Middle School Science Teacher - Grade 7 (one-year) in City of London

This role is a one-year fixed-term position to cover a leave of absence.

Overall purpose

The middle school science teacher is responsible for delivering a science curriculum to middle school students in an engaging, stimulating and effective manner, using varied instructional strategies. The ideal candidate will demonstrate the ability to promote inquiry-based learning, in which students work both collaboratively and independently to create new knowledge, share materials, problem-solve and discuss mathematical concepts through hands-on learning activities such as labs, fieldwork and whole class discussions.

Summary of duties

• Teach four sections of science and serve as a Grade 7 advisor/form teacher (each section of science meets for 80 min, four times per every eight days and advisory meets every day for 30 min).
• Prepare, coordinate and plan the curriculum with other members of the science department, and liaise with other departments where appropriate.
• Exhibit knowledge of current trends, pedagogy, research, and topics of importance in science education by applying it in the classroom and sharing it with teachers on a departmental and school-wide basis.
• Monitor and evaluate students' progress, prepare for parent conferences, grade assessments and complete report cards, etc.
• Take responsibility for the safety and well-being of all students, demonstrating strong knowledge of laboratory safety and explicitly teaching safe practices while delivering an engaging and challenging syllabus.
• Organize and participate in field trips to facilitate active learning.
• Participate in regular, purposeful science pedagogy meetings and in professional development sessions.
• Participate actively in the life of the School, through attendance at events, committee membership and leadership of extracurricular activities.
• Any other duties as are within the scope, spirit and purpose of the job as requested by the Middle School Principal.

Selection Criteria

Essential qualifications/experience:

• A bachelor's degree in science or a relevant field.
• Substantive experience teaching middle school science.
• Experience and commitment to working collaboratively in a team-focused environment.
• Experience with differentiating instruction to meet the learning needs of all students.
• Training and experience in intercultural competency initiatives to support diversity, equity and inclusion in the classroom and workplace.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Significant recent professional development germane to the position.
• Commitment to and facility with integration of technology in the service of student learning.
• A proven commitment to the safeguarding and welfare of children.
• Demonstrated knowledge of safeguarding practices and experience supporting student welfare.

Desirable qualifications/experience:

• Experience within a standards-based curriculum.
• Experience/knowledge of integrated and/or thematic instruction.
• Experience/knowledge of Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS).
• Experience in advisory, mentoring or delivering social-emotional learning curricula that support adolescent wellbeing.

The American School in London is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all trustees, employees and volunteers to share this commitment.