Lower School Upper Elementary Science Specialist - Grades 3-5

King School is a PreK-12 independent, college preparatory day school located in Stamford that serves the diverse families of Fairfield and Westchester counties. King School seeks more than achievement for our students. We open minds and spark courageous thinking. Our students discover and forge their unique paths to excellence.

Diversity is foundational to academic and professional excellence, and therefore is a core value at King. We think, learn, and work more deeply due to the many facets of diversity in our community, including but not limited to gender, race, ethnicity, religion, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, age, ability, and learning style. We leverage cultural differences and intellectual diversity to create an inclusive and vibrant learning community, endeavoring for each person to feel seen, heard, valued, and respected.

Job Title: Lower School Upper Elementary Science Specialist - Grades 3-5

Division: Lower School

Reports to: Head of Lower School

Summary

King seeks a highly qualified educator to teach science in Grades 3–5. The successful candidate will hold a degree in elementary science education, have a sound understanding of the developmental needs of upper elementary students, and have prior experience teaching hands-on, inquiry-based science. The ideal candidate has a background in teaching and developing science courses rooted in the Next Generation Science Standards, experience with Smithsonian Science, and familiarity with Makerspace curriculum. They must also demonstrate the ability to collaborate with colleagues and parents and have the desire to participate in the life of the school beyond the classroom.

Primary Responsibilities Include, But Are Not Limited To

• Teach NGSS-aligned science to all students in Grades 3–5, including teaching and assessing grade level standards using a variety of tools and pedagogical strategies.
• Facilitate inquiry-based, hands-on experiments that inspire students to learn through questioning, exploration, and observation.
• Teach the scientific process, experimental design, and non-fiction critical reading and analysis within the content area of Science.
• Design and execute innovative, project-based curricula that deepen mastery of scientific concepts and develop students' sense of stewardship, agency, and creative problem-solving in real-world contexts.
• Employ a variety of instructional techniques, technology, and media to guide learning toward student mastery.
• Incorporate Responsive Classroom pillars into classroom management and daily routine.
• Regularly assess students and use data to inform instruction.
• Serve as lead coordinator for the annual Grade 5 Science Fair.
• Collaborate with Chair of the Science Department (K-12), Middle School Science teachers, and Lower School faculty on curriculum development, vertical sequencing, and integration.
• Work with the science teacher for PreK–2 and participate in the Lower School garden program.
• Report on student progress to parents through conferences, reports, and emails.
• Attend faculty meetings, committee work, professional development, and carpool duty as scheduled.
• Attend Parents' Night, Open House, and chaperone field trips as needed.
• Participate in King's orientation and mentor programs.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Head of Lower School.
• A bachelor’s degree in Elementary and/or Science/STEAM Education.
• Master’s Degree in Elementary Education preferred.
• A minimum of five years of teaching experience in Upper elementary preferred.
• Experience teaching Elementary Science and maker/innovation skills
• Demonstrate excellence in classroom management techniques.
• Familiarity with technology tools such as, 3D printing, Makey Makey, Sphero, Green Screen, and Stop Motion animation, with the ability to integrate these tools purposefully into science instruction to deepen student understanding and creative problem-solving.
• Knowledge of academic and social developmental benchmarks.
• Ability to work in a self-directed way.
• Proven ability to manage a classroom that offers hands-on centers.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to constructively collaborate with colleagues and parents.
• Strong capacity in cultural competence; ability to work, learn, and teach in cross-cultural environments.
• Capacity to teach using project-based and experiential learning frameworks.
• Must have a demonstrated alignment with King’s Mission and Virtues .