Science Teacher

EFFECTIVE:  2025-26 school year
Position type: Exempt
New Employee: 191 days/year
1.0 FTE
Benefits Eligible: Yes

POSITION SUMMARY:

Colorado’s Finest High School of Choice (CFHSC) was established in 1980 with the purpose of educating students who were unsuccessful in a traditional high school setting.  The name of the school was selected by the original student body and is meant as an aspirational statement. CFHSC currently serves around 300 students, 70% of which come to Finest from outside the district.  Ninety-five percent of students are considered ''at risk'' as defined by the Colorado Department of Education. The school's mission is to provide diverse educational opportunities for students to earn a quality high school diploma in an accepting and supportive community. We strive for students to be KNOWN WELL and TAUGHT WELL. The vision is to live up to the school’s name by providing the finest education and inspiring students seeking a fresh start. The ultimate goal being to help students choose their “Finest Future.”

 

·         The ability to teach all Science content areas is a plus
·         Honor students’ identities, cultures, and abilities while breaking down barriers to a safe and equitable learning experience.
·         Engage high school students by effectively using research-based best practices in science instruction.
·         Plan lessons, select materials; prepare assignments, tests, and discussion topics. 
·         Assist students with understanding and appreciating advanced science, lead discussions, encourage and provide feedback. 
·         Individuals must be familiar with the Gradual Release of Responsibility Instructional Model and be able to plan lessons using the Backward By Design format. 
·         Work as a team member in professional learning communities, utilize data driven instruction, and create class curriculum based on state standards. 
·         The focus of this position is student growth, proficiency, and preparing students for the future. Encourage parent/guardian involvement in student learning through open houses, volunteering, parent/teacher conferences, etc. 
·         Develop and promote good community relations among stakeholders.

 

Part of this assignment is also to be a “Family Teacher” to a group of students that are assigned to you when they enter Finest. Although each teacher instructs classes in their core area of expertise, their first priority is to be a family teacher to their students. Family develops the personal connection between teachers and students to help each student become more invested in the school and its culture.

 

As a family teacher you will:

 

·         Create a welcoming, trusting environment that honors each student’s unique background, and their own personal story.
·         Advise students regarding class schedules and credits needed for graduation.
·         Build strong relational foundations to support your family students as they progress towards graduation and face challenges in their path (academic, social, emotional, physical, mental, or other challenges outside of school)
·         Model the values of Finest for your family students: accountability, trust, kindness, communication, respect, and honesty
·         Hold students accountable for meeting the “3 Golden Rules” of Finest
·         Work collaboratively with parents / guardians, counselors, other teachers and administration to support students when they struggle and provide encouragement when they make positive, healthy choices.
·         Be an advocate for your family students and help build their own self-advocacy skills
·         Monitor, document, and communicate student progress towards graduation (by week and by hexster).

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Create a positive learning environment and effective management structures to purposefully promote and foster effective teaching, learning, and student achievement. 
• Create an instructional learning environment that establishes routines and provides for student engagement through questioning, speculation, and originality. 
• Design, develop, and evaluate authentic learning experiences and assessments incorporating contemporary tools and resources to maximize content learning in context and to develop knowledge, skills, and attitudes aligned with 21st Century learning. 
• Demonstrate mastery of content and make curriculum rigorous, relevant, and applicable to the real world.
• Integrate and align Colorado Academic Standards/NGSS, instructional objectives, instructional strategies, learning activities, materials, resources and assessments and differentiate lesson planning based on individual student needs.
• Collaborate with specialists and provide unique learning opportunities and research based effective practices for students with special needs. 
• Promote a learning environment respecting the dignity of the child that is perceived by students as fair and consistent. 
• Ensure all classroom processes, procedures and data collection are highly organized and effective with optimal use of instructional time. 
• Motivate, engage, and empower learners to track and monitor their learning.
• Collaborate with educators from other grades or subject areas to establish links between disciplines and influence school-wide curriculum and teaching practice. 
• Use Data-Driven Instruction to analyze student outcome data to make instructional decisions
• Provide quality, accurate, constructive, corrective, specific and timely feedback to students that encourages them to perform at their highest level. 
• Effectively communicate with parents and staff about student’s progress and opportunities. 
• Actively participate in all staff meetings, PLCs, and team activities. 
• Use professional Code of Ethics and standards of practice to guide ethical decision-making in practice.
• Perform other related duties as assigned or requested.

SUPERVISION/TECHNICAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
Possible supervision of support personnel.
Conduct supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to interview participation, training/development, assign and direct work, performance feedback, address complaints and resolve problems.

