Upper Elementary Science Teacher

Highlands School is a vibrant leader in independent education in the Birmingham metropolitan region. Highlands School's whole‑child focused academic program – guided by a comprehensive emphasis on physical, social‑emotional, creative and intellectual development – educates and inspires students in preschool through 8th grade. The School was founded in 1958 and holds dual accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) and the Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS).

Highlands School, an exemplary early childhood – 8thgrade independent school, is currently seeking a skilled and engaging upper elementary science/STEM teacher. The strong candidate will possess deep conceptual knowledge of science and STEM as well as strong intellectual curiosity and the desire to inspire an appreciation of science among students. Experience in Pitsco STEM curriculum is desired but not required. In addition, this teacher will be a member of a dynamic 4thand 5thgrade departmentalized team that promotes collaborative learning and incorporates project‑based units of study to help students develop 21st Century Skills.

Highlands School provides a unique opportunity for elementary students to take risks, fail, succeed, and know they are valued all within a joyful classroom community.

Highlands Teachers will:

• Demonstrate mastery of best practices for teaching science to fourth and fifth grade students
• Plan, supervise, and implement a challenging and developmentally appropriate science program in accordance with the educational philosophy and policies of Highlands School, the curriculum’s scope and sequence, and prescribed student objectives
• Create a safe and engaging classroom community and differentiate for students as needed by employing a variety of instructional strategies and materials supported by best educational practices to enhance creative teaching/learning
• Maintain a clean, attractive, well‑ordered classroom
• Have a strong working knowledge of best practices for teaching engaging science and STEM lessons for 4thand 5thgrade students
• Familiarity or experience with STEM and PITSCO curriculum is preferred, but not required
• Plan and execute educational field experiences and engage guest lecturers through approved channels
• Implement a student‑centered approach by incorporating a variety of assessments, assess the learning of students frequently, and analyze the data to drive instruction, teaching /learning
• Maintain current and accurate attendance records, assessment data, and grades to meet the demand for a comprehensive knowledge of each student’s progress
• Maintain open, supportive, and consistent communication with parents and administration
• Develop and maintain rapport with students, parents, and staff to promote a positive learning environment
• Attend all staff meetings, required school events, parent/teacher conferences, professional development days, and orientations/in‑service

• Degree in Elementary Education (Master’s level preferred)
• Minimum of two years teaching experience in elementary grades, preferred experience teaching upper elementary grades
• Experience in teaching science curriculum required
• Knowledge of and experience with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) preferred
• A collaborative mindset and commitment to professional growth, personal development, and social‑emotional learning
• Experience with STEM‑based science curriculum, project‑based learning/project work, and Understanding by Design preferred
• Experience with differentiated instruction and appreciation of each child as an individual with diverse needs
• Experience integrating technology and applying 21st‑century learning within the classroom

Highlands School is an equal opportunity employer. We offer a competitive salary, benefits, and professional opportunities. Interested candidates should submit the following:

• APPLICATION FOR EMPLOYMENT

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