TOSA Science Instructional Lead Teacher @ Hermiston 'Think Big Space' Campus

Hermiston School District is seeking a full time Science Instructional Lead Teacher (TOSA).  Position begins August 2025.

SUMMARY:  Under the shared supervision of the Districts Director’s of Instruction, the Science Instructional Lead Teacher (TOSA) will provide leadership, guidance and support in the implementation of the Next Generation Science Standards in the Think Big Space Campus to students in grades 3-5. This teacher will collaborate on an ongoing basis with teachers, instructional coaches, administrators, district office staff, and community partners.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide Science and Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) related project-based learning opportunities for elementary students to cultivate their critical, creative, and collaborative thinking
• Teach lessons/demonstrations that demonstrate pedagogical shifts and effective lesson delivery related to NGSS Three Dimensional Instruction
• Conduct research in curriculum, assessment and instructional practices related to the NGSS in all content areas.
• Support and promote science-related after-school and/or extra curricular activities.
• Support district professional development in developing hands-on, minds-on activities.
• Support NGSS science integration in K-5 classrooms.
• Monitor equitable representation of students in TBS programs and activities.
• Demonstrate ability to work as a team member, as well as on an individual basis.
• Possess a willingness to learn and utilize emerging assessment and information technologies.
• Intellectually curious, adaptable, flexible and comfortable with ambiguity.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with a wide range of school district or other personnel.
• Comply with School District policies.
• Perform other duties that the supervisor may from time to time assign to meet demands placed on the organization.

QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Individual will hold valid driver’s license and have reliable, insured transportation for required travel throughout the service area.

EDUCATION AND WORK EXPERIENCE:

Must have a current (or ability to obtain) Oregon teaching license prior to the 2025-26 school year.

SKILLS:

• Ability to work independently, organizing work with minimal supervision.
• Exceptional time management skills including a demonstrated ability to coordinate several projects simultaneously.
• Willingness to learn about and utilize emerging assessments and information technologies.
• Demonstrated ability and interest in data analysis and compilation.
• Ability and/or experience in curriculum design and professional development delivery.
• Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent organizational skills.

 SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS:

• Microsoft Office Suite (Access, Excel, Word)
• Google Suite

About the District:

The Hermiston School District is the largest district in eastern Oregon, exceeding 5,600 students in grades kindergarten through 12, with the mission of serving the needs of all children with rigorous program choices, high expectations, mutual respect, and excellence.  The school district includes a 9-12 senior high school, two 6-8 middle schools, six K-5 elementary schools, and a robust online learning program option for students and families.

Support for the school district has been strong from the community. In 2019 voters approved an $82.7 million building project, which includes replacement of Rocky Heights Elementary (opening fall 2022), construction of an additional elementary school Loma Vista (opening fall 2022), and a multi-classroom annex of the high school, along with various district-wide renovations. The voters also approved a $69.9 million bond in 2008. which served to replace Armand Larive Middle School, West Park Elementary, and Sunset Elementary schools. 

The District employs over 630 full time staff that includes approximately 365 teachers and over 265 classified, support, and supervisory personnel, making it one of the largest employers in the city of Hermiston. A nationally-recognized community that embraces its diversity, the district serves some 28,000 residents, where one-third of the population is Hispanic.

The school district prides itself on the academic achievement of its students, successful athletic programs, nationally-recognized club and activity organizations, and its exhaustive list of academic and elective opportunities available to students. The District’s partnership with community organizations has been central to its continued success, highlighted by support groups who have provided nearly a half a million dollars to assist students and programs through such venues as the Hermiston Sports Booster Club, Hermiston Education Foundation, Band Boosters, FFA Alumni, and the community sponsorship of the student homebuilding program, to name a few.

About the Community:

The city of Hermiston is a vibrant and growing community of approximately 18,000 residents located at the crossroads of the Pacific Northwest, situated near the intersection of I-84 and I-82, just minutes from a Columbia River port and 30 minutes from the Tri-Cities in Washington.  Hermiston and the entire Umatilla County area have excellent potential for growth in commercial, industrial, agricultural, as well as residential development.  Hermiston boasts over 100 acres for community use, volleyball courts, soccer fields, baseball diamonds, children's play areas, barbeque and picnic areas and more.  Located within 10 minutes of downtown Hermiston, both Umatilla and Echo have challenging golf courses.  The Columbia River offers tournament level fishing, as well as many water sports including swimming, wind surfing, and boating.  Other fishing waters include the Umatilla River, Cold Springs Reservoir and many ponds.  Nearby is Hat Rock State Park, and the Blue Mountains are within an hour drive, affording a wide variety of fishing, hunting, and camping activities.  In the winter, the mountains are home to excellent snow skiing, tubing, snowmobiling, and sledding.    

Salary and Benefits: The Hermiston School District offers an extremely competitive salary and benefits package which includes PERS retirement employer-paid pick-up, tuition reimbursement, and a comprehensive health and benefits package.  A full year contract consists of 193 days, which includes 3 paid holidays.  

Application Procedures:

The applicant must supply the following items online through Applicant Tracking (formerly called Recruit & Hire)  https://hermiston.tedk12.com/hire/index.aspx :

• Online Application form
• Cover Letter
• Professional Resume
• Letters of Recommendation (encouraged, but optional)

It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure his/her application is complete. Only complete applications will be considered.

The Hermiston School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Salary : $48,399 - $96,606