SUMMARY:
The Science teacher will need to have a strong background in teaching to the developmental needs of middle school students. The Science teacher will also provide instruction and guidance to help students explore and understand important concepts in Science including: problem-solving and how to gather evidence to support their ideas and decisions.
The Science teacher needs to facilitate a successful blend of these elements in a comprehensive and age-appropriate curriculum. It is also the expectation that this teaching position creates lesson plans, grade tests and assignments, communicate regularly with parents, present Science demonstrations, coordinate a school-wide Science Fair each year as well as any other tasks relating to the success of our students. A successful Science teacher will lead with project-based learning principles to produce engaging content for the middle school student.
Essential Functions:
- Develop thematic units for Science classes using the backwards design model in which planning follows these three steps: 1) identifying standards-aligned desired results (in terms of acquisition, meaning, and transfer); 2) designing performance tasks/assessments that provide evidence of learning; and 3) creating a learning plan. Science units must integrate Science
- Deliver daily Science lessons that are engaging, relevant, and rigorous.
- Understand and apply effective strategies for intervention and differentiation in the classroom,
- Embed opportunities for student critical-thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity, as well as use of technology and digital media, into all lesson and unit plans.
- Maintain strong classroom management and hold students accountable for upholding school policies, student-developed norms, and classroom expectations.
- Update curriculum on a regular basis using data and research, and seeking out colleagues and professional development opportunities for Science curriculum enhancement.
Skills and Experience:
The Science teacher is expected to:
- Have experience successfully teaching a Science-based curriculum in an urban school, including a track record of improving student achievement.
- Have a Bachelor’s degree and or Master’s Degree (or working towards) in Education or related field
- Use data to inform instructional planning and practice. Comfortable using Microsoft Excel, sharing and analyzing student performance results, and humility in constantly working to improve instructional practices.
- Experience in standards-based, backwards planning.
- Experience working in an entrepreneurial, dynamic school or related demanding environment.
- Have excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Have proficiency in email, word processing, spreadsheets, Google Docs/Classroom, etc.
Traits and Qualities:
At MCA, we believe that an excellent staff member does the following:
- Believes that all of us can and will learn and creates a positive learning environment with high expectations for all students and staff throughout the school;
- Thrives as part of a team-oriented, mission-driven culture;
- Exudes joy and a love of learning every single day;
- Demonstrates a growth mindset and a desire to continually improve through feedback, coaching, and professional development;
- Believes that all children can and will learn.
- Ability to persevere with a sense of optimism, strong problem solving skills, and desire to learn and grow in a collaborative professional learning community.
- Willingness, and commitment, to go above and beyond to prove the possible with students.
- Willing and able to play different roles at the school to meet the varied and constant needs of the students and staff at MCA
- Models positive and healthy character traits and habits, as well as the values of MCA
- Willing to do whatever it takes to help our students achieve academic excellence.
- Constantly assesses progress, communicates results clearly, and uses data to inform decisions and set ambitious goals.
- Has a strong work ethic and commits to doing whatever it takes for students to excel, including committing to an extended work day and remaining available to colleagues, students, and families outside of school hours
For more information or to submit your application, submit a cover letter, resume, and three references to Principal Gabriella Pesce at gpesce@mcaec.org.
