PCDS Careers

Phoenix Country Day School (PCDS) is looking for a charismatic and innovative leader to serve as the Head of Upper School. Building on a robust academic and co-curricular foundation, the ideal candidate will play a pivotal role in charting the course for what the next generation of college preparatory high schools will look like. In particular, school leadership is keen to find a teammate who can emphasize “Relevance over Routine” while carefully threading the needle of “Rigor without Ruin.”

In addition, the Head of the Upper School will be joining and leading a community dedicated to a “Triple H” culture: Happy, Healthy, and Hardworking. As noted in the PCDS Strategic Plan, “the real magic in the internal PCDS community derives from our deep commitment to people who are happy, healthy, and hardworking. In every employee we hire, every student we accept, every student we support, and every family with whom we partner, we must value and promote these critical traits.”

Attractive candidates will possess a demonstrated passion for working with high school-aged students; a strong ability to foster positive and meaningful interpersonal relationships with students, parents, and colleagues; and a commitment to nurturing an environment of intellectual engagement, independence, collaboration, creativity, and integrity. In sum, PCDS seeks a Head of Upper School who leads with a balanced approach – protecting what’s best about the school while advancing new initiatives that prepare students for a changing world.

For more information on this position visit Head of Upper School.

Interested candidates should send a resume and a letter of interest to search consultant Highley Thompson at Highley.Thompson@edudx.com.  Please do not contact the school directly.

Phoenix Country Day School seeks a full-time Assistant/Associate Director of College Counseling to join a collaborative team supporting students in grades 9–12. Reporting to the Director of College Counseling, this role provides comprehensive, student-centered college counseling and contributes to a thoughtful, ethical program.

Responsibilities include advising approximately 30 students per graduating class through the college search and application process; writing personalized counselor recommendations; supporting essays and applications; advising on course selection; and guiding balanced college lists. The role also includes serving as a liaison to college admissions offices, hosting visiting representatives, attending regional and national conferences, providing general guidance on standardized testing and financial aid, co-teaching junior and senior college counseling classes, and supporting programming for students and families. Application management and collaboration with the registrar are integral to the position.

Qualifications include a bachelor’s degree (advanced degree preferred), 3–5 years of experience in college admission and/or counseling, strong communication skills, sound judgment, and a collaborative approach.

For consideration, please send a resume along with a letter of interest to HumanResources@pcds.org.

Phoenix Country Day School is seeking a full-time faculty member in the area of Upper School English for the 2025-2026 school year. The position requires the ability to teach foundational and upper level courses to secondary students across our four-year curriculum, and may include the opportunity to offer an elective class in an area of expertise. In addition to teaching 4-5 class sections, full-time faculty members serve as advisors to groups of 8-10 students, attend weekly faculty meetings, and may be a faculty mentor to a student club or activity. A successful candidate will have experience teaching English in a rigorous academic environment, preferably at the secondary school level. 

We seek candidates who value inclusive classrooms and curricula, and who are committed to every student's learning. PCDS faculty are highly proficient in current pedagogical approaches, dedicated to ongoing professional growth, and enthusiastic about working collaboratively with colleagues. Candidates must also model the qualities that we expect in our students: curiosity, perseverance, compassion, creativity and integrity.

PCDS recognizes the value of a diverse faculty and staff, and actively seeks candidates from a wide variety of backgrounds. Highly qualified applicants will hold an advanced degree in English or a closely related field.

For consideration, please send a resume along with letter of interest to: humanresources@pcds.org

Phoenix Country Day School seeks a dynamic, collaborative educator to teach 8th Grade American History and serve as an 8th-grade advisor for the upcoming school year. The successful candidate is a strong teacher of historical thinking and writing who builds trusting relationships with adolescents, contributes to a team-oriented culture, and helps students develop the skills and habits needed for success in Upper School.

Primary Responsibilities

• Teach 8th Grade American History with an emphasis on advanced reading, analytical writing, research, and critical thinking.

• Design and facilitate student-centered lessons that promote inquiry, evidence-based reasoning, and meaningful discussion.

• Teach and assess argumentative and analytical writing, including thesis development, organization, and use of evidence.

• Serve as an 8th-grade advisor by supporting students’ social-emotional growth, strengthening community, and partnering with families during the transition to high school.

• Collaborate closely with the 8th grade team and Middle School faculty to support student learning and well-being.

• Perform additional responsibilities as assigned in support of the Middle School program.

Qualifications and Desired Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in History, Education, or a related field required; advanced degree preferred.

• Demonstrated ability to create an inclusive, culturally responsive classroom environment.

• Experience teaching and assessing research-based, evidence-driven writing and providing clear, actionable feedback.

• Strong facilitation skills that promote discussion, critical thinking, and student voice.

• Willingness and ability to use skill-based grading to measure and communicate student learning.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to partner effectively with students, families, and colleagues.

• Collaborative, team-oriented mindset and genuine interest in working with middle school learners.

• Professional disposition characterized by optimism, flexibility, sound judgment, and creativity.

Please email your letter of interest and resumé to HumanResources@pcds.org.

