Social Studies Teacher

Thank you for your interest in joining DSST Public Schools for the 2027–28 school year! Please note that final interviews for these positions are expected to begin by February 2027. If you have questions or need to be considered on a different timeline, please don't hesitate to reach out to our Talent Team at [email protected]. We're excited to learn more about you throughout the hiring process!

POSITION: Social Studies Teacher 

GRADE LEVEL: Hiring for both Middle School (6-8) and High School (9-12) positions

LOCATION: Multiple DSST Public Schools locations across Denver and Aurora, Colorado. We encourage you to apply even if your preferred position is not yet listed, as additional opportunities may become available throughout the hiring season. View Current Openings

SALARY: $60,000–$78,000 based on up to 10 years of aligned experience. We also offer a relocation stipend for candidates moving from 75 miles or more outside Denver!

STATUS: Full-time, school-year, benefits-eligible, exempt, in-person position

START: Late July 2027, beginning with new staff training. View the school-year calendar.

Explore the Past. Challenge Perspectives. Empower Future Changemakers.

At DSST Public Schools, we believe history is more than memorizing dates and events. Our Social Studies classrooms challenge students to examine diverse perspectives, question historical narratives, and understand how the past shapes their world today.

As a Social Studies Teacher, you'll help students think like historians by investigating primary and secondary sources, evaluating evidence, engaging in meaningful discussions, and developing arguments grounded in historical reasoning.

Why Teach Social Studies at DSST?

• Make History Meaningful: Help students connect historical events and perspectives to the issues shaping their communities and the world today.
• Teach History Differently: Use high-quality curriculum resources, including Educurious and New Visions, to engage students in source analysis, historical investigation, evidence-based argumentation, and authentic learning.
• Grow Alongside Fellow Educators: Collaborate with colleagues and receive regular instructional coaching, feedback, and professional development to strengthen your practice.

What Does Social Studies Instruction Look Like at DSST?

Middle School Social Studies (Grades 6–8)

• 6th Grade: Western Hemisphere — North, Central, and South America and the Caribbean.
• 7th Grade: Eastern Hemisphere.
• 8th Grade: U.S. History — Founding Era through Reconstruction.

Teach with Educurious: Our middle school program uses project-based curriculum resources that engage students in investigating historical questions, analyzing sources, exploring perspectives, and demonstrating their learning through authentic projects. Explore Educurious Middle School Social Studies.

High School Social Studies (Grades 9–12)

• 9th Grade: Humanities.
• 10th Grade: World History and/or AP World History.
• 11th Grade: U.S. History and/or AP U.S. History.
• 12th Grade: Senior Project, Psychology, Civics, and/or AP Government & Politics.

Teach with New Visions: Currently in early adoption at five of eight DSST high schools for non-AP World History and U.S. History, New Visions provides structured, inquiry-based curriculum resources that emphasize historical sources, argumentation, and evidence-based writing. Explore the New Visions Social Studies curriculum.

Teaching assignments vary by campus and position. We'll ask about your grade-level, course, and campus preferences during the interview process.

See Social Studies Teaching in Action at DSST!

Discover how DSST educators bring history to life, inspire critical thinking, and grow their practice.

• See How DSST Students Bring History to Life: Discover how a seventh-grade Social Studies teacher connects history, empathy, and student creativity through an unforgettable classroom project.

What You'll Do

• Deliver Rigorous Social Studies Instruction: Intellectually prepare and teach approximately 3–5 classes daily using standards-aligned curriculum, historical sources, and culturally responsive practices.
• Develop Historical Thinking: Guide students in analyzing sources, evaluating perspectives, discussing evidence, and constructing thoughtful historical arguments through speaking and writing.
• Support Student Growth: Use student work, assessments, and targeted feedback to differentiate instruction and support diverse learners, including students with disabilities and multilingual learners.
• Build a Positive Classroom Culture: Create an inclusive environment where students feel valued, engage respectfully with different perspectives, and develop confidence as critical thinkers.
• Collaborate & Grow Professionally: Participate in regular coaching, feedback, professional development, and collaboration to strengthen your teaching practice.
• Contribute to Your School Community: Build relationships with students and families and participate in schoolwide initiatives, which may include advisory, tutoring, or student recruitment. Explore additional responsibilities.

