A woman wearing glasses holds up a paper with diagrams in a classroom. A bright pink sign reading "HORIZONTAL X-AXIS" is visible in the background.

Employment

A Wonderful Workplace

A woman gestures while speaking in a classroom with decorated walls; a student sits at a desk using a laptop.A teacher leans over a desk to assist a student with their work in a classroom while other students are seated and writing.A teacher stands in front of a colorful music-themed wall, guiding two young boys playing xylophones in a classroom.A woman and a boy stand next to blue lockers in a hallway, smiling and talking with each other.A woman gestures while speaking in a classroom with decorated walls; a student sits at a desk using a laptop.A teacher leans over a desk to assist a student with their work in a classroom while other students are seated and writing.A teacher stands in front of a colorful music-themed wall, guiding two young boys playing xylophones in a classroom.A woman and a boy stand next to blue lockers in a hallway, smiling and talking with each other.
A woman sits at a table talking with three students in a classroom, with college posters displayed on the wall behind them.A woman sits in a library raising her hand, while a young child sitting on the floor also raises his hand. Bookshelves filled with books are visible in the background.A child stands on a suspended swing while an adult assists her in a sensory gym with mats, exercise balls, and equipment in the background.A woman holding a laptop and a man with a backpack talk in a school hallway while other people walk in the background.A woman sits at a table talking with three students in a classroom, with college posters displayed on the wall behind them.A woman sits in a library raising her hand, while a young child sitting on the floor also raises his hand. Bookshelves filled with books are visible in the background.A child stands on a suspended swing while an adult assists her in a sensory gym with mats, exercise balls, and equipment in the background.A woman holding a laptop and a man with a backpack talk in a school hallway while other people walk in the background.

McLean Walks the Talk

Many schools talk about the warmth of their community, the collegiality, and the deep sense of caring and trust among and between students, faculty, staff, administration, and parents. At McLean, born from the mission of serving learners that span the range of racial, socio-economic, cultural, and learning strengths and challenges, that deep sense of caring for one another provides bedrock foundation. Many schools talk about their expanding ability to serve students who learn differently, but McLean has been built for that mission from the start. Through its Abilities Model®, McLean teaches to each student’s strengths, while providing support in areas of need, and McLean never defines students by what they cannot do. We invite you to view our employment opporutnities.

A teacher writes on a whiteboard while a student stands nearby in a classroom with lockers and colorful posters on the walls.

Employment Opportunities

Immediate Openings

McLean School (mcleanschool.org), a K-12 co-educational independent school in Potomac, Maryland, is seeking applicants for After School Staff to begin in August 2025. McLean School has, for 70 years, been helping bright students realize their full potential by providing a comprehensive college preparatory program that emphasizes small classes and differentiated instruction. Through our Abilities Model®, we embrace both traditional learners and ones with mild to moderate learning challenges. We recognize and teach to individual strengths, responding to areas of challenge, but never defining students by them.

The staff member will have an appreciation for students with mild to moderate learning challenges and seek to build self-confidence in our students as they learn to advocate for themselves and prepare for success in college and life. This position requires a dynamic individual with vision and patience. Most importantly, they will subscribe to McLean School’s Core Values, our Mission, and our Philosophy, and will seek passionately to uphold and promote them. After-school staff recognize that play is the work of young children, and they build on children’s natural curiosity to promote a love of learning.

The ideal candidate is interested in working with students in a non-classroom environment. They are energetic, creative, patient, and enjoy participating in activities with students. Preferably, they have experience working with students who face learning challenges, including dyslexia, academic performance anxiety, ADHD, organizational issues, and those who are gifted. They possess the ability to diffuse escalated emotions and problem solve alternatives. Creativity, flexibility, and strong communication skills are a necessity.

McLean School is an equal opportunity employer and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, family responsibilities, disability, genetic status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. If you need a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the recruitment process, please contact Director of Executive Support Recruitment, Robin Speller.

Interested applicants should fill out an online Application and upload their Cover Letter and Résumé.

McLean School, a K-12 co-educational independent school in Potomac, Maryland, seeks applicants for Substitute Teachers immediately. College degree preferred.

McLean School has for sixty-five years been helping bright students realize their full potential by providing a comprehensive college preparatory program that emphasizes small classes and differentiated instruction. Through our Abilities Model®, we embrace both traditional learners and ones with mild to moderate learning challenges. We recognize and teach to individual strengths, responding to areas of challenge, but never defining students by them.

