Middle School Math and Science Teacher-Researcher

ESSENTIAL TASKS

• Teaches 7th and 8th grade: Two sections of each grade level with class sizes ranging from 7-12 students. 
• Performs Additional Duties: Completes other related tasks as assigned by the Program Director based on scheduling teacher availability. Additional duties include but are not limited to,  teaching an elective course, running an Advisory group, and/or supervising a student club. 
• Creates a Welcoming and Inclusive Classroom Environment: Establishes a space where all students feel safe to express themselves, take intellectual risks, and engage in collaborative problem-solving. Facilitates meaningful discussions and debates that foster critical thinking, empathy, and communication skills.
• Documents Student Learning: Guides students in discovery and understanding, fostering the development of reflective thinking and problem-solving skills. Tracks each student’s understanding of grade-level standards and key skills using a variety of methods, including formative and summative assessments, projects, papers, collaborative work, classwork, presentations, class discussions, one-on-one conferences, and self-reflection.  Submits quarterly grades and narrative comments. 
• Participates in Non-Classroom Activities: Engages in school activities, including parent/student conferences, retreats, faculty meetings, field trips, special activities, performances, and admissions and enrollment events (some of which may occur on weekends).
• Ensures Student Safety and Well-Being: Supervises students effectively to maintain a safe, healthy, and positive environment in accordance with school policies and expectations. Aids in supervision outside the classroom.
• Manages Classroom Expectations and Collaborates on Student Support: Works with the Program Director and School Counselor to address student concerns and implement support plans as needed. Participates in the school’s restorative practices program. 
• Communicates with Families: Maintains open communication with families, providing regular updates on student progress and learning experiences.
• Reflects on Teaching and Maintains Professional Development Goals: Participates in an annual observation cycle and classroom action research based on personal research interests and school-wide goals. Attends related internal and/or external professional development.

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Education: A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in teaching, math, science or a related field is required. Master’s degree or higher preferred.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Must be able to successfully pass a background check.

SPECIFIC TO THIS POSITION

• Mathematics: well-versed in advanced middle school and early high school topics, including proportional reasoning, algebraic thinking, functions, geometry, and data analysis/statistics, with the ability to extend students into Algebra I and Geometry-level concepts as appropriate.
• Science: well-versed in Physical Science and Earth Science concepts, including forces and motion, energy, waves, matter, weather and climate systems, and Earth’s dynamic processes, with opportunities for high school-level depth and application.
• Facilitate a rigorous, problem-centered, project-based, and inquiry-driven curriculum that challenges advanced middle school learners to think critically and independently using 21st century skills.
• Design interdisciplinary learning experiences that connect math and science with technology, engineering, and social studies through complex, real-world applications (e.g., climate modeling, engineering design challenges, data analysis projects).
• Guide students through both advanced mathematical reasoning and the scientific process, emphasizing abstraction, problem-solving, experimentation, data analysis, and evidence-based argumentation.
• Help students represent increasingly complex ideas in multiple ways, including graphs, symbolic representations, data visualizations, models, and formal written explanations.
• Integrate hands-on investigations, labs, and long-term projects that require persistence, collaboration, and higher-level critical thinking.
• Emphasize depth over breadth, encouraging students to explore concepts deeply and make meaningful connections across disciplines.
• Differentiate instruction to both support and extend learners, providing scaffolds while also offering enrichment and acceleration opportunities.
• Prepare students for the transition to high school-level coursework, building both content knowledge and the habits of mind needed for advanced study.
• Teach a curriculum that includes diverse perspectives, especially voices that are underrepresented in our society and in STEM fields.

General Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities:

• Willingness to participate fully in a dynamic day school environment in Richmond, Virginia.
• Demonstrates professionalism and serves as a role model by modeling honesty, accountability, understanding, tolerance, respect, love, and kindness for students.
• Develops and maintains professional, collaborative, and collegial relationships with faculty, staff, and community partners for the benefit of students and classes.
• Demonstrates professionalism, engagement, and kindness toward all children and families, regardless of race, religion, nationality, abilities, familial status, gender identity, or gender expression.
• Exhibits excellent communication skills, both oral and written.
• Establishes effective communication and relationships with students and parents.
• Displays curiosity, a positive attitude, flexibility, and a good sense of humor.
• Demonstrates creativity and flexibility in teaching practices, with a growth mindset toward professional goals and development.
• Guides students in discovery and understanding, fostering the development of reflective thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Exhibits excellent time management skills, completing reports and tasks in a timely and professional manner.
• Multi-tasks effectively, remains calm under pressure, and treats everyone with respect.
• Remains responsible for the supervision of students during classes and at all times while on or off campus.
• Learns new technology and systems as required by the program level.
• Adheres to all policies and procedures outlined in the Employee Handbook and Community Guide.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to stand, walk, and move around for extended periods during supervision and activities, both indoors and outdoors.
• Ability to lift and carry materials or equipment weighing up to 25 lbs.
• Capability to walk up and down two flights of stairs.
• Ability to respond promptly to emergencies, which may involve running, lifting, or assisting children to safety.
• Alertness and ability to supervise children during physical activities, such as outdoor play, while ensuring a safe environment.

TO APPLY:

Interested candidates should click the link on the right to submit the following materials. Be sure to list the position in the "position applying for" field.

• Letter of interest
• Resume
• Contact information for three professional references