FY 26-27 PHYSICS TEACHER

JOB TITLE: Physics Teacher 

STATUS: Full Time, Exempt

REPORTS TO: Site Director/Coordinator

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

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

Vaughn Next Century Learning Center is seeking an energetic, student-centered High School Physics Teacher who is passionate about delivering rigorous instruction, fostering curiosity, and supporting all learners in mastering scientific concepts. Under the direction of the Administrator/Coordinator, the Physics Teacher plays a critical role in shaping students’ academic success, promoting a positive classroom culture, and contributing to the collaborative spirit of the high school team.

The ideal candidate is committed to excellence, skilled in performance-based instruction, and enthusiastic about working closely with students, families, and colleagues. This educator will bring strong content expertise, creativity, and a growth mindset to ensure every student is prepared for college, career, and lifelong learning.

RESPONSIBILITIES

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

• Plan and deliver the high school physics curriculum
• Provide effective classroom instruction with primary focus on physics using methods appropriate to the subject matter
• Provide content-related and appropriate instruction to students in a diversified manner
• Provide a classroom environment which promotes active learning in physics
• Exhibit knowledge of performance-based instruction and assessment
• Develop and implement lesson plans and activities to fulfill the requirements of the class curriculum
• Prepares lessons in instructional formats that accommodate differences in individual student needs
• Maintain an up-to-date online gradebook with feedback for students on progress
• Account for student attendance and punctuality
• Collaborate with department teachers to plan and integrate the Core Knowledge curriculum, when possible and appropriate, with physics projects
• Establish positive guidance techniques rather than negative methods to correct and influence student behavior
• Collaborates with peers and support staff
• Creates an effective environment for learning
• Establishes and maintains standards of student behavior needed to achieve an effective learning environment in the classroom.
• Utilizes different instructional strategies to meet the needs of a wide variety of students
• Maintains a safe, nurturing, and structured classroom environment
• Has a working knowledge of basic computer applications, interactive boards and technology available in the classroom
• Participates in department level meetings
• Participates in staff development
• Engages in Governing Committees
• Collaborates in High School Advisory Program 
• Participates in SST and IEP meetings
• Communicates with support staff, administrators, team teachers and parents about student progress
• Completes and updates paperwork to ensure that student records are current 
• Works beyond the parameters of a regular school day to assure the success of the program
• Desires to work closely with students, colleagues and community in modeling and teaching the values of Vaughn Next Century Learning Center
• Maintain appropriate records of student progress and other school records

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
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) preferred but not required

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Must have a valid California Single Subject teaching credential with an authorization in Physics required
• Have BCLAD, CLAD, or EL Authorization required

• Experience with Project Based Learning preferred
• Bachelor degree in fields related to chemistry preferred

SALARY AND BENEFITS

• $67,704.00 - $115,828.51
• 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 : $67,704 - $115,829