About Us
Harkness Initiative is a premier bilingual and bi-cultural preparatory high school located in the beautiful colonial city of San Luis Potosí, Mexico. We're not just another school – we're a community transforming how students learn, think, and lead.
What makes us different:
- Unique peer-to-peer learning methodology – students drive their own education
- Small classes of 14 students gathered around Harkness conference tables where ideas flourish
- Emphasis on independent learning and rigorous exchange of ideas
- Highest College Board scores among preparatory high schools in Mexico
- A commitment to developing socially responsible future leaders
Learn more about our vision at www.harkness.mx
Our mission is simple but profound: cultivate a true love of learning while empowering students to build a better future for themselves and their communities.
The Role
We are seeking a full-time Social Sciences teacher who is passionate about economics and history – and even more passionate about inspiring the next generation to think critically about the world.
At Harkness, great teachers don't just deliver content. They change trajectories. They open minds. They pay it forward.
Your Focus Areas:
- Macroeconomics – helping students understand how economies work and why it matters
- US History – bringing the American story to life and connecting it to our global present
- Other social sciences courses as needed
Key Responsibilities
- Design engaging lesson plans that leverage the Harkness Method of collaborative learning
- Teach up to 26 hours per week, facilitating discussions rather than lecturing
- Grade papers and exams with thoughtful, constructive feedback
- Mentor an after-school club
- Participate in school meetings and community events
- Maintain open communication with parents
- Provide tutoring and counseling for students needing additional support
- Coordinate selected student activities
Ideal Candidate
We're looking for someone who shares our values: academic excellence, intellectual curiosity, social responsibility, and a genuine belief that education can change the world.
Required:
- Bachelor's degree in Economics, History, Political Science, Education, or related field
- At least 1 year of teaching experience (secondary/high school preferred)
- Strong recommendation letters
- Native or native-level English proficiency (essential for our bilingual program)
- Excellent facilitation skills – you know how to spark discussion, not just talk at students
- Commitment to working with bright, highly motivated high school students
- Willingness to make a longer-term commitment (2 years or more preferred)
Ideal:
- Teaching experience in macroeconomics and/or US history
- Master's degree in relevant field
- Experience with discussion-based or Socratic teaching methods
- Knowledge of teaching in a bilingual/bicultural environment
- A genuine desire to invest in young people and help them build a better future
Most Important:
- A passion for teaching that goes beyond the classroom
- The belief that every student deserves a teacher who believes in them
- A commitment to paying it forward by shaping the next generation of leaders
What We Offer
- Competitive salary (commensurate with experience)
- Generous paid vacations: Easter, Christmas, and summer breaks
- Health insurance
- Christmas bonus (aguinaldo)
- Supportive, collaborative work environment with passionate colleagues
- Professional development opportunities
- The chance to work in one of Mexico's most beautiful colonial cities
- The opportunity to make a real, lasting difference in students' lives
How to Apply
Ready to join a team that's redefining preparatory education in Mexico?
Please email the following to Alvaro Lopez, Principal, at alvaro@harknessinitiative.com:
- Your resume/CV
- A cover letter explaining:
- Your teaching philosophy
- Your experience with macroeconomics and/or US history
- Why you want to join Harkness Initiative
- How you see yourself contributing to our mission of developing future leaders
Join Us in Paying It Forward
At Harkness Initiative, we believe that great teaching is one of the most powerful ways to create positive change in the world. If you're ready to inspire the next generation and help shape a better future, we want to hear from you.
Harkness Initiative is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and students.