Lower or Middle School Science Teacher

Lower or Middle School Science Teacher Location Cambridge, MA (West Cambridge area) : Since 1915, Shady Hill, a school of approximately 530 students (PreK - 8) and 90+ faculty, has been a leader in progressive education. Shady Hill is a deeply mission-driven school. We seek to develop independent, joyful and curious learners who respect their own accomplishments and those of others. We strive to be a community whose values are strong and whose teachers are unafraid to engage students in important questions. The schools program allows children to explore their worlds and test their powers. As a school with a historical and contemporary commitment to social justice, we believe that an inclusive and equitable community is an educational and moral imperative that empowers us all. Therefore, we seek to hire teachers who demonstrate a mindset and skill set that prioritizes cultural competence, equity, and justice in their practice with students and in their work with colleagues. A hallmark of a Shady Hill education is the Central Subject methodology. Students in Grades 3-8 engage in an assigned Central Subject, an in-depth, integrated study of a particular time or people in history. The year-long study, which emphasizes strong content, the use of primary sources, understanding of multiple perspectives, acquisition of essential skills, and self-discovery, forms the core of our curriculum. Gradeheads (lead teachers) are both humanities teachers and advisors, supporting the academic and social-emotional experience for their 14-18 students. Additionally, gradeheads in Beginners through Grade 4 are responsible for implementing instruction in mathematics. Gradeheads are responsible for developing content and implementing instruction in the humanities, with the support of faculty in other disciplines, such as science, to integrate the curriculum. Shady Hill School is also a teaching training institution. Its long-standing Teacher Training Center, which brings apprentice teachers to campus each year, prepares talented people for careers in education and allows faculty members the opportunity to be a mentor and meaningful contributor to the teaching field. Because of the schools commitment to teacher training, the school seeks teachers with certification or a demonstrated interest in working towards certification when hired by Shady Hill School. Summary: Shady Hill School is seeking a full-time Science teacher beginning with the 2024-2025 school year. The science program, in keeping with the overall philosophy of the school, seeks to aid students in becoming independent thinkers and problem-solvers. Our curriculum emphasizes depth over breadth, and is based on inquiry and discovery. Science at all grade levels allows students to consider a problem, develop a plan for testing and solving the problem, and to reflect on why the plan did or did not work. Hands-on activities are selected to introduce and reinforce concepts, and to lead to a deeper understanding. We value multiple perspectives, collaboration and an appreciation for careful observation and consideration of all aspects of a question. This full-time, 10-month position could support students in Lower School or Middle School (grades 3 - 5 or 7), depending on subject matter expertise and the needs of the department. Each grade explores a different type of science: curriculum for grade 3 is primarily Marine Biology, grade 4 explores various aspects of Physical Science, grade 5 covers Environmental Science, and grade 7 focuses on Human Biology. Specific Responsibilities:

• Teach science daily, grade levels to be determined based on institutional needs and knowledge and previous experience of candidates
• Follow lab safety rules set by the Shady Hill science department (Middle School applicable)
• Manage all classroom responsibilities, including designing and implementing hands-on, interdisciplinary curriculum, differentiating instruction to meet the needs of all learners, utilizing a variety of approaches to teaching and assessing students
• Monitor the social, emotional, and academic lives of students, creating an identity-safe and caring classroom environment and community
• Communicate about student progress, write reports, hold parent conferences, and meet with administrators and other faculty to support the needs of individuals
• Work collaboratively with department and grade level team(s) to shape and refine the curriculum
• Engage in professional development to enhance inclusive teaching and leadership practices. The school offers extensive professional development opportunities, including yearly trips to the People of Color Conference for BIPOC employees
• Athletics coaching is strongly encouraged and coaching outside of the school day provides additional compensation

In addition, the science faculty member will share in responsibilities associated with the position or with membership on the faculty, supervision of student activities, participating in special events and outreach programs, as well as lunch and recess supervision and other duties. Faculty members are also expected to attend opening and closing meetings (August/September and June) and other faculty meetings as scheduled and to serve on committees of the faculty. Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree in a science related field required, Masters preferred
• At least three years of prior science teaching experience preferred
• Strong background in an inquiry approach to science education, including experimental design, curriculum design, interdisciplinary activities, and project-based learning
• Effective, timely, and professional communication skills
• Employs multicultural, anti-bias, antiracist teaching strategies that reflect cultural competence
• Effectively uses multicultural materials and resources
• A demonstrated interest in furthering professional development

Additional Info: Finalists are expected to teach a demonstration lesson and provide a writing sample. Annual salary for faculty is determined according to a step scale commensurate with experience. How to apply: Please send a pdf including a cover letter, resume, statement of educational philosophy and list of 3 professional references (references will not be contacted without your permission) to: [email protected]. Please be sure to include Science Teacher in the subject line of the email. Shady Hill offers competitive salaries and a generous benefits package, including medical, dental and vision insurance plans, a school-matched retirement plan and paid time off. Employees must be authorized to work in the United States. Shady Hill is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. For a description of the school, refer to: COVID19 Protocols: All Shady Hill employees are required to provide proof of vaccination and to observe campus COVID protocols. All health and safety protocols are subject to change based on state, local and CDC guidelines and at the discretion of the Health and Safety Team.