Position Summary
The Upper School Science Teacher will design and deliver a dynamic and engaging science
curriculum for 7th and 8th grade students. This role requires a learning environment that
encourages curiosity, critical thinking, and a passion for scientific inquiry. The Upper School Science
Teacher is responsible for creating a flexible educational program and a class environment
favorable to learning and personal growth, establishing effective rapport with students, motivating
students to develop skills, attitudes and knowledge needed to provide a good foundation for middle
and upper school education in accordance with each student’s ability; and for establishing good
relationships with parents and other faculty and staff members.

It is expected that the seventh and eighth grade science teacher will have the knowledge to teach
students varied activities designed to develop science skills and concepts. Students will study topics
in earth science, life science, physical science, and how science, technology and society interact.
Seventh grade students will investigate topics in the area of Life Science, while eighth grade
students study physical science.

Primary Responsibilities
Commitment to Mission and Values
● Integrate Academy’s mission and values into classroom practices, fostering a
culture of respect, integrity, and kindness.
● Actively participate in school events, committees, and initiatives to strengthen the school
community.
● Uphold the highest standards of ethics and professionalism in interactions with students,
families, and colleagues.

Instructional Excellence and Innovation
● Plan and deliver a hands-on, inquiry-based science curriculum covering a year of Life
Sciences and a year of Physical Sciences.
● Employ diverse instructional strategies to meet the needs of all learners, including
differentiation, formative assessments, and technology integration.
● Utilize diverse instructional strategies, including hands on experiments, technology
integration, and interdisciplinary approaches, to meet the diverse needs and learning styles
● Assess and monitor student progress through formative and summative assessments,
providing timely and constructive feedback
● Set high academic expectations while scaffolding learning to support student growth and
foster critical thinking.
● Incorporate innovative teaching practices that prepare students for future challenges,
encouraging creativity and problem-solving.
Social-Emotional Learning and Classroom Environment
● Create a positive, inclusive, and safe classroom environment where all students feel valued
and supported.
● Actively teach and model social-emotional skills, incorporating restorative practices to
resolve conflicts and promote accountability.
● Implement consistent and fair classroom management strategies, cultivating a productive
and collaborative atmosphere.
● Develop strong rapport and relationships with students in the 7th and 8th grade as an
active Advisor partnering with other faculty and learners within the division.
Collaboration and Community Engagement
● Partner with the Head of Middle and Upper School, Assistant Head for Academics,
grade-level teams, learning specialists, and counselors to advocate for student well-being
and success.
● Build strong partnerships with families, maintaining transparent and timely
communication through conferences, progress reports, and classroom updates.
● Engage in school-wide professional learning communities, contributing to team initiatives
and strategic priorities such as DEIB and SEL programming.
Professional Growth and Reflective Practice
● Demonstrate a growth mindset by seeking out professional development opportunities and
engaging in reflective practice to improve teaching effectiveness.
● Regularly assess and adapt teaching strategies based on student outcomes, feedback, and
evolving educational standards.
● Serve as a mentor and collaborator, sharing expertise and supporting the professional
development of colleagues.

Key Qualifications
● Education: Bachelor’s degree in Education or a related field (Master’s preferred).
● Experience: Minimum of 5 years of teaching experience with upper elementary [Gr4-5] or
middle school students [Gr 6-8], ideally in an independent school setting.
● Skills:
○ Expertise in inquiry-based and constructivist teaching practices in Earth Science and
Physical Science
○ Strong knowledge of inquiry-based curriculum design, differentiation, and
assessment strategies.
○ Proven ability to cultivate an inclusive classroom environment that prioritizes student
agency and growth.
○ Ability to be nimble and flex into your growth zone for continuous learning and
development
○ Proficiency in integrating technology into teaching and learning.