Middle School Science Teacher

Position Summary 

Science Teachers at NEIA inspire, instruct, and develop middle and upper school students’ passions and curiosities and help them think deeply about the world through various lenses of experimentation, observation, and research. 

The Middle School Science Teacher guides students to analyze and apply information acquired through field study, hands-on projects, a variety of media, and with experts in the field. 

The Middle School Science progression follows major science disciplines as outlined in the Next Generation Science Standards, covering Earth and Space Science, Life Science, and Physical Science. Students learn both qualitative and quantitative lab sciences, in preparation for Upper School Science. 

The Grade 9 and 10 science curriculum is organized around topics. These topics come from real-world issues that our students will have to grapple with in the years to come through integration with Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. This integrated approach to learning pushes our students to make unique connections with the content in ways that traditional classrooms cannot provide. Our elective courses in grades 11 and 12 are specifically designed to empower students with choice, allowing them to explore their interests deeply. These semester-based electives are continually updated to align with our teachers' passions, the wealth of local industry resources, higher education partnerships, and relevant current events. 

Teaching and Learning at NEIA

Teaching and learning revolve around a competency-based education system aligned with our Pillars: Innovation & Entrepreneurship, Human-Centered Design, Integrated & Experiential Learning, and Belonging & Togetherness. This system assesses "Pillar" competencies applicable across all subject areas and subject-specific competencies to demonstrate expertise in teaching. The NEIA values of equity, agency, and adaptability are deeply embedded in this approach, ensuring that students, or 'innovators,' develop skills crucial for the next generation of leaders. NEIA's educational process extends beyond traditional classrooms, encompassing activities like advocacy groups, after-school activities,  residential programs, service projects, expeditions, and internships. These activities embody and promote NEIA's values, striving to provide an innovative, relevant, and future-focused learning experience. At its core, NEIA believes in the transformative power of empathy, curiosity, and collaboration in making a positive impact on the world.

The position entails a full teaching load comprising four classes with two or three different course preparations. The role includes advising a group of five to eight students, chaperoning weekend activities once or twice each term, and actively engaging in various student life and extracurricular activities. Teachers also collaborate and innovate with colleagues across different curricular areas and divisions.

Teachers invest deeply in the school's community by participating in the advising (called advocacy at NEIA) program, contributing to social and emotional learning initiatives, attending weekly staff meetings for subject areas and divisions, and participating in extracurricular activities, such as after-school activities and clubs. The role is integral to enhancing the overall student experience, requiring a commitment to the various facets of school life at NEIA.

Under the supervision and guidance of the Head of Teaching & Learning, teachers are responsible for preparing lesson plans, regularly updating curriculum, and collaborating with colleagues. Their duties include assessing student work and performance through NEIA’s competency-based model, providing feedback, documenting student progress, writing student report notes, and assigning learning extensions. Teachers are expected to create and manage a learning environment that guides and encourages students to develop and fulfill their academic potential and accomplish the learning goals of NEIA. Finally, teachers are also expected to understand and utilize human-centered design as a process and set it as an ethos across our program. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Embody NEIA's principles of empathy, equity, personalization, authentic work, and collaboration in all work activities and actions.
• Develop engaging, educational, and exciting integrated and experiential curriculum and lesson plans tailored to students' interests and needs.
• Implement classroom management strategies to maintain focus and productivity among students.
• Adapt teaching methods and instructional techniques to accommodate students' diverse needs and learning styles, aligning with individual learning plans where applicable.
• Regularly assess student progress through NEIA's competency system, providing timely and constructive feedback and informing students about their performance.
• Build positive relationships with students, fostering their academic growth and development.
• Collaborate with other teachers, administrators, and school counselors to enhance student learning experience.
• Identify students facing learning or emotional challenges or home situations, and work with the Student Support Team to provide necessary resources and support.
• Stay informed about and actively utilize individual learning plans in teaching and student interactions.
• Communicate effectively with parents and guardians regarding students' performance and needs.
• Incorporate goals, competencies, and objectives into lesson plans that directly apply to students' lives.
• Strive to achieve school and course-wide performance goals for every student in class.
• Engage in ongoing professional learning per the school’s professional growth framework.
• Support the initiatives and strategic goals set forth by the School Leadership.
• Perform other related duties and responsibilities as assigned and required by the position and the School.

Expectations for all Teachers

• Embody NEIA's principles of empathy, equity, personalization, authentic work, and collaboration in all work activities and actions.
• Develop engaging, educational, and exciting integrated and experiential curriculum and lesson plans tailored to students' interests and needs.
• Implement classroom management strategies to maintain focus and productivity among students.
• Adapt teaching methods and instructional techniques to accommodate students' diverse needs and learning styles, aligning with individual learning plans where applicable.
• Regularly assess student progress through NEIA's competency system, providing timely and constructive feedback and informing students about their performance.
• Build positive relationships with students, fostering their academic growth and development.
• Collaborate with other teachers, administrators, and school counselors to enhance student learning experience.
• Identify students facing learning or emotional challenges or home situations, and work with the Student Support Team to provide necessary resources and support.
• Stay informed about and actively utilize individual learning plans in teaching and student interactions.
• Communicate effectively with parents and guardians regarding students' performance and needs.
• Incorporate goals, competencies, and objectives into lesson plans that directly apply to students' lives.
• Strive to achieve school and course-wide performance goals for every student in class.
• Engage in ongoing professional learning per the school’s professional growth framework.
• Support the initiatives and strategic goals set forth by the School Leadership.
• Perform other related duties and responsibilities as assigned and required by the position and the School.

The Hours of Work and Responsibilities for teaching staff at NEIA include:

• Teaching staff teach four classes each semester, typically with two or three different course preparations.
• The standard workday for teaching staff members is from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Fridays.
• Teachers are available for extra help from 3:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays unless they are engaged in other NEIA-related commitments.
• Attendance at all scheduled teaching staff meetings is mandatory for teaching staff.
• Teaching staff must participate in training sessions or professional learning activities, typically scheduled when the school is not in session.
• Each teacher is required to support or lead clubs and after-school activities. Clubs are scheduled twice a week for 40-minute sessions within the class day, while after-school activities take place in the Fall, Winter, and Spring seasons. Teachers either lead or assist two after-school activities OR one club and one exploration each year.
• Teachers chaperone weekend activities or serve as the Adult on Duty once or twice each term. 
• Participation in various school functions is necessary, including but not limited to Opening Meetings, Opening Family Picnic, Overnight Student Orientation Trip, Family Weekend, Professional Days, Dive into NEIA, Accepted Student Days, Admission Open House Events, Graduation, End-of-Year Learning Exposition, and End-of-School Meetings.
• The Head of School may assign additional duties as needed to meet the school's requirements.