BUDGET AND/OR RESOURCE RESPONSIBILITIES:
Prioritize and schedule work tasks independently.
Create and implement effective and efficient process management strategies (e.g., procedures, instructional groups, transition materials and supplies).
Maintain accurate records in accordance with professional standards, state guidelines, and school system policy.
Review processes for improvement opportunities and make changes as needed to ensure quality of instruction.


The education/training/experience, license/certification, general expectations, physical demands, and work environment factors described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION/TRAINING/EXPERIENCE:
Bachelors degree in Science education (required).
Master’s degree in Science(preferred).
Ability to teach all levels of Chemistry (AP, Honors, and traditional).
Emphasis on physical sciences.
English fluency will be determined through the application and interview process.

LICENSES OR CERTIFICATIONS:
Valid Colorado Driver’s License.
Valid Colorado Teaching License with a Secondary Science endorsement.
Career Technical Education certification (preferred)

GENERAL EXPECTATIONS:

• Demonstrates flexibility and adaptability in response to change.
• Possesses computer and technology skills.
• Effectively works with students from diverse backgrounds and abilities.
• Collaborates well with supervisors and co-workers.
• Capable of understanding and following both complex oral and written instructions.
• Able to perform duties independently with minimal supervision.
• Communicates effectively with the School District community.
• Skilled in analysis, instruction, negotiation, coordination, communication, problem-solving, and interpersonal interactions.
• Proficient in comparing, computing, synthesizing, and evaluating information.
• Meets attendance standards and works the necessary hours to fulfill essential responsibilities.
• Maintains confidentiality.
• Upholds a generally positive attitude.
• Complies with all District policies and procedures.
• Adheres to federal and state laws, regulations, and policies.

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Frequent lifting 5 (five) to 10 (ten) pounds.
Occasional lifting of up to fifty (50) pounds.
Frequent sitting, bending, walking, and standing.
Occasional stooping, kneeling, squatting, and reaching.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.
Mostly clean and comfortable.

REPORTS TO:
Principal or designee.

LOCATION:
Englewood Middle School

SALARY:
Salary placement from $52,674 - $101,505 based upon education, experience and Master Agreement. Current Salary Schedule posted at Salary Schedules - Englewood Schools.

BENEFITS:
At Englewood Schools, we provide a comprehensive benefits package designed to enhance employee well-being and satisfaction. Our offerings include Paid Time Off (PTO), medical, dental, and vision insurance, and pre-tax savings options through Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), with monthly District contributions for HSA. The costs for short and long-term disability programs are 100% covered, which provide financial protection in the event of illness or injury. Our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provides counseling and support services, and our wellness programs are designed to promote a healthy lifestyle.

In addition to these benefits, we offer a comprehensive retirement plan through the Colorado Public Employees' Retirement Association (PERA), as well as additional retirement savings options including 401(k), 403(b), and 457(b) plans.  Optional voluntary plans are also available for life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D), critical illness, cancer, and accidents, offering additional layers of security.

For more details about benefits at Englewood Schools, please refer to the Benefit Guide available on the District's website.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
New hires or rehires will be responsible for the fingerprint processing fee required for background checks through the Colorado Bureau of Investigation. 

CLOSING DATE:
This position will close 5 days from the date of the posting or once the vacancy has been filled.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
All interested and qualified applicants must complete an online application.  Incomplete applications and resumes received in lieu of applications will not be considered.  Selected applicants will be contacted for an interview. 
 
This job description is not intended to create any express or implied contract of employment or expectancy of continued employment for any definite term.
 

In compliance with Titles VI & VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008 and Colorado law, Englewood Schools does not unlawfully discriminate against otherwise qualified students, employees, applicants for employment, or members of the public on the basis of disability, race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, gender identity, gender expression, religion, national origin, ancestry, family composition, or need for special education services. Discrimination against employees and applicants for employment based on age, genetic information, and conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth is also prohibited in accordance with state and/or federal law. Harassment, if it rises to the level described in state law, is a prohibited form of discrimination. To review Title IX policies and procedures, please click here. Inquiries or complaints may be referred to Dr. Rana Razzaque, Director of Opportunity, Access & Inclusion and Title IX Coordinator, 4101 S. Bannock St., Englewood, CO 80110, 303-806-2004 or may be filed directly with the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, 1244 North Speer Blvd., Suite 310, Denver, CO 80204. Complaints regarding violations of Title VII (employment) and the ADEA (prohibiting age discrimination in employment) may be filed directly with the Federal Office of Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, 950 17th St., Suite 300, Denver, CO 80202, or the Colorado Civil Rights Commission, 1560 Broadway, Suite 825, Denver, CO 80202. 

 

Salary : $52,674 - $101,505