What are the responsibilities and job description for the Long Term Substitute: Middle School Science position at La Jolla Country Day School?
La Jolla Country Day School is seeking an inspiring and student-centered Middle School Science Educator to serve as a long term substitute beginning in late January 2026 through the end of the school year in June. You will teach four sections of 8th grade Environmental Chemistry and join a team of dedicated colleagues committed to collaboration, reflective practice, and student-centered learning.
The ideal candidate inspires curiosity, nurtures scientific thinking, and creates engaging, inquiry-driven learning experiences that empower young learners to explore and question the world around them.
Why Join La Jolla Country Day School?
At LJCDS, our Middle School Science program is guided by foundational principles:
- The world is understandable.
- Scientific ideas evolve.
- Knowledge is durable but limited.
- Science relies on inquiry, evidence, and analysis.
- Scientific work is collaborative and guided by ethics.
We are a mission-driven educational community that values dignity, equity, inclusion, and a deep respect for childhood and adolescence. We seek educators who share these values and who are committed to cultivating critical thinkers who use scientific understanding to improve their lives and contribute to the well-being of our planet.
If you thrive in collaborative environments, are passionate about teaching middle schoolers, and believe in inquiry-driven science education, we would love to meet you.
What You’ll Do
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Teaching & Student Support
- Teach four sections of 8th grade Environmental Chemistry using inquiry-based, student-centered practices.
- Create a supportive, caring classroom environment grounded in Middle School Torrey Values: honesty, accountability, resilience, and kindness.
- Differentiate instruction to meet the needs of diverse learners and encourage high levels of achievement.
- Serve as an advisor to 15–18 students, supporting their academic and social-emotional growth.
- Potentially serve as a chaperone for the annual Outdoor Education program.
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Curriculum & Instruction
- Implement science curriculum aligned with current best practices.
- Use formative and summative assessments, along with student learning data, to reflect on and improve instruction.
- Incorporate technology (Google Workspace, Apple TV, Seesaw, etc.) to enhance teaching and learning.
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Collaboration & Community Engagement
- Engage in ongoing collaboration with colleagues, using norms of collaboration and shared protocols.
- Maintain timely, positive communication with students, families, and colleagues.
- Participate actively in grade-level, departmental, divisional, and schoolwide initiatives.
- Contribute to the broader school community as a positive, service-oriented member.
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Professional Growth
- Demonstrate a commitment to culturally responsive teaching, anti-racist education, and ongoing self-reflection.
- Continue to grow in cultural competency, instructional practice, and subject-matter expertise.
Who You Are
- A passionate science educator: You bring a deep passion for chemistry, environmental science, and middle school learners. You use varied instructional strategies to engage students and promote meaningful scientific thinking.
- A collaborative colleague: You enjoy working across disciplines and divisions, and you bring enthusiasm and adaptability to team efforts.
- A student-centered classroom leader: You create a classroom culture where students feel safe, supported, and excited to learn. You value collaboration, hands-on inquiry, and authentic assessment.
- A reflective, data-informed practitioner: You gather and analyze student learning data to refine your teaching and enhance the student experience.
- A community-minded contributor: You bring positivity, service, and a willingness to support school programs beyond the classroom.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, environmental science, or a closely related field. Master’s degree is preferred.
- Demonstrated experience teaching science, ideally at the middle school level.
- Working knowledge of Google Workspace and Microsoft Office.
- Ability to learn and use new educational technologies and platforms.
Work Environment & Physical Requirements
- Full-time, in-person role on a Middle School campus.
- Ability to sit, stand, move around campus, and work at a computer for extended periods.
- May occasionally lift up to 30 lbs.
- Requires normal vision and hearing to support interactions with students and colleagues.
Salary Range
This position offers a bi-weekly salary in the range of $2,300-$4,500. An offer will be determined by a candidate's specific experience, education, and qualifications.
To be considered, please submit:
- A current resume or CV,
- A cover letter describing your experience and your interest in joining the LJCDS Middle School Science team, and
- A sample lesson.
Salary : $2,300 - $4,500
