Physical Science Teacher

Job Description

Summary

The Science Department at Albuquerque Academy seeks a passionate and energetic high school science teacher. We are looking for someone who is patient, engaging, and creative in thinking about the art of teaching. Candidates need to be eager to inspire a love of science in all students and collaborate with colleagues. We value diversity at Albuquerque Academy and seek teachers who demonstrate an abiding commitment to equity and belonging.

We are looking for someone who enjoys working with students, and preference is given to any candidate who can teach across the scientific disciplines.  The current position requires knowledge of physics, and the ideal candidate would have experience teaching these classes at the AP or advanced level. The ability to offer elective courses about contemporary scientific issues is also highly desirable.

All teachers at Albuquerque Academy approach their work in accordance with the values in our mission and in a spirit of kindness, professionalism, generosity, and civility to all members of the community. An education at the Academy focuses on the whole child, and teachers and administrators are expected to teach well and also to function as adult mentors for students, in and out of the classroom. Our community norms, listed below, underlie our school culture, and all community members are expected to commit themselves fully to them.

• Value and respect the diverse contributions of each person in the community.
• Assume positive intent and inquire if you are left with questions or concerns.
• Engage in face-to-face direct conversations; be clear, open, and honest in your conversations.
• Be present and participate.

Strong candidates are attracted to our mission and see themselves as engaged community members. They will need to create and implement relevant curriculum and varied assessments for their four classes. Outside the classroom, our teachers work with students in ways that foster their growth and development into effective community members. The teacher’s daily activities include classroom teaching, advising, being available to students for assistance, supporting extracurricular activities, and serving the school community in a variety of other ways. The teacher reports to the department chair and to the division head.

Albuquerque Academy seeks to maintain a diverse and energetic faculty to work with over 1100 highly capable students, including over 50% students of color. We encourage applications from groups traditionally underrepresented in independent school communities. The position is open until filled, and applicants are asked to submit a letter of interest and resume along with their online application. Please explain why Albuquerque Academy is the right fit for you and detail how you inspire a love of learning and passion for Science.

Essential Functions

• Design thoughtful lessons and activities for four sections of science. Teaching assignments may vary from year to year. 
• Instruct students in basic laboratory safety and laboratory protocol.
• Assist students as they conduct laboratory procedures and other inquiry-based learning activities. 
• Help students demonstrate their thinking clearly and systematically.
• Be available to students outside of class throughout the school day for additional help.
• Design formal and informal assessments that measure student progress. Employ a variety of formative and summative assessments to gauge student progress toward mastery.
• Give timely feedback and grades on written work and tests.
• Collaborate with parents and other teachers to offer individualized support of each student’s learning goals. 
• Communicate effectively with students and families about classwork, learning goals, and student progress including writing comments home to parents at least once a semester.
• Use the school’s learning management system to keep students informed about their responsibilities, grades, and expectations.
• Foster and maintain a culture of mutual respect, equitable practice, and joy, in and out of the classroom. Demonstrate cultural competence and communicate and collaborate effectively across differences.
• Set high expectations for student learning, academic achievement, and character development.
• Serve as an adviser, engaging in the advising curriculum.
• Continue to advance their own understanding of pedagogy by reading, attending conferences and workshops, and participating in the school’s professional growth and development plan.

Other Responsibilities

• Attend lunch, provided free to faculty, to help to monitor the dining hall.
• Attend full-faculty, divisional, and departmental meetings, as well as other meetings as needed.
• Attend and support divisional or school activities including other duties such as chaperoning dances, monitoring supervised study hall, proctoring standardized tests, etc.
• Coaches or sponsors an extra-curricular activity such as Science Olympiad or Engineering Club.
• May be asked to mentor another teacher or become part of an evaluation team for a colleague.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Job Qualifications

Education

• A Bachelor’s degree is required. A degree in a science-related field is preferred.
• Advanced studies, professional experience, and/or a master’s degree are preferred.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Deep knowledge of the course content in the sciences and the ability to convey that knowledge to students clearly and coherently. 
• Expertise in coaching students to communicate effectively in speech and on the page.
• Demonstrable and effective classroom management skills.
• Knowledge of laboratory safety guidelines. 
• Expertise in sponsoring or coaching an extracurricular activity preferred.
• Ability to work well with people, especially adolescents.
• Excellent interpersonal, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.
• Capacity to work independently and on a team.
• Excellent communication and public relations skills.
• Strong organizational skills and time-management skills.
• Computer skills including desktop publishing, Microsoft Office software, learning management systems, and online teaching techniques.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Legally authorized to work in the United States.

Experience

• 2-5 years prior teaching experience is preferred.
• Prior experience with adolescents is preferred.

Working Environment

• Generally, teaching is performed indoors in a classroom, laboratory, or office setting.
• Some science classes are conducted outdoors in the Desert Oasis Teaching Garden.
• Hours are generally from 7:45 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. from mid-August to early June. 
• Coaching, extracurricular, or other chaperoning/sponsoring duties may take place outdoors and may extend into pre-school hours, the late afternoon/evening, or weekends.

Physical Demands

Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds at times. Must be able to traverse school facilities and lead students to safety in the event of an emergency. Involves long periods of standing/sitting.  Frequently involves carrying textbooks and laboratory or classroom supplies, communicating/speaking, retrieving files and supplies, writing, using a computer, and reading for preparing daily teaching and grading.

EEO/ADA Compliance

Albuquerque Academy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Academy will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective employees and incumbents to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.