Middle School Science Teacher

Riverdale Country School, a Pre-K through Grade 12 independent all-gender school in New York City, is dedicated to inspiring students to live meaningful and purpose-driven lives. The school achieves this by fostering a culture of academic excellence, critical thinking, and curiosity, supported by a diverse and inclusive community. Riverdale emphasizes both high challenge and high support in its approach to education, encouraging students to engage deeply in interdisciplinary learning, research, and experiential education, both inside and outside the classroom and beyond our campuses. This holistic approach aims to develop well-rounded individuals who are prepared to make a positive impact on the world.

At Riverdale, we strive to reflect the diversity of the New York metropolitan area in our students, faculty, and staff. We believe that a diverse and inclusive community enriches the educational experience and is integral to our mission. With a student body of approximately 1,300 students from 117 different zip codes, Riverdale is a vibrant community where 48% of our students identify as students of color. 

We seek to employ educators and leaders who bring a student-centered approach, passion for their work, a commitment to DEIB, and a desire to contribute to the growth and development of our entire school community.

Position Overview

We are seeking an enthusiastic and collegial teacher of middle school science.  Our middle school curriculum begins with earth and environmental science (sixth grade), life science (seventh grade) and chemical and physical science (eighth grade). Candidates should be comfortable teaching any middle school science course. Additional responsibilities include being a Homebase teacher. We seek a candidate who likes working with young people and can demonstrate that to them in a meaningful way, who thinks about inclusivity and belonging, and who sees their job as educating the whole child, not just in their discipline.

Riverdale is an inclusive community dedicated to the principles of DEI; our hiring practices reflect this commitment and we seek collegial candidates eager to expand this work in the classroom, in our curricular work, and in the pedagogical principles of the department.

• A Bachelor’s degree or higher in the sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Environmental Science) from an accredited college or university.
• 3-5 years experience teaching at the Middle School level
• Can effectively engage students in inquiry-based practices through the use of laboratory work, projects, and hands-on activities.
• Builds a classroom community that encourages students toward an enduring understanding of essential content and skills in order to become scientifically literate citizens.

• An interest in engaging students in an environment that is both supportive and rigorous
• Has experience in interdisciplinary teaching and learning
• A desire to participate in community activities including advising groups, service opportunities, or other co-curriculars. 
• Demonstrated collegiality, collaboration, teamwork, and organization
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging work

To apply for this position, please click on the red “Apply for this Job” button. Please submit a resume and cover letter.  If there are pronouns we should use in potential future communications, we invite you to share that information with us.  For information about this position and all open positions, please visit the Careers page of Riverdale’s website.

Benefits of Full Time Work at Riverdale Country School

Working at Riverdale Country School is a purposeful and meaningful career choice that comes with many benefits including:  

Transportation: Shuttle service is available to/from the 242nd St / Broadway subway station. Limited stops are also available near transit hubs in Manhattan including the Metro North Harlem Station and subway lines – 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, N, Q, R, A, B, C, and D. If there is need in the community, we can also run a shuttle from the Henry Hudson Parkway / 246th St bus stop which connects to the #7, #10, and Express Buses to/from Manhattan.

Professional Development: A generous professional-development budget provides for conferences, skills training, and onsite training in areas such as mindfulness, coaching, and diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.

Grants and Stipends: All employees are eligible for Frankel Fellow grants, known as “passion grants,” which pay for enrichment activities. More than 120 grants have been made to faculty and staff since the program started in 2014. Stipends are available for coaching, affinity group facilitation, advising clubs with significant out-of-school time, and chaperoning trips (including global trips!).

Sabbatical:  Full time teaching faculty are eligible for a sabbatical after 10 years of employment.  

Health Benefits: Riverdale offers and subsidizes health, dental, and vision insurance.  In addition, the school offers a flexible spending account through which employees can use pre-tax dollars to pay for health-related expenses.  

Retirement:  Employees are eligible to join our Defined Contribution retirement plan through TIAA.  The school contributes 7% of an employee's annual salary to their retirement account.  

Vacation:  Riverdale Country School has a generous time-off policy for staff in addition to vacations afforded by the school calendar.  

Salary : $74,545 - $147,199