Duke School — a nationally recognized leader in project-based learning — seeks an experienced Lower School (Third or Fourth Grade) Teacher to join our vibrant, inclusive learning community in Durham, North Carolina. Rooted in a commitment to rigorous, joyful, inquiry-driven education, to developmentally grounded teaching, and to fostering a community of belonging, Duke School empowers students and educators to grow, collaborate, and lead with purpose.

The Role

As a Lower School Teacher at Duke School, you will:

• Serve as one of two teachers (co-teacher model) in a classroom of approximately 24 students, sharing tasks for planning, implementation, student evaluation, classroom management, and communication in a highly collaborative setting that promotes reflection and mutual support.

• Guide rich, inquiry-based projects that integrate multiple disciplines, emphasizing social studies and science curriculum reflective of standards and benchmarks for those disciplines.

• Design and deliver differentiated, explicit instruction in core content areas of reading, writing, and mathematics through a workshop approach.

• Build strong relationships with students and families to support the holistic development of each learner

• Contribute actively to a collaborative, reflective, and forward-thinking faculty culture within the Lower School Division and as a member of the schoolwide community.

Who You Are

• An experienced educator with a deep understanding of child development and best practices in teaching

• A believer in student agency and authentic learning 

• A skilled facilitator of both academic and social-emotional growth

• A lifelong learner who values collaboration and innovation in education

• A committed advocate for DEIB, dedicated to making all students and families feel seen, valued, and cared for, bringing a culturally responsive lens to teaching

Desired Preparation, Traits, and Attributes

• An elementary education degree and at least three years of teaching experience, master-level training is preferred.
• Solid preparation and understanding of teaching
• A belief in the strength and capacity of learners
• The desire to foster curiosity, wonder, and joy
• An understanding of the developmental stages of elementary students, social-emotional growth, and culturally responsive teaching and learning
• Demonstrated skill in designing and implementing elementary curriculum, instruction, and evaluative measures aligned with Duke School’s mission and progressive, inquiry-based approach
• Clear communicator, in writing and orally
• The critical ability to work collaboratively with a teaching partner  
• A strong sense of professionalism and interest in being part of a school community
• A sense of humor and flexibility 

 Why Duke School?

Located in the heart of the vibrant Research Triangle, Duke School offers a unique opportunity to live and work in a region celebrated for its educational excellence, cultural richness, and natural beauty. With easy access to universities, a thriving arts scene, and miles of greenways and trails, Durham is the perfect backdrop for inspired teaching and balanced living.

As part of our deep commitment to lifelong learning and professional growth, Duke School offers educators exceptional opportunities for development through our Educators Institute. Grounded in the principles of The Project Approach, the Institute serves as a hub for collaboration, reflection, and innovation, bringing together educators from around the country to deepen their practice in inquiry-based teaching. Faculty at Duke School are encouraged to engage with this vibrant professional community, continually evolving their craft while contributing to a broader movement in constructivist education.

About Duke School

Duke School, located in Durham, N.C., offers an exceptional project-based learning environment for approximately 500 students in Preschool through Eighth Grade. Preschool (3s and 4s)-Kindergarten comprises the Early Childhood Division, grades 1-4 comprise Lower School, and grades 5-8 comprise Middle School. At all grade levels, educators employ The Project Approach, seeking to develop high levels of analytical and critical thinking skills among students. Beginning at preschool, students engage in the phases of the Project Approach, connecting their own stories and understandings to a topic, investigating and engaging in deep inquiry, authentic research, and collaborative discovery, representing their learning, and culminating their learning in meaningful community presentations that celebrate their in-depth research, student voice, agency, and joyful collaboration. This engaging process is fully integrated in Kindergarten-Eighth Grades with explicit instruction in the workshop-based academic disciplines of reading, language arts, mathematics, science, social sciences, and Spanish. This engaging, unique, yet rigorous approach to educating students is implemented by a collab...orative team of two teachers in each classroom at every grade level. Duke School believes the social curriculum is equally vital and is guided by the Responsive Classroom and Developmental Design frameworks to foster a respectful, inclusive, and caring learning environment. Duke School is committed to equity and justice and aspires to be a community where every member feels engaged, heard, and valued. We embrace the contributions of all community members as we foster a culture of respect. Sharing perspectives and experiences beyond our own boundaries through exploration, introspection, and civil discourse is integral to our mission of creating an inclusive learning environment.

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Connections working at Duke School