High School Chemistry Teacher

POSITION TITLE: High School Chemistry Teacher (including AP)

FLSA CLASSIFICATION: Exempt, Full Time

REPORTS TO: High School Principal

About Notre Dame De Sion High School

Notre Dame de Sion is an independent Catholic and interfaith high school in Kansas City, serving approximately 320 students. Sion empowers young women to discover their purpose, grow in confidence, and use their gifts to shape a more just and compassionate world. Inspired by the legacy of the Sisters of Sion, our school community is grounded in the values of love, respect, openness, connection, and hope.

Sion blends a strong college preparatory curriculum with innovative, experiential learning that engages students in real-world problem solving and meaningful community partnerships. With intentionally small class sizes and a deep commitment to relationship-based teaching, faculty are able to know each student and support their growth—intellectually, socially, and spiritually.

Educators at Sion are part of a dynamic, mission-driven team. They collaborate across disciplines, contribute to a vibrant extracurricular program, and help shape a culture where belonging, curiosity, and reflection are central to student success. Sion is a place where faculty feel the impact of their work and the joy of guiding young women as they become faith-filled global citizens and servant leaders.

About The Position

The high school chemistry instructor teaches five sections, including introductory, honors, and AP-level courses, with an average class size of 15–22 students. As a member of a four-person science department, the instructor collaborates with colleagues across disciplines to create rich, inquiry-based learning experiences that reflect Sion’s commitment to academic excellence and student-centered learning.

Sion’s recently renovated chemistry lab, completed just two years ago, offers a modern, well-equipped environment for hands-on experimentation and collaborative projects. In addition to the lab, science faculty have access to shared office space and a prep room to support instructional planning and collaboration.

Sion educators thrive in a supportive environment that values innovation, reflection, and relationships. Teachers are encouraged to design engaging, experiential learning opportunities and to contribute to a dynamic academic culture that empowers young women to lead with purpose and confidence.

Sion educators are:

• Confident Practitioners: they know their subject and the instructional techniques to help students meet educational goals.
• Growth-Minded Learners: they understand that knowledge is not finite - students and teachers can grow, learn new things, and accomplish tasks they never knew were possible.
• Mindful Communicators: they communicate in a way that is solution-focused, timely, and positive. This includes verbal, written, and non-verbal communication.
• Collaborative Team Players: they pitch in and help with events outside their classroom to make Sion a place that is rich in community and models servant leadership.
• Inclusive Community Builders: they use language and actions that are never destructive of egos. They ensure that students and other faculty members feel a sense of belonging at Sion.
  
  
  

QUALIFYING CHARACTERISTICS

• Commitment to the mission and values of Notre Dame de Sion, including its Catholic and interfaith identity.
• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Science Education, Biology, or a related field required; Master’s degree strongly preferred. Candidates with graduate coursework in the subject area and eligibility to teach dual high school/college credit courses will receive special consideration.
• Demonstrated knowledge of current best practices in science instruction and curriculum design, including experiential learning, modeling, authentic assessment, design thinking, and standards-based planning.
• Experience supporting the academic and social-emotional development of adolescent girls, with an understanding of how to foster confidence, agency, and resilience in the classroom.
• Strong classroom and laboratory management skills, including a clear understanding of lab safety protocols and procedures.
• Ability to build strong, respectful relationships and communicate effectively with students, colleagues, and families.
• Collaborative mindset with a willingness to serve on cross-divisional teams and faculty committees.
• Receptive to feedback and committed to ongoing professional growth.
• Proficiency with instructional technology and comfort using school-based digital tools.
• Must hold or be willing to maintain credentials aligned with ISACS (Independent Schools Association of the Central States) or other accrediting bodies.
  
  
  

Essential Job Duties

• Design and deliver rigorous, engaging science instruction aligned with professional standards and Sion’s academic goals.
• Develop and implement daily lesson plans that reflect best practices in experiential learning, inquiry-based instruction, and student-centered pedagogy.
• Collaborate with colleagues across disciplines to create interdisciplinary learning opportunities and ensure curricular alignment with school-wide outcomes.
• Integrate the Sion Success Outcomes into course planning and classroom instruction, fostering the development of academic and interpersonal skills.
• Create and lead a one-week, place-based experiential learning course as part of Sion’s signature Deep Dive program.
• Use data—including ACT performance metrics—to inform instruction and support student learning and growth.
• Work in partnership with the Academic Directors and Principal to support the ongoing development and refinement of the math and science program.
• Align curriculum with ACT standards and Sion Success Outcomes to ensure strong college and career readiness.
• Fulfill standard faculty duties such as supervising study hall, providing classroom coverage, and attending school events (e.g., dances, athletics) as well as duty points based on band placement.
• Maintain accurate student records, including attendance, grades, and assessment data, in a timely and professional manner.
• Participate in required meetings, including faculty meetings, parent conferences, professional development sessions, and other administrative gatherings.
• Engage in continuous professional growth through conferences, workshops, and other learning opportunities to stay current in the field.
• Collaborate with school counselors and learning support staff to ensure that students with accommodations and social-emotional needs are supported effectively in the classroom and during extracurricular activities.
• Support school initiatives and complete additional responsibilities as assigned by the High School Principal.
  
  
  

Physical Requirements And Work Environment

• Works in a classroom environment dealing with a wide variety of challenges, deadlines, and a varied and diverse array of contacts
• Occasionally bend, stoop, and squat
• May work at a desk and computer for extended periods of time
• Be able to occasionally lift up to 30 lbs
• Work primarily in a traditional climate controlled environment
• Work intermittently in outside weather conditions, including extreme heat and cold
  
  
  

Commitment to Non-Discrimination & Diversity

Notre Dame de Sion is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to increasing the diversity of the campus community. Candidates who have experience working with a wide range of faculty, staff, and students, and who can contribute to the climate of inclusivity are encouraged to identify their experience in these areas.

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The above description covers the most significant duties performed, but does not exclude assignments not mentioned.