
Middle School Science Teacher
Shady Hill School, Cambridge, MA
Since 1915, Shady Hill, a school of approximately 520 students (PreK – 8) and 70+ 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 school’s 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 3-4 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 IV 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 school’s commitment to teacher training, the school seeks teachers with certification or a demonstrated interest in working towards certification when hired by Shady Hill School.
Basic Purpose: 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.
Specific Responsibilities:
- Teach science daily, grade levels to be determined based on institutional needs and 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
- 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
- Athletics coaching is strongly encouraged and coaching outside of the school day provides additional compensation
- Engage in professional development to enhance inclusive teaching and leadership practices. The school offers extensive professional development opportunities, including faculty summer study, travel grants, and yearly trips to the People of Color Conference for BIPOC employees.
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:
- Masters degree and 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
- Uses multicultural materials and resources
- A demonstrated interest in furthering professional development, taking advantage of the School’s numerous opportunities, including workshops, summer study and travel grants
How to apply: Please send a pdf including a cover letter and resume to: apply@shs.org. Please be sure to include “MS Science Teacher” in the subject line of the email. Finalists are expected to teach a demonstration lesson. A writing sample and college transcripts will also be required.
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. Shady Hill is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. For a description of the school, refer to: www.shs.org.
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.
Shady Hill School