This position requires a candidate that can teach to a diverse population of students who possess a wide range of learning strengths and challenges. Most importantly, the McLean Substitute Teacher will subscribe to our Core Values, our Mission, and our Philosophy.

The McLean School is an equal opportunity employer and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, family responsibilities, disability, genetic status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. If you need a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the recruitment process, please contact Executive Support Manager, Robin Speller.

Interested applicants should fill out an online Application and upload their Résumé.

Positions for 2026-2027

McLean School (mcleanschool.org), a K-12 co-educational independent school in Potomac, Maryland, seeks applicants for a Grade 5-8 American Sign Language (ASL) Teacher to join the Middle School team. This position will begin in August 2026.

McLean School has, for over 70 years, been helping bright students realize their full potential by providing a comprehensive college preparatory program that emphasizes small classes and differentiated instruction. Through our Abilities Model®, we embrace both traditional learners and those with mild to moderate learning challenges. We recognize and teach to individual strengths, responding to areas of challenge, but never defining students by them.

The ideal candidate will be able to teach American Sign Language. They will have an appreciation for students with mild to moderate learning challenges and will seek to build our students’ self-confidence as they learn to advocate for themselves and prepare for success in college and beyond. This position requires a dynamic educator with vision and patience. Most importantly, the individual will subscribe to our Core Values, Mission, and Philosophy and will seek to passionately uphold and promote them.

McLean School is an equal opportunity employer and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, family responsibilities, disability, genetic status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the recruitment process, please contact the Director of Executive Support and Recruitment, Robin Speller.

Salary Range: $55,000 – $90,000 (based on years of experience).

McLean School is an equal opportunity employer and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, family responsibilities, disability, genetic status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. If you need a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the recruitment process, please contact the Director of Executive Support and Recruitment, Robin Speller.

Interested applicants should fill out an online Application and upload their Cover Letter and Résumé.

McLean School (mcleanschool.org), a K-12 co-educational independent school in Potomac, Maryland, seeks applicants for a Grade 5-8 American Sign Language (ASL) Teacher to join the Middle School team. This position will begin in August 2026.

McLean School has, for over 70 years, been helping bright students realize their full potential by providing a comprehensive college preparatory program that emphasizes small classes and differentiated instruction. Through our Abilities Model®, we embrace both traditional learners and those with mild to moderate learning challenges. We recognize and teach to individual strengths, responding to areas of challenge, but never defining students by them.

The ideal candidate will be able to teach American Sign Language. They will have an appreciation for students with mild to moderate learning challenges and will seek to build our students’ self-confidence as they learn to advocate for themselves and prepare for success in college and beyond. This position requires a dynamic educator with vision and patience. Most importantly, the individual will subscribe to our Core Values, Mission, and Philosophy and will seek to passionately uphold and promote them.

McLean School is an equal opportunity employer and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, family responsibilities, disability, genetic status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the recruitment process, please contact the Director of Executive Support and Recruitment, Robin Speller.

Salary Range: $55,000 – $90,000 (based on years of experience).

McLean School is an equal opportunity employer and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, family responsibilities, disability, genetic status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. If you need a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the recruitment process, please contact the Director of Executive Support and Recruitment, Robin Speller.

Interested applicants should fill out an online Application and upload their Cover Letter and Résumé.

McLean School (mcleanschool.org), a K-12 co-educational independent school in Potomac, Maryland, seeks applicants for a Latin teacher and Advisor, to begin in August 2026.

McLean School has, for over 70 years, been helping bright students realize their full potential by providing a comprehensive college preparatory program that emphasizes small classes and differentiated instruction. Through our Abilities Model®, we embrace both traditional learners and those with mild to moderate learning challenges. We recognize and teach to individual strengths, responding to areas of challenge, but never defining students by them.

The Latin teacher will have an appreciation for students with mild to moderate learning challenges and ADHD and will seek to build self-confidence in our students as they learn to advocate for themselves and prepare for success in college and beyond. This position requires a dynamic language educator with vision and patience. Most importantly, the individual will subscribe to our Core Values, our Mission, and our Philosophy, and will seek to passionately uphold and promote them.

