Biology Teacher - Long Term Sub

About The Branson School

The Branson School is a coeducational, college-preparatory day school of 395 students, grades 9-12, located in Marin County, California. Branson is more than just a great school. It’s an ever-evolving educational community that challenges and supports students as they grow into confident, thoughtful, ethical people.

We encourage students to be brave in whatever they do – in the classroom, on the field, on stage, in the community, even with their peers. The faculty values collaboration, continual growth and improvement, reflection, and student centered teaching. Branson teachers work in a beautiful, well-resourced environment with dedicated students. The faculty is widely regarded as outstanding and there exists in the faculty an admirable ​esprit de corps and a positive attitude about their work and their relationship with students.

Mission Statement

Branson develops students who make a positive impact in the world by leading lives of integrity, purpose, learning, and joy.

Statement of Belonging

Branson believes that diversity, equity and inclusion are essential to create a truly excellent learning environment and a vibrant, caring community.  We aspire to have every member of the Branson community feel a deep sense of belonging and inclusion.

Core Values

Courage 

Kindness

Honor

Purpose

Reports to: Department Chair

Salary: Branson uses a faculty salary scale that is based on education and years of experience and ranges annually from $79,000.00-$157,500.00.

Start Date: December 2, 2024

End Date: February 14, 2025

Job Summary:

Branson is looking for a substitute for one of our biology teachers, with the ability to teach two sections of 11th-grade Biology Honors and one section of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases. Branson’s science curriculum emphasizes hands-on experience in the scientific process and connecting classroom learning to the real world. The teachers of each core course collaborate closely, collectively planning each unit of study, individual lessons, and assessments. Science teachers form a strong team with all members of the department, inspiring our engaged and motivated students to become the leaders of the next generation. 

Course descriptions:

BIOLOGY HONORS

3 units

Prerequisite: Completion of Physics I or Physics I Honors and completion of Chemistry or Chemistry Honors and recommendation from the Science Department.

This course is ideal for the student who seeks to be challenged and is ready and willing to take intellectual risks. While the topics covered in this course are similar to those in Biology, students will be expected to be self-motivated and independent learners in order to delve into significantly deeper applications. Some summer work may be assigned to connect chemical concepts to those needed for this course.

This course focuses on biochemistry, cell biology, genetics, evolution, ecology, and human body systems. Biology Honors will also expose students to contemporary advances in biological science that continue to emerge and change each year. Students will develop scientific skills through group discussions, laboratory experiences, formal presentations, statistical analysis, reading of primary scientific literature, and research projects. Guest speakers representing a diversity of studies within the biological sciences will enrich the student experience and connect them to the outside world. Relevance to students’ lives will be a unifying theme while exploring biology’s relationship with health, bioethics, race, and sustainability as well as other academic disciplines and societal issues. Through this course, students will build scientific skills including accessing and understanding primary research, as well as an understanding of how biology has affected and continues to affect and influence their lives and the world around them.

MICROBIOLOGY AND INFECTIOUS DISEASE

3 units

Prerequisite: Completion of or concurrent enrollment in Biology/Biology Honors.

This course is designed to cover the basic concepts in microbiology, including bacteria, viruses, and protozoa. We will focus our studies on the pathogenic microorganisms, specifically in human infectious diseases, and how our immune system responds to them. Specific examples of diseases we will study include Ebola, Influenza, HIV, Tuberculosis, MRSA, and Malaria. We will not only examine the direct cause and effects of these diseases, but also their broader implications in medical care and public health. We will also examine the inequities in our healthcare system and the propagation of misinformation in this field. There is a strong laboratory component to the course as well as an emphasis on independent research.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Teach 3 sections of 11th-grade Biology Honors (14-15 students each) and 1 section of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (7 students).
• Collaborate closely, effectively, and professionally with the other teachers of the 9th-grade physics course to develop and implement curriculum.
• Create a safe and inclusive classroom environment.
• Respond to feedback professionally.
• Treat all students equitably, be sincerely interested in them as individuals, and make a priority of responding to their needs.
• Be available to meet with students outside of class to provide support as needed.
• Hold high expectations for students and communicate these expectations clearly and regularly.
• Incorporate appropriate and varied methods, materials, and technologies into teaching.
• Give timely, meaningful, and personal feedback on student performance and participation.
• Communicate with the department chair, administration, and parents as needed.
• Be student centered.
• As an active community member, all employees will attend assemblies, staffulty meetings, and department meetings. They may be required to attend admission events and other school events including nights and weekends.

Key Qualifications and Skills:

• B.A. or B.S. in Science, or equivalent experience.
• Prior teaching experience is ideal, but we will give serious consideration to recent graduates with strong academic credentials and a history of working with high school students.
• Commitment to exceptional teaching, academic excellence,, and nurturing the development of the whole student.
• Ability to demonstrate our four core values and support our mission statements through collaboration, professionalism and critical reflection.
• Ability to pass state and federal background check, fingerprinting, and provide a recent negative TB test or screening.
• Consideration will be given to candidates interested in coaching a sports team.

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy

Branson is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to a policy of equal employment opportunity for all applicants, employees, volunteers and interns, and the School makes decisions based on the merits of each candidate. Branson prohibits discrimination based on an individual’s race, color, religion (including all aspects of religious beliefs, observance or practice, including religious dress or grooming practices), sex (including gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender, pregnancy and breastfeeding), sexual orientation (including heterosexuality, homosexuality, and bisexuality) national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, marital status or registered domestic partner status, uniformed service member or veteran status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic characteristics or information, or any other basis protected by law. The School will afford equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants, employees, volunteers, and interns as to all terms and conditions of employment, including, without limitation, compensation, hiring, training, promotion, transfer, discipline, and termination.

For Consideration

We encourage those that align with Branson’s shared commitment to its Mission Statement, Diversity Mission Statement and Core Values to apply by uploading a cover letter, statement of teaching philosophy and resume to Michelle Jones, Director of Human Resources at https://thebransonschool.applytojob.com/apply/jMtZUvmQVx/Biology-Teacher-Long-Term-Sub

Salary : $79,000 - $157,500