Middle School Science Grade 7

Description

University School of Nashville

Science Teacher, Grade 7

August 2025

University School of Nashville (USN) seeks a dynamic and experienced science educator to join a high-functioning seventh grade academic and advising team.  The science teacher will join a well-established middle school science faculty and report to the Head of Middle School and the Chair of the Science Department.  The middle school science curriculum emphasizes the scientific method, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills throughout a range of content areas.

The seventh grade course focuses on topics in biology: ecosystems, cellular structures and processes, genetics, organization of higher organisms, and some specific human systems including human reproduction and sexually transmitted diseases.  While the design and course content are flexible, the middle and high school science teachers work closely as a department to ensure a developmentally appropriate scope and sequence of courses that meet the needs of students and challenge them to grow in their skills and knowledge.  

The successful candidate will have at least a bachelor’s degree in science or a related field, a demonstrated ability to work effectively with students of varying learning styles and abilities, a strong commitment to interdisciplinary learning in a team approach, and be interested and effective in collaborating with other adults in an educational setting.

Responsibilities: 

• Provide instruction for four sections of the assigned subject and assigned grade level(s)
• Serve as an advisor to approximately 16 students, including active supervision of a daily study-and-help period.
• Participate actively and collegially in meetings and initiatives of the grade-level team and the department.
• Take an active role in the school community's life, especially students' co-curricular activities.
• Assist with student activities as needed.
• Perform other duties as determined by the Head of Middle School and the Director of the school.

Experience and Qualifications:

• Licensure and/or bachelor’s degree in subject-area field; graduate degree preferred
• Knowledge of and experience working with middle school-aged students
• Experience with a diverse school community

Skills and Abilities:

• Communicate clearly and effectively with students, colleagues, and other members of the school community, both verbally and in writing
• Work collaboratively with students, colleagues, and other members of the school community
• Work effectively with students of varying abilities and learning styles
• Maintain a positive and professional demeanor
• Display an eagerness to learn and the ability to adapt to change
• Integrate technology into classroom instruction as needed and appropriate
• Demonstrate integrity at all times and maintain confidentiality as needed

The School

University School of Nashville is an independent, non-sectarian, co-educational day school with enrollment of over 1,000 students in kindergarten through twelfth grade. In 1915, the George Peabody College for Teachers opened Peabody Demonstration School, USN’s predecessor, which earned acclaim for its curriculum and faculty. In 1974, Peabody College announced plans to close PDS, and a group of parents, alumni, students, and teachers reconstituted and re-chartered the school as University School of Nashville. 

USN’s midtown location adjacent to Vanderbilt University and its Peabody College for Teachers reminds us each day of our beginnings over 108 years ago in the demonstration school culture of innovation and educational best practices. It’s a vibrant educational community for both students and teachers in the midst of a dynamic city.

In the USN community, students expect much of each other, and faculty benefit from that high standard. We seek educators who are enthusiastic about their own learning to complement their work and we offer many opportunities for professional growth. USN is committed to creating an institutional environment that mirrors the cultural and ethnic composition of greater Nashville. USN encourages a diverse applicant pool and provides equal employment opportunities for employees and job applicants.

Classroom teachers are expected to work from 7:30 p.m to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, carrying out the duties and responsibilities outlined below.  Teachers must have regular and predictable attendance at school; be on time each day; be focused and responsible for independent supervision of a class of 20 or more students; be able to communicate positively and productively with students, parents, and colleagues; and handle routine administrative duties, such as hall and cafeteria duty, car pool and dismissal duty (AM and PM), taking attendance, filling out reports, ordering new materials, and cooperating with requests made by the administration. 

Please be prepared to upload the following items through USN's online application for this position:

1. Cover Letter

2. Resume