High School Health Science/High School Science Teacher - 2025-2026 School Year

Job Title: High School Health Science/High School Science Teacher

Job Classification: Certified/Licensed Instructional

Reports to: Director of CTE/Head of School - The Portage School of Leaders

Work Schedule: Academic Year/7:45 am - 4:15 pm

General Description:

The Portage School of Leaders seeks a Health Science Career Pathway Teacher who will also teach general high school science courses for the 2025-2026 year. This role includes preparing students for careers in healthcare by delivering engaging, hands-on instruction and guiding them toward CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) certification. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in health sciences and a commitment to helping students succeed by exploring new approaches to instruction and to engaging students in meaningful learning experiences that foster learning, career training, and exploration of the medical field in an innovative learning environment. The Health Science Teacher plays a vital role in preparing students for both industry-recognized credentials and real-world healthcare experiences, while cultivating the essential skills outlined in the Portage School’s Portrait of a Leader. Applicants should be fluent with current industry health science processes and comfortable teaching high school science classes.

Qualifications:

• Two or more years' experience in a health science field, at least 1 in a long-term care facility.
• Be a registered nurse in good standing.
• Have or be eligible to obtain a Workplace Specialist License or Professional Educators License from the IDOE.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Designs and delivers standards-aligned instruction rooted in the NLPS (Next Level Programs of Study) framework and aligned with the Portage School’s competency-based learning model, ensuring students master both academic and technical content.
• Develops engaging, hands-on lessons and lab experiences that emphasize real-world applications in health science, clinical reasoning, patient care, and ethical practice.
• Uses standards-based and performance-based assessments to evaluate student progress and adjust instruction; provides multiple pathways and opportunities for students to demonstrate mastery.
• Guides students toward certification-readiness, helping them build technical proficiency and career-aligned skills for success in CNA, medical assisting, or other healthcare pathways.
• Creates a structured, inclusive, and relationship-rich classroom environment, promoting safety, respect, and student ownership of learning.
• Integrates field trips, guest speakers, clinical simulations, and authentic workplace experiences into instruction to deepen relevance and exposure to health professions.
• Maintains accurate records of student progress, competencies achieved, and attendance, using the Mastery Transcript platform and schoolwide systems.
• Builds strong relationships with families and caregivers, communicating proactively to support academic and career success.
• Collaborates with colleagues to design interdisciplinary, project-based learning experiences and co-lead the school’s efforts to build student capacity in connection, agency, inquiry, reason, and communication.
• Serves as a Wayfinder (Advisor) to a group of approximately fifteen (15) students, supporting their academic planning, social-emotional development, and postsecondary exploration.
• Manages classroom equipment and inventory responsibly, ensuring a safe and professional lab environment.
• Participates actively in professional learning, including collaboration with colleagues, participation in conferences and training, and contribution to the continuous improvement of instructional practice.
• Collaborates with colleagues on interdisciplinary, project-based learning and supports students in learning the “Portrait of a Leader” and related competencies and essential skills.
• Other duties as assigned by the Administration.

Essential Skills and Abilities:

• Competency in the administration and interpretation of academic ability testing.
• Ability to use technology for documentation and preparation of professional materials.
• Ability to teach and assist students in the use of computer applications.
• Ability to communicate assessment results, in written and oral forms, to parents and professionals.
• Ability to develop, implement, and evaluate behavior plans for use in general and special education settings.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and contribute meaningfully to collaborative team environments.
• Commitment to lifelong learning and growth, particularly in adapting to new technologies and instructional tools.

School Activities:

The health science teacher is required to attend and/or participate in such other activities as directed by the Administrator such as faculty meetings (before or after school hours), open houses, commencement exercises, chaperoning student activities, providing guidance for students, participating in faculty committees, study and help resolve school problems.

About the Portage School of Leaders:

At the Portage School of Leaders, we emphasize deeper learning and competency-based education, promoting durable, interdisciplinary skills alongside content mastery. Teachers here prioritize deeper learning, differentiated instruction, and academic and personal growth. Located in a beautiful, state-of-the-art facility in downtown South Bend, the Portage School is designed for collaboration and creation, and our relationship-focused environment encourages student agency, fosters wonder, and helps students develop skills for life and a passion for lifelong learning.

• Two or more years' experience in a health science field, at least 1 in a long-term care facility.
• Be a registered nurse in good standing.
• Have or be eligible to obtain a Workplace Specialist License or Professional Educators License from the IDOE.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.