SY Middle School Science Teacher Gr 5-8

Job Description

Conservatory Lab Charter School is an urban, Expeditionary Learning charter school in Massachusetts that combines a rigorous academic curriculum with an El Sistema‑inspired music program. As a unique, hybrid school, we emphasize project‑based learning, social‑emotional development, and community engagement. Our mission is to produce holistic scholars, artists, and leaders who take ownership of their education and the surrounding community.

We are seeking a science teacher for grades five through eight to facilitate daily instruction that is aligned with MA standards, the Massachusetts Science Framework, and our Expeditionary Learning practices. The teacher will develop dynamic units, provide hands‑on experiences, and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams—including our music, arts, and visual arts staff—to contextualize science content within the community. The ideal candidate will lead students to think critically, become change agents, and demonstrate stewardship of the local community.

• Develop and teach curriculum that is aligned with the academic standards of the school and the State of Massachusetts, as well as Expeditionary Learning practices.
• Utilize the Massachusetts Science frameworks to develop dynamic units that support a range of learners.
• Develop assessments in grade level teams that measure progress toward the academic standards.
• Nurture, maintain, and communicate high academic expectations for all students.
• Incorporate direct instruction, small group work, projects, and cooperative learning to engage all students.
• Work in collaboration with support staff to problem‑solve and identify innovative, practical, and effective differentiation strategies to meet student learning needs and close achievement gaps by linking assessment to instruction.
• Collaborate with support staff to develop instructional techniques and create classroom environments that align with the School’s curriculum.
• Identify student needs and partner with support staff in assessing and supporting students’ health, social, and academic improvements.
• Maintain regular communication with parents/caregivers about student progress.
• Collaborate with other personnel at the school.
• Articulate school culture, vision, and mission to students and parents.
• Share responsibility for celebrating grade level and school‑wide activities.
• Build a safe and supportive classroom culture, by teaching and overseeing daily "crew" to support community building and social emotional learning.
• Serve on school‑wide teams and committees as needed.
• Reflect on practice, using feedback from coach and instructional team to refine practice and improve student learning.
• Participate in regular sessions to look at student work (LASW), analyze data, and plan collaboratively.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required

• Bachelor’s Degree in related content.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.

Preferred

• 2–3 years of experience working with urban youth.
• Master’s Degree and certification.
• SEI endorsement.
• Experience in inclusion or special‑needs classrooms.

Salary commensurate with experience.

Our curriculum allows teachers to not only impart skills and concepts but also create opportunities for students to apply learning to community problems. Students participate in fieldwork, work with experts, and engage in service‑learning projects that connect classroom concepts to real‑world challenges.

Every student engages in daily music instruction. K1–K2 receive early childhood general music; all students begin playing a stringed instrument in grade one, adding wind, brass, and percussion instruments in subsequent grades. Music teachers partner with academic teachers to create interdisciplinary learning opportunities.