7th & 8th Grade Science Teacher

Overview of the Position

Reporting to the Middle School Director, the school seeks vibrant teachers who bring creativity and innovation to their teaching practice. The dedicated Middle School Team collaborates with engaged students to create a dynamic and joyful learning community that ensures that students master both academic and interpersonal skills. We provide guidance to ensure that students maintain their love for learning as they learn to advocate for themselves and others. Middle School teachers dive into current events with students and arm them with knowledge and help them find their voices to speak out and act when presented with unfair or unjust acts.

The 7th and 8th grade Science teacher is responsible for the Science aspects of a progressive, integrated learning experience (alongside Art, Drama, Math, Music, Humanities, Spanish, and Physical Education), including curriculum development, student advising, student assessment and parent communication. The 7th grade science curriculum is Life Science (general biology and human biology), and the 8th grade science curriculum is Physical Science (including chemistry and physical science). In addition to science content, teachers are responsible for focusing on 21st Century Skills, current events, and emergent topics, as well as helping students understand how to think critically, solve problems, think like a scientist, and use the scientific method. Candidates should be prepared to deliver a rigorous and progressive science program.

Middle School teachers are responsible for the daily instructional delivery of their subject-specific curriculum that aligns with the school’s mission and vision. Middle School teachers teach classes each day, support an advisory group (of approximately 12 students), lead advisory meetings/activities for twenty-five minutes each day, function as the liaison between home and school for each advisee, and have other Middle School duties as assigned.

This person will join a growth-oriented and collaborative learning community committed to the school’s mission and core values. Class size is between 18-20 students. The hiring process will include a screening interview with two administrators, with finalists returning for a second round demonstration lesson and interview with the full hiring committee.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Teach two sections of 7th grade Science and two sections of 8th grade science (roughly 80 students), developing curriculum and differentiating instruction for students.
• Continuously develop and examine the science curriculum in conjunction with the Middle School Science Team and K – 5 teachers.
• Collaborate with the entire middle school staff, teaming to support the students socially, emotionally and academically, as well as to ensure program cohesiveness and continuity.
• Conduct ongoing student assessment and write narrative progress reports twice a year.
• Communicate effectively and collaboratively with staff and parents.
• Commit to other departmental, committee, and general school responsibilities such as, teaching electives, supervising lunch and breaks on a regular basis, participating in staff committees, as well as attending staff meetings and other special events.
• Teach according to the stated curriculum, demonstrate thorough planning.
• Maintain an emphasis on preparing students for the joys and challenges of learning.
• Participate with enthusiasm in curriculum development, committee, and task force work when necessary.
• Perform necessary administrative tasks and attend required meetings and events.
• Engage in reflective practice and various professional growth activities.

The qualified candidate will/must:

• Have expertise in teaching Science.
• Have progressive educational theory and practices.
• Be culturally competent.
• Have at least two years of exemplary classroom teaching experience.
• Have a working understanding of developmental/constructivist teaching practices and social-emotional learning.
• Able to successfully instruct and differentiate for students at different ability levels and multiple intelligences.
• A love of learning and desire to work with children as a facilitator of learning.
• A degree with a major in education, or subject-specific field.
• A valid teaching credential is strongly desired.
• A collaborative spirit.
• Have strong oral and written communication skills.
• Organize and manage a positive classroom.
• Teach and adapt an integrated curriculum.
• Understand how to work with a diverse student population, including some students with learning and behavioral needs.
• Be committed to social justice, equity, and diversity.
• Use a supportive and clear tone with students.
• Have experience with collaborative teaching.

Compensation:

Salary and benefits will be based on qualifications and experience. Benefits offered include employer-paid medical with Kaiser, dental insurance, a generous retirement plan and more. We also have a calming, beautiful campus where you can enjoy a discounted lunch from our school caterers.

How to Apply

Complete job application and attach cover letter and resume here

Park Day School believes strongly in the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion.  We seek to identify and hire a greater number of faculty of color to serve as role models for all students. We strive to foster a diverse campus community, which recognizes the value of all people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, gender and gender expression, sexual orientation, family-care status, marital status, veteran status, disability or socio-economic background.

Tagged as: Middle School