsectarian, inclusive community, you will utilize diverse pedagogical strategies to engage approximately 600 students from various backgrounds. ECFS prioritizes “cultural literacy” and “creative tension” as tools for growth, requiring a teacher who is as committed to social-emotional development and equity as they are to academic rigor.

Key Responsibilities

Instructional Delivery: Teach multiple sections of mathematics ranging from Geometry to Calculus, ensuring students at various levels achieve mastery.
Pedagogical Range: Employ a variety of teaching methods, including project-based learning, cooperative group work, and flipped classroom models.
Collaboration: Partner with 80+ faculty members to share resources, align curriculum, and discuss student progress.
Student Advisory: Manage classroom dynamics to maintain a sense of calm and safety; optionally serve as a Form Advisor for a cohort of students.
Communication: Maintain transparent and professional communication with parents/guardians regarding student growth during scheduled conferences.
Administrative Integrity: Maintain accurate records for grades and attendance while ensuring strict confidentiality of student information.

Required Qualifications & Skills

Educational Attainment: Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics or Mathematics Education is required; a Master’s degree is strongly preferred.
Professional Experience: Minimum of 2 years of relevant teaching experience, specifically with high school/upper school students.
Technical Proficiency: Confidence in teaching the advanced high school math sequence (Geometry through Calculus) and proficiency in Google Workspace and educational technologies.
Soft Skills:
- Cultural Competency: A demonstrated commitment to fostering an inclusive environment for a pluralistic student body.
- Receptivity: Ability to listen effectively and implement feedback from colleagues and administrators.
- Communication: Excellent verbal and written skills for high-stakes interactions with the ECFS community.

About the Company

Founded in 1878 by Felix Adler, Ethical Culture Fieldston School is a cornerstone of progressive education in New York City. The school serves 1,700 students across two campuses, with the Upper School situated on a wooded 18-acre campus in the Riverdale section of the Bronx. ECFS is rooted in the “Ethical Culture” mission, which emphasizes the inherent worth of every individual and the importance of acting for the common good. It is a democratic, pluralistic environment where students are encouraged to look “beyond the self.”

Market & Industry Context

ECFS belongs to the top tier of the New York Association of Independent Schools (NYSAIS). In the competitive NYC private school market, ECFS is distinguished by its specific emphasis on ethics and social justice rather than just traditional elite preparation.

Diversity & Demographic Statistics (ECFS Context)

ECFS actively seeks a faculty and student body that reflects the pluralism of New York City.

Student Diversity: Approximately 40% of the student body across the ECFS system identifies as students of color.
Financial Equity: Roughly 22% of students receive some form of financial aid, totaling over $15 million in annual support to maintain socioeconomic diversity.
Racial Representation in NYC Independent Schools: While ECFS exceeds many averages, the broader NYC independent school market typically sees about 35% students of color and 25% faculty of color. ECFS remains a leader in striving for higher representative parity.

Career Growth & Progression Path

Professional Development: ECFS provides significant funding and time for ongoing professional learning and tech proficiency.
Leadership Tracks: Opportunities to move into Department Chair roles, curriculum development committees, or DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging) leadership.
Mentorship: New faculty members are integrated into a collaborative departmental structure that emphasizes peer-to-peer coaching.
Curriculum Innovation: Teachers are encouraged to iterate on the math curriculum, integrating real-world ethics and social justice data into mathematical modeling.

Interview Preparation Insights

The Progressive Narrative: Be prepared to explain how your math instruction encourages “multiple perspectives.” How do you make Geometry or Calculus inclusive?
Pedagogical Flexibility: You will be asked for specific examples of Project-Based Learning (PBL) in a math context. How do you balance this with the “direct instruction” needed for Calculus?
Creative Tension: How do you handle a “tension-filled” dialogue in the classroom? ECFS views these as catalysts for growth; show that you can manage these moments without stifling them.
Confidentiality & Ethics: Be prepared to discuss how you handle sensitive student information and parent interactions within a high-expectation community.

Salary & Compensation Insight

Hiring Range: $75,261 – $184,830 (Based on 1.0 FTE).
Market Standing: This range is among the most competitive for independent schools in the United States, reflecting the high cost of living in NYC and the advanced qualifications expected.
Benefits: Full-time roles at ECFS typically include premium medical, dental, and vision insurance, along with robust retirement contributions.

Work Environment & Location Insights

This is an onsite role located on the Riverdale campus in the Bronx. The campus offers a collegiate-style atmosphere with significant green space, which is rare for NYC schools. The Upper School culture is intellectually rigorous and fast-paced, with 80 faculty members supporting 600 students. The environment is “nonsectarian” and “co-ed,” fostering a social atmosphere where individuality and community are intentionally balanced.

Short Compliance & Equal Opportunity Note

ECFS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The school does not discriminate based on race, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other protected category. ECFS is committed to fair hiring practices that align with its mission of creating a welcoming community that reflects the people of metropolitan New York City.

Category	Details & Specifications
Employer	Ethical Culture Fieldston School (ECFS)
Division	Upper School (Approx. 600 students, 80 faculty)
Location	Riverdale section of the Bronx, NY (Onsite)
Hiring Cycle	School Year 2026-2027 (Starts September 1, 2026)
School Type	Progressive, nonsectarian, PreK-12 independent school
FTE Status	1.0 (Full-Time Equivalency)

Compensation & Financials

Component	Details
Salary Range	$75,261 – $184,830
Basis	Competitive for NYC independent schools; based on experience and internal scale.
Note	ECFS retains the right to modify duties based on operational needs.

Instructional Focus & Responsibilities

Area	Actionable Tasks & Pedagogy
Core Subjects	Geometry, Algebra II, Pre-Calculus, and/or Calculus.
Pedagogy	Direct instruction, project-based learning, cooperative groups, and flipped classroom.
Advisory	Serving as a form advisor is optional.
Collaboration	Regular sharing of resources and curriculum alignment with departmental colleagues.
Communication	Scheduled parent-teacher conferences and detailed student growth reporting.
Classroom Mgmt	Addressing behavioral issues to maintain a “sense of calm” and safe environment.

Candidate Requirements & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics or Math Education required; Master’s degree preferred.
Experience: Minimum of 2 years of relevant teaching experience (Upper School preferred).
Technical Proficiency: Mastery of Google Workspace and a commitment to learning new educational technologies.
Competencies: Strong cultural competency, effective listening, and a commitment to “creative tensions” as a catalyst for growth.
Soft Skills: Reliability, punctuality, and a positive demeanor toward diverse learning styles.

The ECFS Mission & Culture

Progressive Tradition: Dedicated to increasing cultural literacy and understanding multiple perspectives.
Inclusion: Rooted in the philosophy of founder Felix Adler; balancing individuality with a democratic, pluralistic community.
Growth: Faculty are expected to engage in open dialogue about living and learning in a diverse environment.

Teacher Comparison: Math Roles in NYC

Metric	Fieldston (Upper)	Cross Country Ed	NYC Public Schools
Salary Range	$75k – $184k	$34–$46/hour	$71k–$80k (Base start)
Environment	Independent/Progressive	Contract/Placement	District Public
Min. Education	Bachelor’s (MA Pref.)	Bachelor’s	Bachelor’s
NYS Cert.	Not explicitly required	Required	Required (by 9/2026)

Application Submission Checklist

Platform: Apply via the ECFS employment page at www.ecfs.org.
Documents:
1. Comprehensive Résumé.
2. Contact information for three (3) professional references.
EEO Status: ECFS is an equal opportunity employer prioritizing a faculty that reflects the pluralism of metropolitan NYC.

To apply for this job please visit www.ecfs.org.