Elementary Level Science Teacher

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ELEMENTARY SCIENCE TEACHER

Science Specialist for Grades 5 and 6 

Saint Mark’s School is an independent, Episcopal coeducational day school in Altadena, California. Founded in 1960, the school serves the needs of approximately 300 Preschool through Sixth grade students from diverse ethnic, racial, religious, and economic backgrounds. The School’s mission is to develop the unique intellect and character of each student in a nurturing environment committed to academic excellence, respect for diversity, responsibility, and spiritual growth. 

We are seeking a high energy, well-organized science teacher who has proven success at the elementary or middle school level and brings creativity and innovation to their teaching practice. The elementary science teacher will be responsible for working to deepen students’ understanding of physical science, life science, and earth and space science concepts. With experience implementing lesson plans grounded in Next Generation Science Standards as well as California Science Standards Standards, the ideal candidate will be able to incorporate several styles of teaching that differentiates levels of challenge and also builds confidence in our students. The teacher will focus on the process of science, incorporating skills essential to scientific methodology. The ideal candidate will have an interest and skill in collaborating with colleagues as well as the potential and willingness to contribute beyond the classroom. 

Qualified candidates should demonstrate a passion for teaching, a growth mindset, flexibility, a commitment to ongoing professional development, strong communication skills, and ability to work as part of a team, and the skills to engage and inspire students. The job also includes participation on a multiple day overnight education field study trip. 

Position Type: 

Elementary Level Science Teacher

Full time; Non-exempt status

Date Posted: 

June 22, 2021 

Date Available: 

August 19, 2021 

Job Duties: 

While job duties vary, the science teacher is primarily responsible for collaborating with grade level content area teachers, partnering with enrichment faculty and support staff, planning and implementing innovative and interdisciplinary project-based lessons, evaluating student work, and effective verbal and written communication with students, parents, administrators, and local area independent schools. 

Minimum Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field
  
• California Multiple Subject or Single Subject Teaching Credential
  
• Minimum of 3-5 years full-time teaching experience at the elementary or middle school level 

Preferred Qualifications and Skills:

• Interest in curriculum development and a hands-on, STEM-based approach to teaching
  
• FOSS (Full Option Science System) teaching experience
  
• Responsive Classroom training
  
• Project-based teaching practices
  
• Experience with differentiated instruction
  
• Science background and love for the subject
  
• Classroom management skills necessary to ensure a safe, productive, and
  positive environment
  
• Understanding of the developmental needs of 5th and 6th grade students
  
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills
  
• Open to constructive feedback
  
• Creative, energetic, patient, resourceful, flexible, innovative, and cheerful

Responsibilities will include, but not be limited to:

• Acts in a manner corresponding to the requirements of the Saint Mark’s Employee Handbook and the mission of the School.
  
• Plans and implements appropriate curriculum, assessments, and activities designed to promote academic, social, and emotional growth for children, including through distance learning as needed.
  
• Actively seeks to design an engaging learning environment where children can develop their potential and experience growth, regularly assessing and updating the curriculum and methods of instruction to best meet the needs of students and the School.
  
• Demonstrates a commitment to diversity and equity, fostering a culturally competent and inclusive classroom and actively contributing to a healthy, equitable environment for all members of the community.
  
• Identifies and provides for the learning needs of individual children, working collaboratively with the Director of Teaching and Learning and Student Support Team, to reach a range of learners within the classroom.
  
• Prepares, administers, and grades meaningful assignments and varied forms of assessments with the aim of evaluating and communicating the progress of the students.
  
• Serves as an advisor to a group of students; becomes involved in extracurricular or interdisciplinary programs as requested
  
• Communicates effectively with children, parents, and colleagues in a professional and positive manner. Communicates student progress clearly and accurately in verbal and written form, including report cards, emails, parent conferences, and meetings.
  
• Demonstrates professionalism through punctuality, collaboration, organization, participation in meetings, and staff development opportunities. Maintains professional behavior, including appropriate dress, good judgment, integrity, diplomacy, confidentiality, and a respectful attitude in professional relationships.
  
• Participates enthusiastically in Admissions Open House and other school events in support of and as requested by the School.
  
• Plans and supervises field trips and classroom activities to extend student learning.
  
• Demonstrates reflective practice and a growth mindset, setting annual goals and keeping current in contemporary and developmentally appropriate pedagogical thinking, strategies, and techniques through reading of professional journals and attendance at professional conferences, workshops, and courses.
  
• Demonstrates a commitment to building and sustaining a collaborative professional learning community, serving on committees, engaging in professional group work, and contributing to a positive school climate.
  
• Supervises and mentors a teacher intern, working collaboratively to meet the needs of students. Serves as a role model and actively supports the growth and development of the team of interns that work with the elementary program.
  
• Ensures the health and safety of children through visual supervision and by appropriately responding to injuries as well as unexpected circumstances.
  
• Integrates meaningful and appropriate use of technology within the curriculum, and maintains and updates teacher page as required by the School.
  
• Follows guidelines of Emergency Preparedness Plan and takes responsibility for students’ safety in an emergency situation or drill.
  
• Completes required training each year (CPR, first aid, mandatory reporting, etc.)
  
• Participates in school life and other campus activities as a full and active member of the Saint Mark’s community, including assisting with duties (recess/lunch, carline, etc.) as needed and assigned, and attending school dances, basketball games, Fall Fest, etc. in support of the students and school.
  
• Exhibits willingness to take on other duties as assigned.

Physical Requirements: Job includes some lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling; some climbing and balancing; some stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling; hearing, speaking, observing, and significant fine finger dexterity. Specific abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Generally, the job requires 15% sitting, 40% walking, and 45% standing and the ability to lift or move up to 50 pounds. The job is performed under minimal temperature variations, in a generally hazard-free environment, and in a clean atmosphere. 

Salary: As per pay scale

Benefits: A full benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision coverage and a TIAA/CREF retirement plan.

Submissions: Qualified candidates should submit a cover letter and current resume to Kelly Mancuso, Assistant Head of School at [email protected]. 

Non-Discrimination Policy: Saint Mark’s School is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to a policy of non-discrimination in employment on any basis including race, color, age, sex, religion, national origin, the presence of mental, physical, or sensory disability, sexual orientation, or any other basis prohibited by federal or state law. 

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