K-5 Science Teacher

GENERAL SUMMARY:

Roland Park Country School is seeking a full-time Lower School Science Teacher for the 2023-2024 school year. The individual in this position reports directly to the Lower School Head and works collaboratively with colleagues in the science department. The Lower School science program is designed to foster a student's curiosity in the natural world and build a life-long love of science and nature. Earth science, as explored through our extensive gardening program, is one major focus of the curriculum. In a supportive environment, students are asked to explore ideas and questions through inquiry based, hands-on classes. The Science Teacher works closely with the Lower School STEAM teacher to build understanding of the intersectionality of these subjects.

In addition to having at least two years of experience, the ideal candidate possesses the ability to foster and nurture a learning environment that is engaging and accessible to a broad and diverse range of students, as well as the ability to connect curriculum content to student experiences and cultural frames of reference. This creative classroom teacher should enjoy building curriculum and working collaboratively with colleagues.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Teaches science to students in kindergarten through grade five.
• Collaborates with Lower School teachers, garden educator, and the K-8 STEAM director.
• Plans for academic classes and is responsible for daily lesson plans, arrangement of field trips, organization of materials for substitute teachers, and works on curriculum design and planning.
• Develops assessments and evaluations and tracks student progress.
• Maintains communication with parents about student progress through emails, report cards, and parent-teacher conferences.
• Works closely with STEAM teacher, garden educator, and art teacher to plan and implement annual STEAM week.
• Performs various assigned Lower School duties with care and enthusiasm including, but not limited to lunch, assemblies, and class trips.
• Attends meetings, including but not limited to team, department, and divisional, Lower School morning meetings, all-employee meetings, and all-School functions.
• Participates in professional development, including in-service training to enhance knowledge of curriculum and pedagogy.
• Engages and supports students within classroom instruction and other times if needed.
• Creates and maintains a classroom environment that is developmentally appropriate and intellectually stimulating and that fosters an atmosphere of learning.
• Creates a positive classroom environment of inclusion and respect.

• Performs other reasonable duties as assigned from time to time by the Lower School Head or the Head of School.

REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES:

• Demonstrated ability to integrate technology in content delivery/skill development.
• Has a commitment to culturally competent teaching.
• Familiarity with giving and receiving feedback for professional growth.
• Growth mindset, flexibility, and openness to collaboration and experimentation.
• A strong desire to help educate courageous scholars is preferred.
• Strong communication skills and ability to effectively engage with students, colleagues, and parents.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor's degree in science or related field is required. Graduate degree preferred.
• At least two years of demonstrated excellence in teaching.
• Experience creating differentiated learning opportunities aligned with formative assessments and continuous feedback to optimize student outcomes preferred.
• Experience with inquiry-based learning pedagogies that put students at the center of their learning.
• Experience with Responsive Classroom approach is a plus.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position that involves sitting at a desk, working on a computer, standing, reaching and bending for prolonged periods of time.
• Physical agility to stand, kneel, walk, push/pull, squat, twist, turn, bend, stoop, reach overhead, and crouch, to respond to emergency situations.
• Occasional to frequent physical mobility and manual dexterity sufficient to move about classroom, ascend/descend stairs, maneuver tight spaces in classrooms, bend at the waist, use office equipment, and keyboarding.
• Ability to exert/lift up to 10 lbs. as frequently as needed to move objects or class materials.
• Must be able to see and hear with acuity on a continuous basis.

WORK CONDITIONS

• The Lower School Science Teacher is a full-time, exempt position.
• The Lower School Science Teacher is expected to be available to work during all hours as may be assigned by the School, as well as during other hours for events and activities.
• Occasional extended hours may include evenings, as business needs require.
• The Lower School Science Teacher is expected to perform their job duties on campus, unless otherwise permitted by the Head of School.
• As a condition of employment, all employees hired after August 1, 2021, are required to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and be able to provide proof of such vaccination.

BACKGROUND CHECK:

A background check (including criminal records and employment history review) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can begin work with RPCS. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status or start of employment.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

• Occasional travel may be required for field trips and other program related activities.

Note: This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and assignments may change at any time with or without notice.

HOW TO APPLY:

Interested candidates must apply by completing the employment application and submitting a resume and cover letter to Ms. Shahad Alkubaisi in HR at AlkubaisiS@rpcs.org. References may be requested after the application has been submitted.