Upper School Science Teacher

Description

Division: Upper School

Job Title: Full Time Upper School Science Teacher (Physics & Chemistry)

Status: Exempt, Full-Time School Year

Salary: $77,000 to $93,000

ABOUT POLY

Founded in 1907, Polytechnic School is the first nonprofit, coeducational, K-12, independent school in Southern California. The meaning of polytechnic as “many arts” is reflected in the school’s ambitious and student-centered educational program. Nationally recognized as a K-12 educational leader, Poly develops the unique intellect, talents, and character of each student through transformative teaching within a diverse community devoted to academic excellence, the creative arts, the camaraderie of team sports, and service to others.

Poly strives to be an inclusive community that fosters academic excellence and personal growth by ensuring that all of our 870 students, nearly 65% of whom identify as Students of Color, are seen, heard, and valued as their authentic selves. We respect the dignity and worth of every individual and seek to celebrate the joy, the love, and the creativity that emanate from the human spirit. Throughout our Lower, Middle, and Upper Schools, students, faculty, and staff commit to deepening our understanding and knowledge of ourselves, each other, and our ever-changing world.

Within our community of care, Poly students build the confidence and capacity to think critically and creatively to become responsible global citizens and intellectual leaders. Taught by an extraordinary faculty, Poly graduates are ready to fulfill the promise of their talents and lead meaningful, purposeful lives. 

To learn more about Polytechnic School, please visit us. 

POSITION PURPOSE: Polytechnic School is looking for an experienced and dynamic science teacher who, above all, loves working with Upper School students and values, affirms, and believes in each child’s  ability to learn science at a high level. Poly is looking for a teacher who is excited about teaching science, in particular physics and chemistry, and possibly other courses depending on the school’s needs and the candidate’s experience. They will be joining a science department that values collegiality, espouses the highest standards, and provides mutual support and collaboration. 

Reporting to the director of the Upper School, the successful candidate will take a student-centered approach to all school work and will use the school’s mission to design and support the academic, extracurricular, social, and emotional success of students. 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Teaching 3-4 science courses to Upper School students plus serving as an advisor;
• Planning, preparing, and implementing appropriate labs;
• Collaborating with other members of the science department to prepare course materials including syllabi, homework assignments, assessments, and supplementary materials;
• Administration and timely evaluation of classwork, assignments, and assessments;
• Prepare and maintain student attendance records, grades, comments, and other required records;
• Plan, evaluate, and revise curricula, course content, course materials, and methods of instruction;
• Provide assistance and advice to students during free periods and before and after school;
• Collaborate with members of the science department, the Upper School faculty, and the entire K-12 community; 
• Engage robustly in fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion to promote a healthy learning environment;
• Regular participation in professional development opportunities to maintain and grow both expertise in the subject matter and inclusive pedagogical practices in the subject matter;
• Enthusiastically participate in the greater life of the school, particularly extracurricular activities as an advisor or spectator and chaperone; 
• Be knowledgeable in new trends and developments within science education & pedagogy;
• Be available to parents, students, administration, and colleagues outside the school day when needed; 
• Willingly take on other duties as needed.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment Qualifications:

• Work in an environment dealing with a wide variety of challenges and deadlines, as well as a diverse array of contacts;
• Work at a desk and computer for extended periods of time;
• Ability to lift up to 30 lbs;
• Work primarily in a traditional climate-controlled classroom environment;
• Work intermittently in outside weather conditions, including extreme heat and cold.

Salary: Polytechnic School is committed to attracting and retaining talented, dedicated employees through a competitive compensation plan that is commensurate with experience.

Benefits: A full benefits package includes medical, dental and vision coverage and a 403 (b) retirement plan. 

Equal Opportunity Employer

In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals, Poly will recruit, hire, train, and promote faculty and staff without regard to an individual’s race, color, sex, gender identity, genetic information, sexual orientation (including heterosexuality, homosexuality and bisexuality), national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, uniformed service member status, marital status, pregnancy, age, medical condition and physical or mental disability (whether perceived or actual), or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state, or local laws. School policy also prohibits unlawful discrimination based on the perception that anyone has any of those characteristics, or is associated with a person who has or is perceived as having any of those characteristics. This policy governs all aspects of employment, including selection, job assignment, compensation, discipline, termination, and access to benefits and training.

Qualifications

• BA/BS degree. Advanced degree(s) preferred. 
• Science teaching experience or relevant industry experience.
• Ability to teach different science courses and a willingness to shift courses from year to year depending on the needs of the department and the school;
• Demonstrated experience creating inclusive learning environments and opportunities;
• Ability to use effective classroom management techniques;
• Ability to manage competing demands and adapt to frequent or unexpected changes;
• Ability to work collaboratively and methodically with students, parents, faculty, and staff on a regular basis.

Salary : $77,000 - $93,000