Position Purpose

This full-time position requires the teacher to teach five sections in a blended on-campus and virtual 1:1 iPad environment that values collaboration and differentiated instruction: four sections of Middle School math at the seventh or eighth grade level and one section of computer science at the same level.

• The seventh grade pre-algebra course focuses on transitioning students from the concrete concepts of arithmetic learned in previous grades, using the University of Chicago Everyday Math Program, to the abstract concepts of algebra and geometry.
• The eighth grade curriculum presents Algebra I, either at a pace to complete the full course or at an introductory pace, depending on the mastery of pre-algebra concepts demonstrated by students enrolled in the section.
• The computer science curriculum builds upon the foundation established in Lower and Middle School while exploring game design, Python, and 3-D printing.

As a member of both the math and science vertical teams, the teacher will be responsible for collaborating with peers on curriculum and instruction, as well as on the progression of Middle School students’ math and computer science skills.

The teacher also serves as a Middle School advisor to a group of students. The advisor attends chapel with students, acts as their mentor, and provides organizational assistance and instruction of social and emotional learning lessons. The advisor works with the grade-level teaching team to plan, develop, and facilitate appropriate skills, conversations, and team-building activities for the grade. The advisor communicates regularly and as needed with parents and other teachers, conducts advisory meetings and discussion groups, and prepares for and participates in parent/student/advisor conferences.

Key Accountabilities

• Teach students to individually and cooperatively visualize, discuss, and demonstrate mathematical concepts to extend their problem-solving skills and techniques.
• Expand students’ fundamental computer science skills by teaching more in-depth coding principles, practices, and skills.
• Cultivate culturally competent math and computer science classrooms by establishing and maintaining a respectful and conscientious environment.
• Participate in continuous curriculum evaluation with grade-level and vertical peers.
• Collaborate with vertical team members to ensure math and computer science curriculum continuity between Lower and Middle School and as students progress through Middle School. The vertical team monitors and advances the quality of the overall program and the progress and success of students.
• Maintain curriculum documentation in accordance with Middle School division requirements.
• Understand and meet the developmental and academic needs of Middle School students of varying academic, social and emotional abilities. Differentiate instruction to meet individual student needs.
• Adapt instructional strategies to accommodate the needs of students with diagnosed learning differences according to the accommodations outlined on Student Support Plans.
• Provide feedback to students and parents using a variety of tools including progress and grade reports, in-person and video conferences, phone calls, emails, and one-on-one meetings. The teacher is expected to write thoughtful, meaningful, and well-articulated comments that reflect students’ progress and give specific direction for growth.
• Maintain daily lesson plans and effectively use the Student Information System, Learning Management System, and various other online tools. The teacher is expected to electronically record attendance, gradebooks, and reports.
• Attend and contribute to regular grade?level, vertical, divisional, and all-employee meetings.
• Fulfill other duties as assigned, such as lunch, recess, and carpool duty. Participate fully in the School community through club sponsorship, coaching, or other means.
• Adapt curriculum and instructional modalities as necessary based on whether learning is taking place on campus, at home, or in a hybrid/blended environment. Demonstrate technical proficiency and the ability to plan, organize, teach, and communicate in person, to a blended in-person/online class, and in synchronous and asynchronous online environments.
• Assist with the planning of and participate in seventh or eighth grade field trips, whether they be virtual, day, or overnight.

Opportunities and Challenges

The seventh/eighth grade math and computer science teacher prepares students for the self-advocacy, stamina, and rigor required in high school. The teacher helps students continue to develop effective habits, skills, and attitudes in the completion of their academic work. The teacher must:

• Model the St. John’s Code of respect, responsibility, honesty, and care.
• Demonstrate clarity in verbal and written communication.
• Demonstrate strong listening skills.
• Embrace the School’s Episcopal identity, ethos, and commitment to respecting the dignity of each individual.

Growth Mindset

• Collaborate with colleagues on the development of curriculum and in the practice of instructional strategies.
• Leverage the knowledge, skills, and abilities of the Student Formation Team in support of students’ academic, social, and emotional needs.
• Pursue growth in relevant technology skills.
• Network with peers at other local and national independent and Episcopal schools.
• Demonstrate commitment to personal and professional growth. Able to meaningfully receive, reflect on, and apply feedback to one’s professional growth.
• Attend conferences and professional meetings to remain current with math and computer science curriculum, instructional strategies, culturally responsive instruction, and social and emotional learning.