Middle School Science Teacher and Advisor

Saint Andrew’s Episcopal School, Saratoga, California

Position Open: August, 2021

Saint Andrew's Episcopal School is seeking a dynamic and highly collaborative science teacher with an understanding of and passion for teaching middle school-age students. Founded in 1961, SAES is a diverse and inclusive PK-8 school with a strong tradition of whole-child education in the heart of the vibrant Silicon Valley. The successful candidate will join a community of dedicated, compassionate, energetic, and experienced adults – faculty and parents alike – who are committed to the mission to develop “as fully as possible the intellectual, spiritual, physical, and social capacities of each student.” Our goal is to build a joyful, inclusive, and respectful learning community.

This teacher position will be responsible for teaching full time Middle School general science courses (including earth, physical, life science units) as well as a daily Advisory class for 10-12 students. The successful candidate must be able to transfer her/his enthusiasm for and deep understanding of science to students using multiple modalities and authentic applications in order to make learning relevant and meaningful for students. Differentiation, such that students are appropriately challenged within their developmental level, and a meaningful approach to homework are expected instructional strategies. Experience with technology integration, implementation of innovative learning strategies, STEAM initiatives, NGSS standards, and science curriculum development are highly desired. S/he must also demonstrate excellent communication and collaboration skills, creativity, and a high degree of self-direction and flexibility.

Major Responsibilities    

1) Student Relationships

• Creating an inclusive, welcoming, learning-motivated classroom environment where student voice is celebrated.
• Be attuned to the specific learning needs and social and emotional development of each student.
• Lead an advisory group of approximately 10-12 students; provide instruction in health, wellness, and character education while coaching, mentoring, and counseling.
• Provide academic support for students outside of class time (answering homework questions, providing extra writing help, etc.), as needed.

2) Learning  

• Facilitate age-appropriate exploratory, investigative, and challenging instruction.
• Plan instruction that inspires enthusiasm, confidence, and a deep understanding of the sciences.
• Create learning experiences by incorporating a range of instruction modalities.
• Assess understanding using a variety of formative and summative assessments.
• Utilize assessment feedback to adjust instruction and continuously improve student learning.
• Use technology creatively and effectively in a one-to-one laptop environment.
• Attend and collaborate in the organization for annual overnight educational trips.
• Actively pursue student-centered professional learning opportunities aligned with school goals and initiatives.

3) Community

• Active collaboration with other middle school teachers, educators, and specialist teachers to develop curriculum, plan trips, interdisciplinary learning opportunities, and special projects.
• Communicate regularly with parents regarding curriculum and student progress.
• Be a positive and contributing member of the school community.
• Supervise students in other roles such as recess, lunch, field trips, etc. 
• Participate actively in department, grade-level team, division, and faculty meetings as scheduled.
• Pursue relevant opportunities for professional growth and development. 
• Collaborate with departmental colleagues on the ordering of instructional materials, curriculum development, etc.

Requirements and Qualifications

The ideal candidate will have:

• a Bachelor’s degree in science or a closely related field (Master’s degree is preferred)
• a teaching credential
• experience with standards-based curriculum
• a minimum of three years’ experience of classroom teaching experience, preferably at the middle school level
• a passion for interacting with middle level students in and outside of the classroom
• the desire for a highly collaborative work environment that values innovation and creativity
• a sense of humor and a pitch-in, can-do, “yes…and” attitude
• the ability to use technology to enhance the classroom experience
• the desire to use a range of resources that represent diverse cultures, experiences and viewpoints
• satisfactorily completed a nationwide criminal background check.

Interested candidates should email a resume, cover letter, and references to jobs@st-andrews.org.  Interviews including demonstration lessons will take place until the position is filled.