6th Grade Science Teacher - SJHS

Position Title: 6th Grade Science Teacher

ALL APPLICANTS MUST APPLY AT: https://www.applitrack.com/southmontschools/onlineapp/

Classification: Certified

Terms of Employment: Full-Time, 183-Day Contract

Location: Southmont Junior High School

Target Student Population: Grade 6

Reports To: Building Principal

Job Goal

To create a dynamic, inquiry-based learning environment that fosters a love for scientific discovery among 6th-grade students. The teacher will effectively deliver a rigorous science curriculum aligned with Indiana Academic Standards, utilizing hands-on laboratory experiences, technology integration, and data-driven instruction to maximize student achievement.

Performance Responsibilities & Essential Functions

• Standard-Aligned Planning: Develop and implement daily lesson plans, units, and laboratory activities that directly align with the Indiana Academic Standards for 6th Grade Science (focusing on Earth/Space Science, Physical Science, Life Science, and Engineering Design).
• Engaging Practices: Utilize a variety of instructional strategies—including inquiry-based learning, the 5E instructional model, collaborative group work, and hands-on laboratory experiments—to engage all learners.
• Technology Integration: Effectively integrate technology into daily instruction and utilize the district's Learning Management System (Google Classroom) to manage coursework, communicate assignments, and support digital learning.
• eLearning Preparation: Design and manage meaningful asynchronous or synchronous lessons for scheduled or weather-related district eLearning days, ensuring instructional continuity.
• Formative & Summative Assessment: Create and administer regular, balanced assessments to accurately gauge student understanding, skills, and progress.
• Data Analysis: Analyze student performance data (including standard benchmarks and state assessments) to identify learning gaps and differentiate instruction to support or challenge students as needed.
• Timely Grading: Maintain an up-to-date online gradebook, providing prompt, constructive feedback to students and parents regarding academic performance and growth.
• Culture of Safety: Establish and enforce rigorous laboratory safety protocols. Teach and model proper handling of scientific equipment and materials.
• Positive Behavior Support: Create a welcoming, respectful, inclusive, and highly organized classroom culture. Implement clear behavioral expectations consistent with Southmont Junior High policies.
• Student Motivation: Encourage critical thinking, curiosity, and a growth mindset in students as they explore scientific phenomena.
• Professional Learning Communities (PLCs): Actively participate in grade-level, departmental, and district-wide PLC meetings to collaborate on curriculum mapping, pacing, and student interventions.
• Parent Communication: Maintain open lines of communication with parents/guardians through conferences, phone calls, emails, and newsletters regarding student academic and behavioral progress.
• Continuous Growth: Fulfill the 183-day contract schedule, including attendance at all required professional development days, faculty meetings, and parent-teacher conference events.
• Compliance: Maintain necessary Indiana teaching licensing requirements, professional development points (PGPs), and strictly adhere to FERPA and district guidelines.
• All other duties as assigned
  

Qualifications & Requirements

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in education, General Science, or a related field from an accredited institution.
• Valid Indiana Teaching License appropriate for Middle School/Junior High General Science (or Elementary License with Middle School Science endorsement, or eligibility for an approved Indiana alternative transition-to-teaching pathway).
• Proven understanding of 6th-grade developmental needs and effective middle-school classroom management.
• Strong digital literacy (proficiency with Google Workspace for Education and digital science resources).
• Successful clearance of all required state and federal criminal background checks

Preferred:

• Prior experience teaching middle school or junior high science.
• Experience with hands-on, lab-based science curricula
• Demonstrated experience with differentiated instruction and supporting High Ability and English Language (EL) learners.