7/8 STEM Teachern(Full Time), Town School for Boys

Town is seeking a full-time teacher of science to work with two sections of 7th and two sections of 8th grade, as well as serving as an advisor and leading a once-a-cycle elective.  This position also involves mentoring and training a full-time Resident Teacher (part of Town’s New Teacher Institute).

In all science courses at Town there is a strong focus on inquiry and science process skills. Subject matter is integrated across disciplines, incorporates the Next Generation Science Standards as a foundation, and is designed according to Project Zero’s Teaching for Understanding model. Currently the 7th grade course focuses on ecosystems and chemistry with the title “Student as Interpreter,” and the 8th grade course, titled “Student as Engineer,” asks students to solve real-world problems using their understanding of physics and design thinking. We make an effort to maximize partnerships with local institutions (e.g., ecosystems field site in the Presidio through the GGNRA, training from the Exploratorium and Stanford’s d.School). In recent years there has been a greater emphasis on engineering, coding, robotics, and tinkering along with core scientific understandings.  In addition, the 7-8 Science teacher is expected to participate in outdoor education trips for both 7th and 8th grade.

The ideal candidate will have a minimum of two years of teaching experience and experience working with students in grades 7-8. A credential or master’s degree is preferred. The candidate will have a deep knowledge of science, a passion for working with middle school students, and an eagerness to collaborate with colleagues.

Located in San Francisco, Town School for Boys is a K-8 independent day school. Since its founding in 1939, Town School has been committed to providing a dynamic and engaging environment that suits the developmental learning needs of boys. An intensive academic program is supplemented by fine arts offerings and outdoor education trips that take advantage of the school’s Bay Area coastal location. Our teaching balances traditional methods with key student-centered approaches including inquiry and project-based learning. Town School values academic excellence, respect for self and others, diversity and inclusivity, community service, and social-emotional development. Town places a high value on maintaining a collegial atmosphere among faculty members. There is an expectation of continuous growth and improvement for all faculty and strong support for a wide range of professional development opportunities.

Non-Discrimination Policy: Town School for Boys admits students of any race, color, religion, or national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. The school does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, or national and ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, scholarship programs, athletic and other school-administered programs.

Town School for Boys is an equal opportunity employer. Salary and benefits are commensurate with our peer schools in the San Francisco Bay Area and with like NAIS schools.

To apply for this position, please email a cover letter and resume to:

Todd Shy at shy@townschool.com

Town School for Boys

Mission

At Town School learning is prized, love of school is essential, and boyhood is celebrated.

Statement of Teaching Philosophy

Our goal is for each boy to be engaged in an environment that weaves together collaboration, critical thinking, integrity, empathy, and creativity. These broad skills, as well as a firm grounding in core academic competencies, offer boys an excellent preparation for their further education. We promote social and emotional learning as a foundation of academic excellence and self-discovery. We prepare students to meet challenges in the world by helping them develop an appreciation for a variety of perspectives from the local to the global. We celebrate diversity by fostering a community of learners built on mutual respect. Learning experiences are inclusive, relevant, flexible, innovative, and adapted to reflect the needs of all kinds of learners. In our joyful, active, and collaborative school, boys flourish.

We achieve these goals through an authentic curriculum that originates in the classroom, travels through the halls, and extends into the world. Our teaching balances traditional methods with key student-centered approaches including inquiry, project-based learning, and teaching for understanding. We stay relevant and current through our testing of innovative, research-based approaches. We model a commitment to lifelong learning, and we hone our craft by pursuing professional development and sharing knowledge with one another.