FY 26-27 HIGH SCHOOL SCIENCE TEACHER

JOB TITLE: High School Biology/Environmental Science

STATUS: Full Time

REPORTS TO: Site Director/Coordinator

***$10,000 Hard-to-Fill stipend for qualifying new hires***

ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW

Vaughn Next Century Learning Center (“Vaughn”), located in Pacoima, is a large urban public school within the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD). Since the early 1970s, low student achievement had been a pattern. In 1993, tired of being helpless and hopeless, Vaughn became the first conversion charter school in the nation and was authorized by LAUSD. The charter was renewed most recently in 2018. Vaughn has over 25 years of experience as a successful independent charter school serving the district’s low-income students. This previously failing elementary public school is now a full-service, community-based, K-12th charter school that assures all students are college/career ready, digitally literate, and globally competent. 

POSITION OVERVIEW

The High School Science Teacher is responsible for delivering engaging, standards-aligned instruction in Biological Science that promotes academic achievement, critical thinking, and college and career readiness. The teacher creates a safe, structured, and inclusive learning environment; utilizes data-driven instructional practices and assessments to meet diverse student needs; and fosters positive relationships with students, families, and colleagues. This position requires collaboration with instructional teams, participation in school-wide initiatives, and a commitment to continuous professional growth. The ideal candidate maintains high expectations for student success, effectively integrates technology into instruction, and demonstrates a strong commitment to the mission, vision, and values of Vaughn Next Century Learning Center.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the direction of the Administrator/Coordinator, the duties include, but are not limited to: 

• Provide effective classroom and/or laboratory instruction in Biological Science using methods and materials appropriate to the subject matter.
• Prepare and deliver standards-based lessons that accommodate diverse student learning needs.
• Utilize a variety of instructional strategies and assessment methods to guide and improve student learning.
• Exhibit knowledge of performance-based instruction and assessment practices.
• Create and maintain a safe, nurturing, structured, and effective learning environment.
• Establish and maintain positive behavior expectations and guidance practices that support student success.
• Collaborate with colleagues, support staff, administrators, and families to support student achievement and well-being.
• Communicate regularly regarding student progress and educational needs.
• Maintain accurate records of student progress, attendance, punctuality, grades, and other required school documentation.
• Maintain an up-to-date online gradebook and provide timely feedback to students and families.
• Utilize classroom technology effectively, including computer applications, interactive boards, and other instructional tools.
• Participate in department meetings, professional development activities, PLTs, Governing Committees, and the High School Advisory Program.
• Participate in Student Success Team (SST), Section 504, and Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings as required.
• Complete and update student records and related paperwork in a timely manner.
• Work beyond the regular school day as necessary to support program success.
• Demonstrate a commitment to working collaboratively with students, colleagues, families, and the community while modeling and promoting the values of Vaughn Next Century Learning Center.

SKILLS AND CHARACTERISTICS

• Possess a work ethic and personal belief system that aligns with the mission and vision of Vaughn Next Century Learning Center
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to interact and forge relationships with students, parents, staff and community members
• Extremely high standards for student achievement
• Demonstrated relentlessness to meet organizational goals
• Self-directed with the ability to work both autonomously and in teams
• Work ethic and personal belief system that align with the mission and vision of Vaughn Next Century Learning Center
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) preferred but not required

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Must have a valid California Single-subject Science: Biological Science Credential required
• Have BCLAD, CLAD, or EL Authorization required
• Experience with Project Based Learning preferred

SALARY AND BENEFITS

• $70,412.16 - $121,843.36
• 184 days of work per year
• 10 Sick Days per year (accrued on a per payroll basis)
• Eligible for competitive health benefits (medical, dental, vision)
• 100% employer covered life insurance
• 100% employer covered long-term disability insurance
• Access to Vaughn Perks, an employee benefits hub with access to discounts and services
• CalSTRS contribution for CalSTRS-eligible positions

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Upon receiving an offer of employment: 

• Must pass a criminal background check (Live Scan) with the Department of Justice (DOJ) 
• Must provide a Tuberculosis skin test (Mantoux) clearance within 60 days of employment
• Will be assigned mandated state training to be completed prior to the first day of employment 

Vaughn Next Century Learning Center does not discriminate on the basis of race, religious creed, color, ethnic or national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, uniformed service member status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, marital status, sex, pregnancy, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected basis under the law. Equal opportunity shall be provided to all employees and applicants in every aspect of personnel policy and practice. Vaughn does not discriminate against persons with disabilities who, with reasonable accommodation, can perform the essential functions of the job in question

Salary : $70,412 - $121,843