Salary Range: $55,000-$90,000 (depending on years of experience)

McLean School is an equal opportunity employer and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, family responsibilities, disability, genetic status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. If you need a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the recruitment process, please contact Director of Executive Support and Recruitment, Robin Speller.

Interested applicants should fill out an online Application and upload their Cover Letter and Résumé.

McLean School (mcleanschool.org), a K-12 co-educational independent school in Potomac, Maryland, seeks applicants for a full-time position of a Grades 5-8 Visual Arts and Technology teacher to begin August 2026. McLean School has, for over 70 years, been helping bright students realize their full potential by providing a comprehensive college preparatory program that emphasizes small classes and differentiated instruction. Through our Abilities Model®, we embrace both traditional learners and those with mild to moderate learning challenges. We recognize and teach to individual strengths, responding to areas of challenge, but never defining students by them.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in visual arts, digital media, and technology. This includes multimedia art and design, 2D/3D animation, and current software and hardware. In addition, the candidate should have experience working with students with learning challenges, including dyslexia, academic performance anxiety, and attention issues, as well as gifted students, skillfully assessing students’ strengths and areas of need to craft lessons that meet their academic needs. Creativity, flexibility, and strong communication skills are a necessity.

We welcome candidates who are committed to student-centered pedagogy, differentiated instruction, and multi-sensory learning. Successful candidates must be willing to collaborate, innovate, and grow as teachers. Most importantly, they will subscribe to our Core Values, our Mission, and our Philosophy, and will passionately seek to uphold and promote them.

Salary Range: $55,000-$90,000 (based on years of experience).

McLean School is an equal opportunity employer and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, family responsibilities, disability, genetic status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. If you need a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the recruitment process, please contact the Director of Executive Support and Recruitment, Robin Speller.

Interested applicants should fill out an online Application and upload their cover letter, résumé, statement of educational philosophy, and list of references.

McLean School (mcleanschool.org), a K-12 co-educational independent school in Potomac, Maryland, seeks applicants for a Grades 9-12 English Teacher (Upper School) to begin August 2026.

Changing the lives of students and families, McLean School is Washington, DC’s most comprehensive and academically rigorous full-scope college-preparatory program for bright, K-12 college-bound students, including those with dyslexia, academic anxiety, ADHD, and executive functioning challenges. For over 70 years, the School has helped students realize their full potential with a curriculum that is traditional without being rigid, challenging without being intimidating, and designed with the real world in mind.

Position Responsibilities

  • Teach Upper School courses in English, aligned with departmental goals and McLean’s mission
  • Design and deliver engaging, student-centered instruction that supports diverse learners and fosters critical thinking, civic engagement, and historical inquiry
  • Support students in developing self-advocacy skills, academic confidence, and strong executive functioning habits
  • Differentiate instruction and assessment to meet the needs of students with mild to moderate learning challenges
  • Collaborate with colleagues to support interdisciplinary learning and a cohesive Upper School Program
  • Maintain clear, timely communication with students, families, and colleagues
  • Participate fully in the life of the School, including faculty meetings, professional development, and community events

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in English, Literature, Education, or a related field required; advanced degree preferred
  • Experience teaching Upper School English or Literature.
  • Familiarity with or interest in teaching students with learning challenges such as dyslexia, ADHD, academic performance anxiety, and executive functioning challenges
  • Demonstrated ability to create an inclusive, supportive, and academically rigorous classroom environment
  • Strong organizational, communication, and collaboration skills
  • A growth mindset, patience, and a student-centered approach to teaching and learning

Most importantly, the successful candidate will subscribe to and actively promote McLean School’s Core Values, Mission, and Philosophy, and will bring enthusiasm, empathy, and professionalism to their work with students and colleagues.

Salary Range: $55,000-$90,000 (based on years of teaching experience)

McLean School is an equal opportunity employer and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, family responsibilities, disability, genetic status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the recruitment process, please contact Director of Executive Support & Recruitment, Robin Speller.

Interested applicants should complete an online Application and upload their Cover Letter and Résumé.

McLean School (mcleanschool.org), a K-12 co-educational independent school in Potomac, Maryland, seeks a compassionate, skilled, and collaborative Grades 9-12 School Counselor to support students’ social-emotional well-being and learning and partner with faculty and families to foster student success. This 10-month position will begin with the start of the new school year in August 2026. For 70 years, McLean School has helped bright K-12 students realize their full potential by providing a comprehensive college-preparatory program that emphasizes small classes and differentiated instruction. Through our Abilities Model®, we embrace both traditional learners and those with mild-to-moderate learning challenges. We recognize and teach individual strengths, responding to areas of challenge but never defining students by them.

The Upper School Counselor plays a vital role in supporting adolescents’ social, emotional, and behavioral development during a critical period of growth and transition. As a member of the Student Support and Social Emotional Learning team, the counselor provides short-term direct counseling services, consults with teachers and families, and, as appropriate, with outside providers, and collaborates with administrators to ensure students are supported academically, emotionally, and socially as they prepare for postsecondary pathways.

Key Responsibilities

School-Wide & Preventive Programming

  • Contribute to the Upper School social-emotional learning initiatives, including programming focused on stress management, healthy relationships, identity development, and resilience.
  • Support wellness initiatives related to academic balance, technology use, and mental health awareness.
  • Assist with re-entry planning following extended absences, hospitalizations, or other significant disruptions.

Student Support

  • Support students with executive functioning, organization, time management, and strategies related to academic demands.
  • In consultation with the administration, provide short-term individual and small-group counseling to Upper School students to address anxiety, stress management, peer relationships, self-advocacy, and school adjustment.
  • Assist students in navigating transitions, including entry into Upper School, changes in academic placement, and preparation for postsecondary settings.
  • Provide crisis intervention, risk assessment, and safety planning in collaboration with school leadership.
  • Maintain timely and appropriate documentation consistent with school policies and professional standards.

Collaboration & Consultation

  • Work closely with Upper School faculty, advisors, Learning Services team, college counseling, and administrators to develop and implement student support plans.
  • Participate in student support meetings and grade-level meetings.
  • Consult with teachers on classroom strategies that promote wellness, engagement, and independence.
  • Partner with families to support adolescent development and reinforce strategies across home and school.

Professional Responsibilities

  • Maintain confidentiality and ethical standards consistent with licensure requirements and best practices for work with adolescents.
  • Engage in ongoing professional development related to adolescent mental health, social-emotional learning, trauma-informed practices, and supporting students with learning challenges.
  • Uphold McLean School’s mission, values, and commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.

Qualifications

  • Master’s degree in Counseling, Social Work, Psychology, or a related field.
  • Maryland licensure or eligibility for licensure as a Counselor, Social Worker, or Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW).
  • Experience working with adolescents in a school setting.
  • Knowledge of adolescent development and mental health, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, and executive functioning challenges.
  • Knowledge of Individualized Education Plans and 504’s.
  • Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.
  • Ability to collaborate effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
  • Experience supporting students with self-advocacy and preparation for college or other postsecondary pathways.

Attributes

  • Warm, steady, and developmentally attuned to adolescents.
  • Proactive, flexible, and solutions-oriented.
  • Committed to fostering student independence, resilience, and self-awareness.
  • Strong alignment with McLean School’s inclusive and student-centered philosophy.

Salary Range: $70,000-$100,000

McLean School is an equal opportunity employer and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, family responsibilities, disability, genetic status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability during recruitment, please contact Director of Executive Support and Recruitment, Robin Speller.

Application Process

Interested applicants should complete an online Application and upload their Cover Letter and Résumé.

McLean School seeks applications for a Lower School Homeroom Teacher position, beginning in August 2026.

McLean School (mcleanschool.org), a K-12 coeducational independent school in Potomac, Maryland, seeks applicants for a full-time Lower School position starting in August 2026. For 70 years, McLean School has been helping bright students realize their full potential by providing a comprehensive college preparatory program that emphasizes small classes and differentiated instruction. Through our Abilities Model®, we embrace both traditional learners and those with mild to moderate learning challenges. We recognize and teach to individual strengths, responding to areas of challenge but never defining students by them.

The teacher will have an appreciation for students with mild to moderate learning challenges, and seek to build self-confidence in our students. This position requires a dynamic educator with vision and patience. Most importantly, they will subscribe to McLean School’s Core Values, our Mission, and our Philosophy, and will seek passionately to uphold and promote them. Early childhood educators recognize that play is the work of young children, and they should build on children’s natural curiosity to promote a love of learning.

