Science Teacher - Middle School; Position

Friends Seminary educates students from kindergarten through twelfth grade, adhering to the values of the Religious Society of Friends. We strive to build a diverse school where students exercise their curiosity and imagination as they develop as scholars, artists and athletes. In a community that cultivates the practices of keen observation, unhurried reflection, critical thinking, and coherent expression, we listen for the single voice as we seek unity.

The disciplines of silence, study, and service provide the matrix for growth: silence opens us to change; study helps us to know the world; service challenges us to put our values into practice. At Friends Seminary, education is rooted in the Quaker belief in the Inner Light – that of God in every person. Guided by the testimonies of integrity, peace, equality, and simplicity, we prepare students to engage in the world that is and to help bring about a world that ought to be.

Founded in 1786, Friends Seminary, the oldest continually operating coeducational, independent Quaker school in New York City, seeks applications for a Middle School Science Teacher for the  school year. They will be responsible for collaborating with faculty and staff to teach in support of the School’s mission, curricular goals, and students. The ideal candidate possesses creative problem‑solving skills, a sense of humor, enthusiasm for innovative curriculum, a positive attitude toward growth, a gentle curiosity, an ability to observe and express without judgment, and strong interpersonal skills that allow one to cooperate and collaborate effectively with others.

• Teach 4 or 5 sections of Middle School Science, amongst grades 5 and 7
• Collaborate with departmental colleagues on pedagogical practices and differentiation in support of student growth
• Plan and implement motivating lessons for students which reflect knowledge of curriculum, students’ interests and abilities, and students’ social and emotional needs
• Demonstrate a passion for lifelong learning on a daily basis including but not limited to: engaging in professional development, reflecting upon pedagogical practices, and embracing a growth mindset
• Collaborate with colleagues, across and within disciplines and divisions, with respect to the further development of curriculum, interdisciplinary projects/units of study, content, pedagogy, use of appropriate technology resources, and the social and emotional needs of middle school students
• Participate in the School community, including faculty and committee work, and school duties
• Attend faculty meetings and other planning meetings as necessary
• Prepare student reports, including narrative descriptions of students' achievements and needs
• Serve as a Middle School Advisor
  • Lead advisory lessons
  • Facilitate fall and spring conferences
  • Maintain communication with the families of advisees
• Actively engage in anti‑bias and equity work, in an effort to implement culturally responsive pedagogy and understand the social justice dimensions of education
• Communicate respectfully with families and demonstrate sensitivity to cultures, values, configurations, and beliefs

• Knowledge of child development, best practices, and current trends in education specifically related to middle school aged children, learning differences, and the science discipline
• Passion for and success in building foundations in inquiry‑based learning
• Comfort and expertise in teaching science content, specifically related to life and physical science
• Enthusiasm for various classroom structures
• Demonstrated classroom management skills, including allocating time, space, and materials for most effective learning
• Experience in differentiated instruction
• A proven commitment to creating an inclusive environment for all learners
• Creativity and innovation in both curriculum and instruction
• Versatility and flexibility both within and outside of the classroom, encouraging students to think creatively, work collaboratively, embrace failure, and communicate effectively with others
• Outstanding interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills
• Comfort and experience with educational technology such as Canvas,…