Middle School Science Teacher

Background:
Presbyterian School is an independent, PK3-8th grade school located in the heart of the city’s vibrant museum district in Houston, Texas.  Our mission is essential and counter-cultural: “Family, School, and Church United in the Education and Support of Each Child.”  The School programs and faculty embrace both our unique location and powerful partnership as a compelling opportunity to elevate learning and instill confidence in every child.  Progressive strategic thinking along with creative marketing strategies are guiding the School into the position of strength while facilitating the exploration of one’s curiosity in a competitive educational marketplace.

The Opportunity:
Job Title: Middle School Science Teacher
Department: Middle School
Position Status: 10-month Full Time
FLSA Status: Salary Exempt
Reports To (Position Title): Head of Middle School
Travel Requirements: Grade Level Trips
Date Updated: January 10, 2022

Position Summary

Are you a teacher who is passionate about the science of plate tectonics, weather patterns, and the Scientific Method? Can you help students connect scientific inquiry with discovery? Are you excited about teaching from a creative, constantly changing set of resources rather than a textbook? The Middle School science program at Presbyterian School provides an exciting and developmentally appropriate mixture of collaborative learning, hands-on laboratory work, and integrated technology with an emphasis on authentic, student-driven learning.  Our science classrooms focus on empowering students to demonstrate excellence in data gathering and laboratory reporting with robust, outside-the-box thinking at their intentional core.

Presbyterian School is seeking an experienced, dynamic professional to teach Middle School Science as a component of the Middle School science sequence. This teacher will co-create curriculum and use progressive and innovative pedagogical approaches in its implementation.

A qualified candidate will enjoy the middle school student, value collaboration with others, and commit to child-centered learning that fosters creativity, critical thinking, and problem solving. Demonstrated experience teaching in a selective independent or public-school setting is required. A successful candidate will exhibit strong character and will commit to supporting the mission, programs and policies of Presbyterian School. The Middle School Science Teacher is encouraged to discuss with leadership, opportunities for professional and social involvement with school and student activities.

Position Duties and Responsibilities

  • Plans, evaluates and revises course curricula, content, materials and methods of instruction for science studies in an engaging classroom that encourages critical thinking, self-reflection and active listening

  • Develops and produces content for assigned courses to students and parents through a learning management system

  • Supports students within an advisory role, including course content related to social and emotional growth

  • Supervises students on school grounds, during snack/meal breaks, recess periods, assigned after school care dates and attends field trips

  • Facilitates student project exhibits, including exchange of regular displays, as well as, coordinating special exhibits

  • Engages with neighborhood museums for visits, meeting guest speakers and other programs in an effort to enhance the classroom curriculum

  • Collaborates with classroom teachers and other faculty on cross-divisional or cross-curricular projects and circumstance that require blended learning

  • Evaluates and gives feedback on students' class work, assignments, and papers

  • Maintains student attendance records, progress, and other required records

  • Partners with families through meaningful communication

    • Sharing course content and insightful comments on student work on transcripts and in weekly blog posts

    • Creating trusting relationships in an advisory setting as a leader of a small group of students within a grade level

  • Assists with student behavior and reconciliations for students as required

  • Chaperones grade level trips, including yearly overnight trip

  • Engages in appropriate professional associations and pursues opportunities for professional development

  • Provides first aid assistance to students and reports illnesses to the nurse

  • Performs various other duties as assigned by leadership

  • Embraces and embodies the unique and essential Mission of the School, demonstrating an understanding of the distinct principles of the school that reside at the heart of our mission statement “Family, School and Church united in the Support and Education of Each Child

Qualifications

  • 3 plus years’ experience teaching science or related content in independent schools preferred

  • Bachelor’s degree in Science, Education, or related field required. Master’s degree preferred

  • Demonstrated leadership in school or education is required

  • Teachers Certificate preferred

  • Enjoys working in a high energy classroom and is skilled in facilitating an integrated curriculum

  • Willingness to embrace new paradigms of student learning

  • Possesses computer skills, including Microsoft Office, Gmail, Google Drive, Shared Docs and Sheets or Microsoft equivalent

  • Ability to understand and follow written and verbal instructions

  • Ability to work effectively with others

  • Ability to work independently

  • Ability to interact with a professional demeanor with staff, general public, and school personnel

  • Effective prioritization and time management skills

  • Ability to meet strict deadlines under pressure

Non-Physical Demands:
Change of tasks, performing multiple tasks simultaneously, working with others as part of a team, and irregular schedule/overtime may be required at times.

Physical Requirements of the Job:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to stand; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; and talk and hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move heavy objects. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Conditions:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Secured site facility must adhere to school policy and procedures while on school property.

Machines, Tools, Equipment and Work Aids:
Laptop or iPad, phone, copier and fax.

Job description statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this job title.  They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required

If you're interested in the position, please submit resumes and letters of interest to Charlie Gramatges, Head of Middle School and complete an employment application online.

Presbyterian School seeks to attract qualified candidates from diverse backgrounds to its faculty, staff and student body who are able to support and further the mission of the school.  Accordingly, all positions on the faculty and administrative staff will be filled solely on the basis of merit and without reference to the applicant's age, sex, disability, ethnic or national origin. In light of the school's religious nature, it does reserve the right to consider an applicant's or employee's religious beliefs and practices in employment decisions. 

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