Lower School Science Teacher

Description: The Position Saint Andrew's Episcopal School in Saratoga, CA is seeking a dynamic and highly collaborative full-time Lower School Science Teacher with an understanding of and passion for teaching students in grades PK-5.
The successful candidate will join a community of dedicated, compassionate, energetic, and experienced adults – faculty and parents alike – who are committed to the mission to develop “as fully as possible the intellectual, spiritual, physical, and social capacities of each student.
” Our goal is to build a joyful, inclusive, and respectful learning community.
This teacher will be responsible for teaching daily science classes for grades PK-5.
The successful candidate must be able to transfer their enthusiasm for and deep understanding of science to students using multiple modalities and authentic applications in order to make learning relevant and meaningful for students.
School Mission and Vision - A wholehearted education in the heart of Silicon Valley.
The mission of Saint Andrew's Episcopal School is to offer an enriched curriculum within the tradition and values of the Episcopal Church.
We aim to educate the whole student, developing as fully as possible the intellectual, spiritual, physical, and social capacities of each student.
Saint Andrew's is committed to offering the highest standards of academic excellence in a welcoming, inclusive community that nurtures students’ intellectual, spiritual, physical and social growth, in order to create and encourage open-minded, responsible, lifelong learners who will make a difference in the world.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion By embracing diversity, we are a stronger community.
Saint Andrew’s Episcopal School is a community rooted in kindness.
We believe that learning happens best when we bring our whole self to school.
We support every person’s right to define, express, and live comfortably within their own evolving identity.
We are committed to cultivating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment that recognizes the worth of each individual.
Our Episcopal faith is anchored in inclusivity and love as guided by the National Association of Episcopal Schools.
One of its hallmarks is to celebrate the diversity of beliefs and perspectives around life’s questions, no matter one's traditions.
Human reason and critical thinking in the pursuit of knowledge are valued as a means to grow deeper in our spiritual journey.
Episcopal schools cultivate a strong sense of ethics and develop agents of change through all aspects of the student experience.
Major Responsibilities 1) Student Relationships Creating an inclusive, welcoming, learning-focused environment where student voice is elevated and celebrated.
Be attuned to the specific learning needs and the social and emotional development of each student.
2) Learning Facilitate age-appropriate, challenging science instruction, including labs and hands-on experiments.
Plan learning activities that inspire enthusiasm, confidence, and a deep understanding of science.
Create learning experiences by incorporating a range of instruction modalities.
Assess understanding using a variety of formative and summative assessments.
Utilize assessment feedback to adjust instruction and continuously improve student learning.
Use technology creatively and effectively in a one-to-one iPad learning environment.
Attend and collaborate in the organization of annual overnight educational trips.
Actively pursue, and participate in at the school’s request, student-centered professional learning opportunities aligned with school goals and initiatives.
Facilitate Garden Club during recess for third-fifth graders.
Perform ongoing maintenance of the native plant and vegetable garden.
3) Community Active collaboration with other PK-8 teachers, educators, and specialist teachers to develop curriculum, plan trips, interdisciplinary learning opportunities, and special projects.
Communicate regularly with parents regarding curriculum and student progress.
Be a positive and contributing member of the school community.
Supervise students in other roles such as recess, lunch, field trips, etc.
Participate actively in department, grade-level team, division, and faculty meetings as scheduled.
Pursue relevant opportunities for professional growth and development.
Collaborate with departmental colleagues on the ordering of instructional materials, course placements, curriculum development, etc.
Requirements: Desired Qualifications & Characteristics: A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a science-related field A teaching credential in science PK-5 classroom teaching experience Experience integrating technology into the classroom The desire for a highly collaborative work environment that values innovation and creativity A sense of humor and a pitch-in, can-do, “yes…and” attitude The desire to use a range of approaches that represent and celebrate diverse cultures, experiences and viewpoints Ability to differentiate instruction so that students are appropriately challenged within their developmental level Excellent communication skills A high degree of self-direction and flexibility Satisfactory completion of a nationwide criminal background check Eligibility to work in the United States Interviews, including demonstration lessons, will take place until the position is filled.