What are the responsibilities and job description for the Middle School Science Teacher position at Kairos Academies?
Middle School Science Teacher |
Location: St. Louis, MO 63118
Department: Schools / Academics
Reports To: School Leader
Classification: Full-Time / Exempt
Position Summary
The Middle School Science Teacher at Kairos Academies is a mission-driven educator who brings science to life through inquiry, experimentation, and hands-on learning. This role combines deep content knowledge with Kairos’ coaching-based instructional model—empowering students to ask questions, think critically, and take ownership of their learning through real-world application.
At Kairos, all teachers are leaders. Beyond delivering rigorous, standards-aligned instruction, Science teachers model our values of Love, Excellence, Agency, and Diversity while shaping the systems and culture that make Kairos a place where every student can thrive. Teachers are expected to coach, collaborate, and reflect to ensure students achieve measurable academic and personal growth.
Core Responsibilities:
Instructional Excellence
- Design and implement engaging, standards-aligned units across life, earth, and physical sciences that promote inquiry and problem-solving.
- Facilitate hands-on labs, experiments, engineering challenges, and data-driven investigations that connect science concepts to real-world phenomena.
- Use data from MAP, NWEA, and internal assessments to differentiate instruction and close achievement gaps.
- Maintain accurate gradebooks and provide frequent, actionable feedback on lab work, projects, and written reflections.
- Integrate literacy and numeracy into science lessons to build interdisciplinary connections and reinforce critical thinking.
- Ensure lab safety, proper materials management, and compliance with safety protocols at all times.
Student Relationships & Mentorship
- Serve as a Kairos Coach, mentoring a pod of students weekly to support executive functioning, goal-setting, and reflection.
- Foster a classroom environment that promotes curiosity, teamwork, and respect for diverse perspectives.
- Communicate proactively with families to celebrate student progress and address academic or behavioral challenges.
Collaboration & Professional Growth
- Partner with grade-level and content-area teams to align curriculum, assessments, and best practices.
- Participate in professional learning communities (PLCs), coaching cycles, and team reflections aligned with Kairos’ learning model.
- Contribute to a collaborative, solutions-oriented team culture that prioritizes continuous improvement.
Whole-School Service & Leadership - Click here for more information
- Serve in a whole-school service role (e.g., STEM Lead, Safety Lead, Tutoring Lead) that supports schoolwide academic and cultural goals.
- Support consistent implementation of restorative practices, positive behavior systems, and SEL frameworks.
- Contribute to family engagement events, community initiatives, and cross-disciplinary projects.
Driver Goals
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MAP Proficiency: 60% of students meet or exceed science proficiency benchmarks.
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NWEA Growth: 70% of students demonstrate expected or above-expected growth.
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Mentoring Participation: 75% of students meet coaching engagement and reflection benchmarks.
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On-Track Gradient Learning Classes: 85% of students maintain on-track progress in science coursework.
Key Indicators of Success
- Evidence of rigorous, inquiry-based instruction aligned to Missouri Learning Standards and Kairos’ Graduate Profile.
- Consistent use of data to inform instruction, reteaching, and student interventions.
- Classroom culture characterized by curiosity, collaboration, and student ownership of learning.
- Growth in student independence and scientific reasoning as measured by coaching data and student feedback.
- Active contribution to team planning, problem-solving, and schoolwide improvement efforts.
Qualifications
Required:
- Bachelor’s degree in Science Education, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, or related field.
- Valid Missouri Substitute Certification.
- Demonstrated success increasing student engagement and achievement in science.
- Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.
- Eligible to work for any employer in the United States.
Preferred:
- Missouri Teaching Certificate (Science 5–9) or eligibility to obtain upon hire.
- Master’s degree in Education, Curriculum & Instruction, or related field.
- Experience with inquiry-based, project-based, or STEM-integrated instruction.
- 3 years of middle school teaching experience with proven student growth outcomes.
Work Schedule & Environment
- Monday–Friday, 7:45 AM – 4:00 PM.
- Occasional evenings or weekends for family engagement, tutoring, or science events.
- Dynamic, fast-paced environment requiring adaptability and collaboration.
- On-site role at Kairos Academies in St. Louis, MO.
Compensation & Benefits
- Base Salary: $60,000
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Paid time off & wellness reimbursement
- Professional development & certification reimbursement
- Certification and Graduate Coursework Reimbursement
- Comprehensive Coaching and Growth Opportunities
About Kairos Academies
Kairos Academies is a forward-thinking public charter school network in St. Louis reimagining education for the 21st century. Our mission is to cultivate an integrated community of self-directed learners, leaders, and citizens. Recognized nationally for innovation and excellence, Kairos replaces traditional lectures with personalized, project-based learning and emphasizes executive-function coaching to help students take ownership of their education and lives.
Kairos Academies is a forward-thinking public charter school network in St. Louis reimagining education for the 21st century. Our mission is to cultivate an integrated community of self-directed learners, leaders, and citizens. Recognized nationally for innovation and excellence, Kairos replaces traditional lectures with personalized, project-based learning and emphasizes executive-function coaching to help students take ownership of their education and lives.
Salary : $60,000