What are the responsibilities and job description for the 4th-8th grade Science/STEAM Teacher position at The Gooden School?
Position: Fourth through eighth-grade Science and STEAM teacher
The Gooden School, Sierra Madre, California
2025-26 School Year
The Gooden School is an independent Episcopal TK-8th grade school set in the foothills of Sierra Madre. We seek an enthusiastic, committed, and creative individual to serve as a full-time fourth through eighth-grade science and STEAM teacher.
Professional Qualities/Skills
- Passionate, student-centered, inclusive approach to teaching
- Warm, enthusiastic educator who can serve as a role model to students
- Excellent subject knowledge in upper elementary and middle school science/STEAM
- Able to differentiate instruction to address the needs of all individuals
- Committed to meaningful collaboration with colleagues, students, and parents
- Willing to take risks and seize leadership opportunities as they arise
- Committed to staying current with educational research on best practices
- Interested in professional growth and dedicated to continuous learning and development
- Committed to improving the school as a whole and sharing best practices with others
- Self-reflective and open to feedback from colleagues, administrators, and students
- Possesses knowledge of digital citizenship
- Proficient with instructional technology and willing to learn and apply emerging trends that benefit student learning
- Knowledgeable about the restorative approach to discipline and its curricular integration
- Willing to be actively involved in community-building events
Responsibilities
- Create and deliver innovative, high-quality instructional units in science/STEAM
- Utilize varied methods and approaches to material, integrating technology, assessments, projects, labs, and experiments to encourage and create engaged learning in the classroom
- Provide frequent, meaningful feedback to students, including report cards with individualized comments.
- Communicate effectively with parents
- Serve as a middle school advisor
- Perform other duties (recess, lunch, dismissal, etc) as assigned
- Attend and actively participate in all faculty meetings
- Participate in special school events, including but not limited to, Open House, Back to School Night, and special student performances
- Chaperone overnight grade-level science field trips
Desired Qualifications:
- Four-year degree from a college or university (Master’s degree preferred)
- Valid teacher credential and/or previous teaching experience (3-5 years preferred)
- Commitment to working in a diverse learning environment that necessitates flexibility, professional behavior, a positive attitude, and a desire to enhance professional growth
- Strong written and oral communication skills
Compensation
- Competitive salary
- Benefits include Medical, Dental, Vision, 403b Retirement Plan, Long- and Short-term Disability, Voluntary Life/Accident Insurance, Work-Life Balance, and Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
About Us:
The Gooden School is an independent Episcopal TK-8th grade school with an engaged and motivated student body that participates fully in chapel services and community engagement projects. We maintain outstanding academics and a strong sense of community through our motto, “Respect for Self, Respect for Others, Respect for the World.” We teach the whole child, focusing on social and emotional growth, academic and critical-thinking skills, as well as a wide array of enrichment activities. Our philosophy strongly encourages inclusivity and diversity, and ethics and values are infused throughout the curriculum.
The Gooden School is committed to professional development; teachers are encouraged to collaborate with their school peers and those at other schools. Faculty have leadership opportunities within the school and participate in professional and curriculum development opportunities throughout the year. Our benefits and friendly community inspire excellent teacher retention.
The Gooden School is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to an inclusive, welcoming community where all are accepted and treated with respect. The Gooden School does not unlawfully discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of age, race, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, religion, veteran status, national origin, or ethnic origin, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law.
Qualified applicants should submit a letter of interest and resume to:
employment@goodenschool.org Attn: Laurie Tortell
Benefits:
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance