Physics 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: Feb 14, 2025

End Date: May 23, 2025

Job Summary:

Branson is looking for a substitute for one of our physics teachers, with the ability to teach three sections of 9th-grade Physics 1/Physics 1 Honors  and one section of Astronomy and Astrophysics. 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:

PHYSICS I

3 units

In Branson’s introductory science course, students develop skills in experimental design, analysis of evidence, communication, collaboration, problem solving, research, and critical thinking through the study of fundamental physics principles. Students will deduce the laws of nature through first-hand experimentation before applying these laws to solving problems. The course will cover in-depth the laws of motion, forces, energy, and other topics. In addition, students will be guided through several exciting projects where they apply their learning and science skills to complex, real-world scenarios and data sets.

PHYSICS I HONORS

3 units

Prerequisite: Placement by the Science Department, as determined by superior performance on the Algebra and Physics placement assessments.

In Branson’s introductory science course, students develop skills in experimental design, analysis of evidence, communication, collaboration, problem solving, research, computational modeling, and critical thinking through the study of fundamental physics principles. Students will deduce the laws of nature through first-hand experimentation before applying these laws to solving mathematically rigorous problems. The course will cover deeply the laws of motion in two dimensions, forces, energy, and other topics. This course will move at a faster pace and will investigate each unit with somewhat greater challenge and depth.

ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS

3 units

Prerequisite: Completion of Physics or Physics Honors and Chemistry or Chemistry Honors, and completion of or concurrent enrollment in Algebra II.

Modern astronomy is filled with amazing discoveries, like gravitational waves caused by black hole mergers, planets around other stars, clues about the formation of the Earth, and the search for life in the solar system. This class will provide a foundation to understand it all. The units of study are broken down by essential questions that students will seek to answer, such as: What is the cultural significance of astronomy? Where should we search for life outside of Earth? What is the most significant advancement to telescope technology in the last 100 years? And more! Through hands-on experience, students will learn how to find and identify constellations, make astronomical observations, and analyze astronomical images. Further fascinating topics of study include: eclipses, measuring huge distances in space, supernovas, detection of exoplanets, black holes, gravity, the Milky Way galaxy, and the expanding universe – all riddled with beautiful photos and humbling truths.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Teach 3 sections of 9th-grade Physics 1 or Physics 1 Honors (14-16 students each) and 1 section of Astronomy and Astrophysics (6 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 teaching team, the department chair, and administration. 
• Be student centered.
• As an active community member, all employees will attend assemblies, staffulty meetings, department meetings, admission events and other required 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/hSeMujkvUO/Physics-Teacher-Long-Term-Sub

Salary : $79,000 - $157,500