2024-2025 Upper School Chemistry Teacher

Position Type:
Faculty
Date Posted:
12/14/2023
Location:
Upper School
Lakeside School, an independent coeducational day school located in north Seattle, Washington, is currently recruiting for an Upper School Chemistry teacher to teach four sections of Upper School science. Lakeside is seeking an energetic and creative educator to help develop the students' creative minds, healthy bodies, and ethical spirits needed to contribute wisdom, compassion, and leadership to a global society. Applicants should share Lakeside's commitment to sustaining a school in which individuals representing diverse cultures and experiences instruct one another in the meaning and value of community and in the importance of lifelong learning. This position would start with opening meetings in August, 2024. Applications will be reviewed starting in mid-January, 2024 and continue until the position is filled.
The science department is actively implementing new curricula that focus on developing student competencies and mindsets, curiosity and exploration, self-directed learning, alternative forms of assessment, and relevant skills. The science department is also committed to, and actively working on, integrating different perspectives and identities (such as race, class, gender, ethnicity, sexual preferences, etc.) into our curriculum and class activities. The science faculty work closely both within discipline-specific teams (biology, physics, chemistry), as well as with each other in the department as a whole.
Responsibilities
The Upper SchoolChemistry Teacher will teach four classes, which may include a combination of chemistry, honors chemistry, and/or an advanced chemistry elective during the 2024-25 school year. The ability to bring an innovative, experiential approach to teaching advanced chemistry electives, such as organic chemistry, pharmacology, or another offering in their area of expertise, is highly desirable. Ability to teach other core classes or electives in biology, physics, math, and/or interdisciplinary topics would also be a plus. Essential duties include:

1. Classroom instruction; maximum class sizes are usually set at 18 students, with average class sizes of about 16-18 students.
2. Working with a diverse student body who come to school with different lived experiences and levels of preparation. This work includes providing academic support for students with a variety of strengths and challenges outside of class time (answering questions, one-on-one work, etc.) as well as employing culturally competent pedagogical strategies to achieve equitable support and outcomes for all students;
3. Academic advising for a group of about 10 students.
4. Collaborating and participating in the work of the Science Department to develop innovative, equitable, and inclusive curricula, pedagogy, and assessment strategies;
5. Participation in departmental, divisional, and all-school meetings, ad hoc committees, etc.
6. Write evaluations of students at each marking period.
7. Active participation in the school community which includes activities and events such as student and faculty retreats, admissions open house, club advising, chaperoning dances, general engagement with student life, etc.

Requirements and Qualifications
The ideal candidate will join a diverse team of colleagues who are energetic, creative, collaborative, and constantly exploring new ways to effectively serve our students and their families.

1. Bachelor's degree in chemistry or a closely related field, with an advanced degree preferred.
2. Experience teaching chemistry in a high school or college setting.
3. Experience with standard laboratory and safety techniques is required.
4. Enthusiastic dedication to guiding students through an exploration of the physical sciences, emphasizing student-centered, hands-on learning activities that not only demonstrate scientific theories but also clearly illustrate their real-world applications, thereby fostering a deeper understanding of the world around them.
5. A talent for working effectively with a driven and talented population of students from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds, and a commitment to supporting all students, regardless of previous background in the discipline, towards a high level of achievement.
6. Demonstrated cultural awareness, including knowledge of themselves, the cultural lenses they bring to interactions, and how privilege impacts different communities. Strong candidates will understand different perspectives, interact respectfully with cultures other than their own, and cultivate meaningful relationships with people that have different cultural frameworks.
7. A commitment to the active and ongoing diversity, equity, and inclusion work of the department as we integrate different perspectives and identities (such as race, class, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, etc.) into our curriculum and class activities.
8. A desire to be involved in a wide range of school activities in and out of the classroom, which could include advising student clubs, supporting students at arts and athletics events, incorporating service learning and experiential education opportunities into the curriculum, etc.
9. Demonstrated ability to work harmoniously and collaboratively with adult colleagues, with empathy and understanding of different perspectives and cultural contexts on curriculum, instructional practices, and school policies.
10. Successful completion of three criminal background checks is required.

Application Process
Interested candidates should submit a brief cover letter, resume, and work history via the online application. Please address the following question in your cover letter:

• Your interest in this specific job at Lakeside.
• Your general approach to teaching chemistry.
• How your experiences have helped shape your beliefs about educational equity.
• Any other factors or experiences that you feel are relevant to the job.

The application is located on the Careers page of Lakeside's website (https://www.lakesideschool.org/about-us/careers). Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Lakeside School is an equal opportunity employer seeking to diversify its workplace.
Salary and Benefits
Salary Range:$68,225 - $119,165 based upon experience and education.
Lakeside School is committed to attracting and retaining outstanding candidates and provides a competitive compensation package. Benefits include:

• Use of school library and gymnasium
• Paid holidays and vacation
• Computer loan program
• Passport Corporate membership
• Reduced facility rentals
• Housing assistance program
• Bus/bike benefits
• Free parking
• Free lunch
• Flexible spending accounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Life/disability insurance
• Retirement with generous employer contribution
• Dependent medical and vision subsidy
• Employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance (based on FTE)

Working At Lakeside
At Lakeside we are committed to sustaining a school in which individuals representing diverse cultures and experiences instruct one another in the meaning and value of community. To learn more about working at Lakeside, including our professional development and mentoring programs, benefits, diversity and inclusion, and opportunities for involvement in non-academic programs, please visit our Careers page on the Lakeside School website.
Equity in hiring: According to various studies, women and people of color are more likely to not apply for a job if they see themselves as not meeting every requirement of the posting, which means employers miss meeting potentially ideal candidates. Lakeside School is committed to building a diverse and inclusive community where employees from diverse cultures are affirmed and equipped to lead an inclusive learning environment for our students. Please apply even if you don't meet every single requirement.
Participate in the 2024 Diversity Career Fair hosted by POCIS Seattle
Virtual: Sunday, February 4, 2024, 9am-12pm PST on Zoom
In-Person: Saturday, March 9, 2024, 9am-12pm
For more information and to register visit Diversity Career Fair