Middle School Math Teacher

Position Title: Middle School Math Teacher

Reports to:  Head of School

Exempt/Non-exempt: Exempt

Schedule: 10-Month Employee

THE GIRLS’ SCHOOL OF AUSTIN:

The Girls’ School of Austin is a private K-8 school of 150 students in the historic Tarrytown district of Austin. The GSA brings together a diverse student body with a strong emphasis on creativity, community building, collaboration, and problem-solving. Classes in Spanish and the visual and performing arts enrich the strong academic program starting in Kindergarten. Significant use is made of the artistic and natural resources in Austin and the surrounding area. 

JOB SUMMARY

We are looking for a dynamic and experienced Middle School Lead Math teacher who is committed to the ideals of the GSA and who can inspire a love of learning and of mathematics in their students. The successful candidate will have the ability to teach mathematical concepts covered in a standard Middle School mathematics course progression, as well as Algebra 1 and Geometry. Topics include but are not limited to operations with fractions and decimals, basic geometric formulas and their derivations, proportional relationships and linear functions, basic exponent operations, transformations on the coordinate plane, and solving multi-step equations.   

As a middle school math teacher at the GSA, you will be expected to challenge students on the "why" of mathematics. You will be using teaching materials that engage students through multiple methods and platforms, and assessments that expect a high depth of knowledge of the concepts. In addition to a rigorous understanding of the topics that are taught in our courses, we expect students to gain an appreciation for mathematics and its everyday uses. Additionally, in line with our school's mission, we strive to help build student confidence in math.  

Furthermore, we are seeking an innovator who will continue to grow the Math program at GSA. Up-to-date knowledge of progressive math pedagogical practices is preferable. This position includes leadership responsibilities such as coordinating with student support staff, determining student placement levels, speaking about the program at school functions, and attending meetings that are relevant to the Middle School Math program as a whole. Currently, our program utilizes a co-teaching structure in all Middle School Math classes, and the position we are seeking to fill would be the lead between the two positions. Knowledge of and experience with Desmos Activity Builder and/or the Amplify Desmos Math materials and curriculum are a plus!

In addition, candidates will understand when and how to integrate social/emotional skill building, inquiry, technology use, and assessment into curriculum and pedagogy. The successful candidate will understand the value of working cooperatively and collaboratively with a community of other educators as well as have the ability to work independently. Flexibility, collegiality, and a commitment to your own learning are integral to success in this setting!

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES.

Essential Functions and Key Objectives

• Teach four sections of Middle School Math (5th-8th grades) in a collaborative teaching partnership with a colleague.
• Develop units and lessons that are developmentally appropriate and are aligned with the mission and values of the school. 
• Maintain a classroom culture and environment that is conducive to teaching and learning.
• Provide regular and appropriate feedback on student work and in trimester reports.
• Attend required meetings (team, faculty, department, parent).
• Fulfill duties of supervising students before school and at lunch and recess.

Additional Expectations

• Maintain mature and age-appropriate judgment and boundaries.
• Develop and sustain positive, collaborative relationships with colleagues.
• Develop and sustain partnerships with parents that support each student's well-being, learning, and increasing autonomy.
• Represent the school and what it stands for positively at public events, admissions events, community events, development events, etc., some of which take place outside of the regular school day and calendar.
• Affirm and defend the dignity and worth of each member of the community and maintain an environment that fosters respect. 
• Follow safety protocols and accident & illness procedures.
• Fulfill other duties as assigned by the Head of School.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education

• Minimum: Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics or in Math Education.
• Preferred: Master’s degree in Mathematics or in Math Education.

Experience

• at least 4-5 years’ experience in teaching mathematics in an academic setting at the middle school level.
• scaffolding of content and skills, including executive functions.
• classroom organization and management.
• equity-centered curriculum design and pedagogy.
• effective collaboration with colleagues.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

The strongest candidates will show strengths and experience in:

• appreciation and respect for young people as learners and people, through challenging and joyful moments alike;
• passion about the mission and vision of the school;
• demonstrated ability to prepare cohesive teaching units and daily lesson plans.
• mastery of the subject area(s) being taught;
• experience with digital teaching tools, particularly Desmos Activity Builder and/or Amplify Desmos Math;
• outstanding interpersonal skills, including the ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with students, families, and colleagues from diverse lived experiences and identities;
• knowledge of best practices in multicultural curriculum and equity-centered pedagogy;
• ability to apply best practices for integrating technology into curriculum and pedagogy;
• ability to work both independently as well as collaboratively;
• flexibility;
• a commitment to one’s own learning and professional development;
• strong organizational skills;
• technological proficiency, particularly in Google Workspace and academic technology tools.

We encourage applications from people of color, LGBTQ candidates, or candidates from communities that are historically underrepresented in independent schools.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

None

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

• Reports to the Head of School.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The ideal candidate must be able to complete all the physical requirements of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. Work is generally performed in a standard school classroom environment.

• Work full-time in person and maintain regular and predictable attendance
• Ability to move throughout the campus during all weather conditions
• Ability to lift as much as 30 pounds

HOW TO APPLY 

Please submit a resume and cover letter to jobs@thegirlsschool.org

Cover letters may be addressed to:

Ms. Rebecca E. Yacono, Head of School