Jones Gordon Foundation

Description:

The Middle School Science Teacher is responsible for collaborating with the school's Co-Director of Innovation and Middle School Science to plan, deliver, and assess engaging, evidence-based science instruction for students in grades 6 through 8. The teacher works alongside the Co-Director of Innovation to create a learning environment that promotes scientific inquiry, critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration.  The Middle School Science teacher engages students through project-based learning to

develop scientific literacy, build curiosity about the natural world, and become confident, independent learners. The teacher supports the continued development of innovative, interdisciplinary learning experiences that align with the school's mission and commitment to serving students with diverse learning profiles.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The essential functions include, but are not limited to, the following:

Instruction and Curriculum

• Deliver engaging lessons in life science, earth and space science, physical science, environmental science, engineering design, and other middle school science content.
• Design instruction that incorporates evidence-based science practices and differentiated teaching strategies to meet the unique learning profiles of students with learning differences.
• Utilize inquiry-based learning, explicit instruction, hands-on laboratory experiences, demonstrations, scientific modeling, visual supports, scaffolded learning experiences, and technology to promote conceptual understanding and scientific reasoning.
• Integrate scientific inquiry, observation, experimentation, data collection, analysis, problem-solving, and evidence-based argumentation into daily instruction.
• Incorporate educational technology, digital simulations, laboratory equipment, scientific tools, and other instructional resources to enhance learning and student engagement.
• Foster a classroom culture that encourages curiosity, collaboration, creativity, responsible risk-taking, and appreciation for scientific discovery.
• Ensure laboratory and classroom safety by teaching, modeling, and enforcing appropriate safety procedures and protocols.

Student Learning and Assessment

• Monitor and document student academic progress and provide timely, constructive feedback.
• Develop and implement differentiated assignments, laboratory investigations, assessments, accommodations, instructional modifications, and intervention strategies consistent with individual student needs.
• Maintain accurate records of grades, attendance, student progress, and required documentation.

Collaboration

• Participate actively in student support meetings, parent conferences, faculty meetings, curriculum planning, and professional learning communities.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues to ensure continuity of science instruction across grade levels and alignment with school-wide instructional goals.
• Collaborate with other content-area teachers to develop interdisciplinary learning opportunities and support students' application of scientific concepts across the curriculum.
• Support implementation of school-wide instructional initiatives and academic programs.

Student Support

• Build positive relationships with students that foster trust, resilience, self-advocacy, confidence, and a growth mindset.
• Maintain appropriate classroom management practices that encourage student engagement, responsible behavior, and positive peer relationships.
• Differentiate instruction and provide appropriate supports that enable students with learning differences to access rigorous science instruction and demonstrate mastery.

Family Communication

• Communicate regularly and professionally with parents and guardians regarding student progress, academic performance, classroom expectations, instructional goals, and areas of support.
• Respond to parent inquiries in a timely manner consistent with school policies.

Professional Responsibilities

• Participate in faculty meetings, professional development, school committees, accreditation activities, and required training.
• Remain current on instructional best practices in science education, differentiated instruction, executive functioning, learning differences, adolescent development, laboratory safety, and educational technology.
• Participate in school-sponsored activities, student events, field trips, community programs, and occasional evening or weekend functions as assigned.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Earth Science, Environmental Science, Science Education, Secondary Education, Elementary Education, Special Education, or a closely related field.
• Experience teaching middle school science.
• Demonstrated knowledge of evidence-based science instruction, differentiated instructional practices, inquiry-based learning, and positive classroom management strategies.
• Effective middle school instructional practices.
• Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.
• Proficiency with educational technology, Google Workspace, learning management systems, and student information systems.