Middle School: Science Educator

The Middle School Science department is committed to fostering a scientific worldview grounded in key principles:

• The world is understandable.

• Scientific ideas evolve over time.

• Scientific knowledge is durable yet cannot answer all questions.

• Science relies on inquiry, evidence, and analysis to explain and predict.

• Scientific work is a collaborative process guided by ethical principles.

Through curiosity and a passion for discovery, students will develop into critical thinkers who apply scientific knowledge and skills to enhance their lives and contribute to the well-being of our planet.

We seek educators who are passionate about teaching middle school students—those who inspire curiosity, nurture scientific thinking, and create engaging, inquiry-driven learning experiences that empower young learners to explore and question the world around them.

Essential expectations include:   

• Teaching two sections of 7th grade life science and two sections of 8th grade environmental chemistry

• Consistently embodying Middle School Torrey Values of honesty, accountability, resilience, kindness in all spaces, roles, and responsibilities on campus 

• Researching, designing, and implementing science curriculum grounded in current best practices 

• Differentiating and adapting instructional practices to meet the needs of individual learners

• Collaborating with students, parents/guardians, and colleagues through timely and positive cycles of feedback

• Actively participating in the work of the grade level, department, division, and larger school community to develop and implement curricular and co-curricular offerings

• Continuing a personal commitment to developing and growing one’s own cultural competency

• Collaborating and communicating effectively with colleagues using norms of collaboration and protocols

• Serving as an advisor for 15 to 18 students

• Serving as a chaperone for at least one of our annual Outdoor Education programs

We are looking for someone who has:

• A deep passion for the subject matter

• A variety of classroom techniques and methods to promote high levels of achievement in relation to individual student abilities

• Enthusiasm, flexibility, and a desire to collaborate with colleagues in the department, across disciplines, and in all divisions

• Ability to create a supportive and caring classroom environment in which students can learn and interact positively with one another through student-centered instruction, collaboration, and authentic assessment

• The insight to gather and analyze data on student learning and teaching practices to improve the educational experience

• A willingness to contribute to school life as a positive community member in ways that go beyond the role in the classroom

Position Requirements  

The candidate must hold at least a bachelor’s degree and preferably a master’s degree or the equivalent in Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Science or an arguably related field. Ideally, candidates will be capable and comfortable teaching 5-8th grade sciences. The expertise to teach environmental chemistry and life science would be a plus.

Expertise in the use of technology to enhance instruction and manage daily expectations as a team member is also needed. To perform this job successfully, an individual must have working knowledge of Google Workspace (Gmail, Google Docs, Slides, Sheets, Forms, etc.) and Microsoft Office, and be able to learn to use other applications and hardware (Seesaw, Apple TV, On Record, Blackboard, Zoom etc.).  

The ideal candidates are committed to leading and learning with a high level of engagement in anti-racist education and culturally responsive instructional practices. They will possess or demonstrate the following: a growth mindset, emotional intelligence, self-motivation, positive energy, strong interpersonal skills, a service-oriented and team approach to work, approachability, adaptability, vulnerability, openness to new and divergent ideas, excellent oral and written communication skills, and comfort in an educational setting where children and adults are present.  

All school personnel must successfully complete a fingerprint background check through Live Scan and provide current tuberculosis clearance. 

Salary range: $59,000 - $120,000 annualized. The salary offer to a successful candidate will be dependent on several factors that may include, but are not limited to, the type and years of experience, training, practical knowledge, and education.

To be considered, please submit (1) your current CV/resume, (2) a cover letter detailing your interest and experience for this role, (3) your educational philosophy statement, and (4) a sample lesson plan.