Upper School Biology Teacher 2024-2025

Porter-Gaud School is an Episcopal, independent, coeducational day school of 1,650 students in preschool through grade 12. The School is looking for a full-time Upper School Biology Teacher beginning with the 2024 - 2025 school year. The Uppers School Biology teacher will be responsible for teaching science courses primarily in Biology, with the possibility of also Chemistry and other life science and physical science curricula with the incorporation of technology and engineering as appropriate to meet STEM and Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) goals.

The Upper School Biology Teacher will display a continuous commitment to developing the attitudes, knowledge, and skills (intercultural competence) to engage in appropriate and effective communication with students, colleagues, and families from diverse backgrounds and perspectives. We desire candidates who will contribute to the school's efforts to continue creating a more inclusive and equitable community where all individuals can develop a sense of belonging.

Primary responsibilities:

• Instruct students in Biology and other life & physical sciences, in accordance with curriculum requirements and department objectives.
• Inspire a love of and appreciation for laboratory science in our students.
• Employ a variety of instructional techniques and assessments that address multiple learning styles.
• Evidence enthusiasm for and continued development of content knowledge in subject matter.
• Establish and actively maintain a class environment where excellence in learning is honored and where respectful interactions between and among students are valued.
• Participate as an active team member within the Science Department, the Upper School faculty, and the school community as a whole.
• Serve as an advisor to a small group of students and participate in various Upper School activities such as committees, division level meetings, clubs and organizations.

Minimum Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, preferably with a degree or certification in the field of Biology or associated STEM field.
• At least three years of experience teaching biological science; with some experience teaching chemistry. Upper School teaching experience is preferred.
• Proficiency in the use of technology in the classroom.
• A well-developed knowledge of classroom safety and preparation requirements for laboratory set-ups.
• Knowledge of NGSS and desire to teach progressive pedagogical methods including, but not limited to, modeling instruction, project/problem-based learning, and incorporation of engineering skills.

The Successful candidate will:

• Appreciate and enjoy interacting with energetic Upper School age students and partnering with their families in their student's academic development.
• Show evidence of organization, self-motivation, and punctuality.
• Show evidence of a desire and willingness to contribute to the life of an independent school.

Reporting: The Upper School Biology Teacher will report directly to the Head of Upper School and will take direction from the Science Department Chair.

Salary: Commensurate with experience.

Porter-Gaud School is committed to increasing the racial, ethnic, and religious diversity of our faculty and staff. The School welcomes applicants who would bring additional dimensions to the School's teaching mission. In accordance with law, Porter-Gaud School is an equal opportunity employer and hires without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, national origin, or disability.

Porter-Gaud School is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of our students. We hold our employees to the highest possible standards. All employees are subject to extensive background check screenings and must sign our code of conduct. We strive to monitor employees while interacting with students. We take any inappropriate interactions between students and employees seriously and are committed to mandatory reporting standards as required by law. We will fully cooperate with authorities in any allegation or case of abuse.