What You'll Bring

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in any field.
• Demonstrated content knowledge meeting applicable in-field qualifications. Learn more about qualification options.
• A strong belief in every student's ability to succeed and pursue ambitious postsecondary goals.
• A commitment to educational equity, culturally responsive instruction, and continuous professional growth.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience teaching or supporting middle or high school students.
• Strong knowledge of history, social sciences, and effective Social Studies instruction.
• Experience facilitating historical inquiry, source analysis, evidence-based discussion, or argumentative writing.
• Experience differentiating instruction and using student work to support growth.
• Experience supporting students from diverse backgrounds, including students of color, students with disabilities, and multilingual learners.
• Colorado teaching credential (preferred but not required for most opportunities).

We know great Social Studies Teachers come from a variety of backgrounds and experiences! If you're passionate about helping students understand history, explore diverse perspectives, and become informed, engaged citizens but have questions about your qualifications or licensure eligibility, please reach out to our Talent Team at [email protected]. We'd love to hear from you!

Please note: The DSST Talent Team replies to every application. If you haven’t heard from us by the indicated timeline, please check your spam folder first. If you don’t see an email there, reach out to us at [email protected]. We’re committed to providing an exceptional candidate experience.

Application Timeline

This is an evergreen position, meaning DSST Public Schools recruits for this role on an ongoing basis to support current and anticipated hiring needs across our network. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and qualified candidates may be contacted for interviews as opportunities become available.

For positions with a defined hiring timeline, the anticipated application deadline will be listed at the top of the job posting.

Who We Are

At DSST Public Schools, we are proud to achieve transformational results for our 7,500+ students — 97% of whom attend a Green (top-rated) school. Just as important is how we achieve them: values-centered, human-focused, and together.

We invite educators and leaders who share our belief that there is more in us — more brilliance, more courage, more possibility — to join us.

Our Impact

• 100% of DSST graduates have been admitted to college or a postsecondary program
• 15 of 16 schools rated Green on the 2024–25 SPF
• 9 out of 10 DSST families would recommend DSST to a friend
• 95%+ of staff say their managers check in regularly and care about them as people 

Why Work at DSST?

At DSST, our Quantum 5 Culture defines how we help every team member grow, belong, and thrive.

• Comprehensive Compensation & Benefits: Competitive pay and a Total Rewards package that includes fertility and adoption support, educator-focused mental-health care, and everyday perks like Safeway grocery discounts.
• Growth & Opportunity: Weekly 1:1 coaching, data-driven feedback, and clear career pathways such as Apprentice Teacher and Emerging Leader.
• Rewards & Recognition: Core Value and TOAST Awards, milestone celebrations, and the signature Flower Person Award honoring staff who help our community flourish.
• Whole Human Wellness: Access to the Therapist of Color Collaborative, Wellness Wednesdays, comprehensive health coverage, and six weeks of paid parental leave.
• Thriving in Colorado: Time to recharge with 11+ weeks off each year, relocation support for out of state applicants, and local discounts that help you enjoy life in our beautiful sunshine filled state.

Learn more about ourQuantum 5 Culture and Compensation & Benefits.

Employment Classification & PERA Participation

DSST Public Schools participates in the Colorado Public Employees' Retirement Association (PERA). Unless otherwise stated in the position title or posting, all roles are full-time and are designated as PERA-covered positions. Candidates should review their individual circumstances and ensure they are able to accept employment in a PERA-covered role prior to applying.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY AND DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

DSST Public Schools is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not exclude participation in, deny benefits to, or discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy and related conditions, sexual orientation, or gender identity), age (40 and older), disability, or genetic information. We also prohibit retaliation for filing a complaint, reasonably opposing discrimination, or participating in any investigation or proceeding.

DSST is committed to building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where all individuals are respected, valued, and empowered to thrive.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here represent those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing these duties, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear and may spend extended periods standing, walking, bending, or kneeling. The employee must occasionally lift or move up to 30 pounds and have sufficient hand and finger dexterity to operate a computer keyboard and other office equipment.