Biology Teacher (Sy24-25, High School)

The Role: What You'll Do
As the 9th grade Biology Teacher at Veritas Prep High School you'll provide engaging and rigorous instruction in science and specifically biology that will prepare students for college-level work. You'll teach biology through meaningful phenomena, case studies and projects that are relevant to students' lives and build Scientific Practices as defined by NGSS. You'll work with a team to create a community where students of all identities feel safe, seen, and included, centering students in the classroom and fostering student-led discourse, critical thinking, and leadership skills. You'll collaborate with content and grade level colleagues and our higher education partners for coherence and alignment in our work and efficiency in preparing students for the next level.
You'll also:

• Teach all 9th grade Biology classes, aligning with English around cross-cutting literacy skills. You'll provide targeted supports to students where appropriate
• Teach a 9th grade Seminar course focused on college, career and life readiness, using the Naviance platform and a curriculum aligned with our college partners.
• Utilize and continually strengthen your deep content knowledge to prepare high-quality, effective lessons
• Learn, contribute to and use school-wide routines and systems that help our school run smoothly and keep the focus on teaching and learning
• Use data to make decisions and to support the growth of our students in the classroom
• Support the development of valuable college and career readiness skills and embed this skill-building into your lessons and daily interactions
• Build deep relationships and actively partner and communicate with parents, families, and community partners
• Engage in learning about and supporting anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion in education
• Support a school-wide student-centered culture, providing opportunities for student feedback and leadership
• Actively engage in professional development

Requirements
What You'll Need

• An unwavering belief that all students can achieve amazing things

• Relentless pursuit of a classroom that centers students and continuously improves learning outcomes

• A passion for continuous growth as an educator
• A dedication to fighting racism in our educational institutions and in daily life and knowledge of the history of race and racism, as well as the systems of oppression our students face
• A commitment to creating engaging learning experiences that are relevant to our students' lives and prepare them for success in an early college setting
• One to two years of teaching experience (preferably at the secondary level)
• Deep content knowledge in Biology
• Bachelor's degree
• Have or be eligible for a MA teaching license in Biology (8-12)
• SEI endorsement within one year of employment
• Current authorization to work in the United States - a candidate must have such authorization by his or her first day of employment
• Alignment with our Values of
• Students First: We make decisions with our students in mind and know our actions model the way.
• Grow Together: We are role models of growth mindset, teamwork, and collaboration.
• One Team, One Mission: We cheer for, lean on, and support each other as we play unique roles in support of the same mission.

Think you don't quite meet all the qualifications listed above? Apply anyway! We are looking for a truly diverse team of educators, and research shows that historically marginalized groups are less likely to apply if they do not meet every requirement. We are working to become an anti-racist organization and want to recruit and support a diverse staff, to understand the history of inequity in education, and to ensure students see teachers, staff, and leaders who look like them working in their schools.
Still not sure? Set up a call with a recruiter by emailing recruitment@vpcs.org.
Veritas Prep is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against employees or qualified job applicants on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran or military status, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity or expression, or any other status or condition protected by applicable law. This policy extends to, but is not limited to, recruitment, selection, compensation, benefits, promotion, training, and termination.
Benefits
About Veritas Prep
Veritas Prep is a public, tuition-free school in Springfield that prepares students in grades 5 through 12 to compete, achieve, and succeed in college and beyond. Veritas Prep accelerates every student's path to college and career by helping them set a strong academic foundation in middle school and guaranteeing access to college classes and college prep support in our wall-to-wall Early College High School.
At Veritas Prep, we are not only breaking down barriers to college access but also providing the tools students need to persist through college and prepare for a successful career. Our middle school program has been serving students in Springfield since 2012 and our scholars are supported by skilled, dedicated, and diverse teachers. Scholars learn important academic habits and are challenged to achieve at high levels academically, socially, and emotionally, setting them up for success as they enter our High School.
Our Early College High School program, in partnership with STCC and Worcester State University, prepares students to earn high-impact college degrees, saving students up to two years' time in college and thousands of dollars. Students can earn up to an associate degree for free, and the general studies associate degree from STCC means students enter as JUNIORS at any Massachusetts public college or university after High School graduation.
Students at Veritas Prep benefit from high academic standards and robust support, an exceptional learning environment, a diverse staff of high-quality educators, a strong commitment to social/emotional and practical skill development, and an inclusive, anti-racist community that values the identities and backgrounds of all students.