The ideal candidate has an advanced degree in Education and experience working with students with learning challenges, including dyslexia, academic performance anxiety, ADHD, organizational issues, and gifted students. As a Lower School Teacher at McLean School, the teacher plays a crucial role in shaping our students’ future, skillfully assessing their strengths and areas of challenge to craft lessons that meet their academic needs. Creativity, flexibility, and strong communication skills are a necessity.

McLean School is an equal opportunity employer and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, family responsibilities, disability, genetic status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. If you need a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the recruitment process, please contact Director of Executive Support and Recruitment, Robin Speller.

Interested applicants should complete an online Application and upload their cover letter, résumé, statement of educational philosophy, and list of references.

McLean School in many ways looks like the framework of a typical, maybe even traditional college-prep school. But what happens within that framework is anything but traditional.

The school has attracted deeply caring and trained educators whose passion is discovering and teaching to the unique abilities of each student in whatever innovative, personal, or progressive manner is best for the student. With close to 500 students in grades K-12, McLean School is delivering on the promise of giving students skills, confidence, tools, and knowledge to succeed in college and beyond.

A group of students stand around a piano holding sheet music and singing while a teacher sits at the piano in a classroom.

6 Reasons Why You Should Be Part of our Faculty and Staff Community

It’s no surprise that McLean’s teachers and staff are as happy to be here as the students we teach: we all feel supported in our efforts to learn, stretch and grow. It’s a culture that can be hard to come by… which is one reason our faculty tends to stick around! Here are a few of the other reasons:

Reason 1: McLean “Magic”

“There’s something about this place that’s hard to put into words, but you know it when you feel it. An energy, a culture, a certain type of confidence that comes from people having a job you love and being surrounded by people who feel the same way.”

Reason #2: Our Mentorship Program

“You’re always encouraged to change and modify your approcah based on what is best for each child. And you don’t have to figure that all out on your own. There’s a wealth of resources from mentor teaches who support you all the way.”

Reason #3: Flexibility in What We Teach and How We Teach It

“Teaching the way kids learn requires flexibility you won’t find in most school settings. And it’s one thing to say ‘hey do what you need to do,’ but another to actually provide the structure and professional support to make that possible. And knowing that I have the trust and confidence of my colleages means everything to me.”

Reason #4: Professional Perks

“We work hard, but we get to have fun, too. We are fully encouraged to enjoy the weight room, yoga, fitness classes, mindfulness programs, our wonderful lunch offerings, and more. This is a place that supports us fully: mind, body, and soul!”

Reason #5: Location

“Our proximity to DC opens up experiential learning opportunities and is just a great place in general to live. From the Smithsonian to Congress, free cultural events, and parks, the Greater Washington area is packed with places and programs that enrich my professional and personal experiences.”

Our Location

Reason #6: We Prioritize Professional Development

“This is a culture of learning, and that includes the faculty. When it comes to professional development, McLean is generous and encouraging. It creates a sense of excitement, like we’re incubating new ideas all the time and making our best practices even better. As an educator, I couldn’t ask for more.”

Commitment to Diversity and Equity

McLean School’s commitment to diversity/equity is an extension of our mission to make education accessible, stimulating, and meaningful to a broad range of learners.

McLean embraces diversity and values the integrity of all individuals. We offer equitable opportunity to learn from the wealth that diversity renders to all community members in the recognition of differences of ethnicity, race, religion, socioeconomic status, culture, sexual orientation, or gender. This recognition enriches our community and encourages our students to be better leaders and more responsible citizens. We believe that our students will acquire an appreciative sensitivity to different people and cultures and that they will be more secure in themselves and better prepared to enjoy the richness and possibilities of the wonderfully diverse world they will inherit.

Toward this end, McLean School commits itself to:

  • Continue to develop a school culture and curricula that will teach our students both the skills and the sensibilities necessary for living in a world of change and difference;
  • Achieve an educationally enriching level of diversity in the student body, the faculty, staff, and the Board of Trustees; and
  • Provide the resources and support needed to secure the self-esteem of every child.

The School expects that all community members will support diversity/equity at McLean School, just as the School expects that all community members will benefit from that work.

Three students in safety goggles conduct a science experiment with liquids in a classroom laboratory setting.

Non-Discrimination

McLean School is an equal opportunity employer and makes all employment decisions, including those related to recruitment, hiring, training, retention and promotion on the basis of an individual’s ability and job-related qualifications and without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, age, national origin, disability, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other classification proscribed and protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.