Reports To: Head of the Middle School

Position Overview

Phoenix Country Day School seeks a Middle School Learning Specialist to support students in grades 5–8 through individualized learning support, executive functioning coaching, and close partnership with teachers and families. The Learning Specialist strengthens students’ academic access and skill development while helping them become confident, independent, and self-advocating learners. In addition to targeted student support, the role contributes to the broader Middle School program by embedding study skills and academic habits (e.g., organization, planning, time management, and effective study routines) that promote long-term success for all learners.

Key Responsibilities

Student Support

• Provide executive functioning and academic skills support during work periods, homework help sessions, and other designated times for students with diagnosed learning differences and students needing targeted intervention.

• Develop, implement, and monitor individualized learning plans based on psychoeducational evaluations, classroom data/observations, and family input.

• Teach and reinforce study skills, organization systems, learning strategies, and self-advocacy.

• Track student progress, refine interventions, and communicate relevant updates to the student support team as needed.

• Create concise accommodation summaries for upload to Veracross and ensure documentation remains current.

• Serve as a Middle School advisor.

Faculty Collaboration

• Coordinate and manage testing locations and extended-time accommodations in collaboration with faculty.

• Partner with classroom teachers to support differentiation of instruction and assessment for varied learning profiles.

• Provide coaching, resources, and practical strategies to faculty to strengthen inclusive, accessible classroom practices.

• Facilitate professional learning for faculty related to neurodiversity and effective learning support practices.

• Participate in grade-level meetings and Student Support Team meetings.

• Participate in transition meetings with the Lower School Learning Specialist, Counselors, and Administration.

Family Partnership

• Collaborate with counselors to communicate with families regarding learning profiles, accommodations, and student progress.

• Support families in understanding their child’s strengths and needs, including recommended resources and interventions.

Program and Administrative Responsibilities

• Maintain confidential student records, including learning plans, evaluations, and related reports.

• Coordinate standardized testing accommodations, as applicable.

• Contribute to school-wide initiatives that promote student well-being and academic success.

• Stay current on evidence-based practices in learning support, executive functioning coaching, and neurodiversity.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Special Education, Counseling, or a related field required.

• Minimum of 3 years of experience supporting middle school students in a learning support/resource role.

• Independent school experience preferred.

• Demonstrated knowledge of learning differences, including dyslexia, dysgraphia, ADHD, and other neurodiverse learning profiles.

• Demonstrated strength in executive functioning coaching (organization, planning, time management, and study strategies).

• Excellent communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.

• Commitment to the mission and values of independent school education.

Personal Attributes

• Warm, student-centered educator with a strong commitment to inclusion and relationship-building.

• Collaborative, solutions-oriented partner to teachers and families.

• Organized and proactive with strong follow-through and sound professional judgment.

• Invested in helping adolescents develop confidence, agency, and independence as learners.

PCDS is seeking a Lower and Middle School Theater teacher to instruct theater classes for grades K-8 in our new blackbox teaching space and to direct an extra-curricular (after-school) production for Lower School. The PCDS arts education philosophy seeks to instill an enjoyment in arts experiences, challenging students to find their voices and self-confidence through a variety of creative activities.

The ideal candidate will be joining a team of arts faculty that values collaboration and creative expression, supportive and enjoyable environments, and healthy connections with students, colleagues, and families. 

 
The ideal candidate for this position will have demonstrated the following characteristics:

• a passion for arts education 
• patience
• respect for the child and family
• creativity
• compassion
• the ability to work collaboratively

Phoenix Country Day School seeks a Library Coordinator to oversee the daily operations and
student usage of the Upper School library during the school day. The Library Coordinator
ensures that the library is a welcoming and orderly environment conducive to students working
independently, researching, and collaborating. This role manages student behavior and
maintains the library’s resource circulation and organization.

Key Responsibilities

STUDENT SUPPORT & SUPERVISION

• Actively monitor the library floor to ensure the atmosphere remains productive and respectful. Enforce school policies regarding noise levels, technology use, and general conduct.
• Address minor behavioral infractions professionally and escalate significant disciplinary issues to the Dean of Students when necessary.
• Manage collaborative spaces to maximize availability for students and faculty.

LIBRARY OPERATIONS

• Manage the circulation desk operations, including checking materials in and out, processing overdue notices, and maintaining patron records.
• Oversee the organization of the physical collection, including shelving, shelf-reading, and minor book repairs.
• Ensure the library remains clean and orderly throughout the day; report maintenance or furniture issues to the Facilities Department.
• Coordinate parent volunteers in basic administrative tasks.
• Assist students and faculty in locating print materials and utilizing basic library resources.
• Provide basic-level support for library technology, including printers, copiers, and desktop computers; troubleshoot basic connectivity issues.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• Prior experience in an educational environment and/or with adolescents, office management, or a coaching, supervisory role is preferred. Library experience not required, but preferred.

Personal Attributes:

• Ability to maintain authority and rapport with high school students, while enforcing rules consistently.
• Strong attention to detail regarding inventory, scheduling, and space management.
• Competence with Google suite and the ability to learn library management software.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Well-developed interpersonal skills.

Please send letter of interest and resume to humanresources@pcds.org.

On-call substitutes needed for all grades. Background in education and teaching experience required.

For consideration, please send resumé along with letter of interest to: HumanResources@pcds.org