Science Teacher Grades 5-12; Gilbert, AZ or , AZ

Job Description Job Description

About ReThink Microschools

ReThink Microschools is a specialized educational institution exclusively serving students with high-functioning autism in grades K-12. We celebrate neurodiversity as a strength and provide personalized, rigorous education in small classroom settings. Our mission is to create learning environments where every student is seen, supported, and inspired to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

Position Overview

We are seeking a passionate, innovative Science Teacher to join our mission-driven team. In this role, you'll teach science to small groups of students with high-functioning autism (maximum 8 per class). You'll have the unique opportunity to leverage students' natural curiosity, attention to detail, and systematic thinking to create transformative science learning experiences that are hands‑on, inquiry‑based, and deeply engaging.

Key Responsibilities

Instructional Excellence

• Design and deliver engaging, differentiated science instruction across disciplines (Life Science, Earth Science, Physical Science, Chemistry, Physics, Biology)
• Implement inquiry‑based, hands‑on learning experiences that align with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)
• Utilize visual supports, concrete demonstrations, and systematic investigations
• Make abstract scientific concepts concrete through experiments, models, and real‑world applications
• Foster scientific thinking, observation skills, and evidence‑based reasoning
• Connect science content to students' special interests and fascinations
• Break down complex processes into clear, sequential steps
• Provide structured lab experiences with explicit safety procedures and expectations

Autism‑Affirming Support

• Develop individualized learning plans that build on student strengths in pattern recognition and logical thinking
• Recognize and accommodate sensory sensitivities during hands‑on activities and labs
• Support executive function challenges (organizing materials, following multi‑step procedures, lab reports)
• Provide clear, explicit instructions with visual lab protocols and procedure cards
• Build predictable lab routines while maintaining the excitement of scientific discovery
• Address science anxiety and build confidence through success‑oriented investigations
• Leverage special interests (dinosaurs, astronomy, chemistry, animals, etc.) to drive engagement
• Teach scientific vocabulary explicitly with visual supports and real‑world examples

Student Relationships & Communication

• Build authentic, trust‑based relationships with students in our small class setting
• Understand and respect each student's communication style and social preferences
• Provide direct, specific feedback on scientific work and thinking
• Foster a growth mindset around scientific inquiry and "productive failure"
• Communicate regular
• Collaborate with families to extend learning through home experiments and observations

Laboratory & Safety Management

• Maintain a safe, organized, and sensory‑friendly science lab environment
• Teach and reinforce laboratory safety procedures explicitly
• Manage science materials, equipment, and living organisms responsibly
• Prepare demonstrations and experiments with attention to sensory considerations
• Ensure accessibility of all scientific tools and resources
• Document and communicate any safety concerns immediately

Collaboration & Professional Growth

• Work closely with support staff
• Participate in ongoing professional development in autism education and science pedagogy
• Contribute to curriculum development
• Share effective strategies
• Maintain accurate records
• Coordinate field

Classroom Environment

• Create an organized, sensory‑friendly science classroom space
• Implement visual supports
• Establish clear expectations and consistent routines
• Balance hands‑
• Use autism‑affirming language that celebrates different ways

Qualifications

Required: