Grade 7/8 Science Teacher

TITLE: Science Teacher – Middle School SUMMARY: Reporting to the Building Principal, the Middle School Science Teacher will teach all three Sciences – Earth, Physical and Life Science. Creates rich learning experiences that guide students to develop in-depth understanding of concepts such as cellular biology, body systems, matter, the Earth, energy transfer, and human impact on our environment. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Demonstrates working knowledge of the core curriculum outlined in Massachusetts Science Technology and Engineering standards, and Next Generation Science Standards. Frames curriculum around key learning standards/concepts and essential questions in General Science that provide opportunities for reasoning, logic, analysis and synthesis when planning units, lessons, and assessments. Creates lessons based on inquiry-based activities, cooperative, peer and project-based learning and differentiated lessons that guide students to develop background knowledge from a variety of texts while emphasizing district wide initiative infusing literacy instruction into science classes. Keeps current in various scientific fields and apply that knowledge to the instructional program. Contribute to the ongoing planning, evaluation and restructuring of curriculum. Plans instruction and assessments in General Science and monitor student understanding of the curriculum; and adjust instruction, materials, or assessments as deemed appropriate. Manages the classroom environment and creates an atmosphere that is positive for student learning and involvement in General Science. Administers and develops subject specific assessments for the purpose of assessing student competency levels and/or developing individual learning plans. Advises parents and/or legal guardians of student progress for the purpose of communicating expectations and student's achievements; developing methods for improvement and/or reinforcing classroom goals in the home environment. Assesses student progress towards learning targets, objectives, expectations, and/or goals for the purpose of providing feedback to students, parents and administration. Collaborates with instructional staff, other school personnel, parents and a variety of community resources for the purpose of improving the overall quality of student outcomes, achieving established classroom objectives in support of the school improvement plan. Counsels students for the purpose of improving performance, health status, appropriate behavior, problem solving techniques and a variety of personal issues. Instructs students for the purpose of improving their success in academics through a defined course of study. Manages student behavior for the purpose of providing a safe and optimal learning environment. Participates in a variety of meetings and professional development activities for the purpose of conveying and/or gathering information required to perform functions and to improve student achievement. Prepares a variety of written materials (e.g. grades, lesson plans following scope and sequence, correspondence with parents and students, examinations and quizzes, attendance, anecdotal records, etc.) for the purpose of documenting student progress and meeting mandated requirements. Reports incidents (e.g. fights, suspected child abuse, suspected substance abuse, harassment, zero tolerance offenses etc.) for the purpose of maintaining personal safety of students, providing a positive learning environment and adhering to state law and board policies. Responds to inquiries from a variety of sources (e.g. other teachers, parents, administrators, students, central office staff, etc.) for the purpose of resolving issues, providing information and/or direction. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Education and Experience Bachelor’s Degree in Science form an accredited college/university. Licensed, or eligible for licensure, in General Science (5-8) by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge of basic math including calculations using fractions, percent, and/or ratios; preparing a variety of documents; facilitating group discussions; analyzing situations to define issues and draw conclusions; policies, regulations and/or laws; age appropriate activities; lesson plan requirements; stages of child development; and behavioral management strategies. Skill-based competencies include applying assessment instruments; operating standard office equipment including using pertinent software applications; and preparing and maintaining accurate records. Ability to schedule activities, meetings, and/or events; gather, collate, and/or classify data; use job-related equipment; flexibility is required to work with others in a wide variety of circumstances; analyze data utilizing defined but different processes; operate equipment using standardized methods; work with a diversity of individuals and/or groups; problem solving is required to analyze issues and create action plans; maintaining constructive relationships; adapting to changing work priorities; maintaining confidentiality; exhibiting tact and patience; and working flexible hours. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to remain in a stationary position for extended periods; position oneself to demonstrate technique; move up to 25 lbs. Accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work is generally performed primarily indoors and predominantly in a multi-purpose room/classroom and school environment. Exposure to weather conditions for in-district travel. The essential duties and responsibilities listed are intended only as an illustration of the type of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if work is similar, related, or a logical assignment of the position.

Salary : $54,000 - $102,000