Secondary Science Teacher

Teacher - Secondary Science

Assume responsibility for planning, delivering, assessing, and evaluating science instruction that promotes scientific literacy, inquiry, critical thinking, and college and career readiness for students in grades 6-12. Teach Biology, Chemistry, Physics, or other assigned secondary science courses aligned with the Virginia Science Standards of Learning (SOLs), while maintaining a safe, engaging, and inclusive learning environment.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university required; Master's degree preferred.
• Holds or is eligible for a valid Virginia teaching license with an endorsement in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Earth Science, or another appropriate Virginia science endorsement for the assigned grade level and content area.
• Demonstrates knowledge of the Virginia Science Standards of Learning (SOLs), scientific inquiry, laboratory practices, curriculum, instructional strategies, and assessment practices.
• Demonstrates knowledge of laboratory safety procedures and proper handling, storage, and disposal of laboratory equipment and chemicals.
• Demonstrates professional and personal characteristics necessary for working effectively with students, parents, school personnel, and members of the community.
• Demonstrates effective oral, written, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Ability to utilize instructional technology, learning management systems, laboratory technology, and electronic student information systems.
• Ability to move about the classroom and laboratory to monitor students and provide instruction in classrooms with varied seating arrangements.
• Ability to supervise students in classrooms, laboratories, hallways, field investigations, field trips, and other school-related activities.
• Ability to prepare and maintain required reports and documentation.
• Ability to lift instructional materials, laboratory equipment, and supplies with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Possesses high moral standards, integrity, professionalism, and maintains confidentiality.
• Successfully completes all employment requirements, including criminal history and child protective services background checks as required by Virginia law.

Performance Responsibilities:

• Plans and delivers engaging science instruction aligned with the Virginia Science Standards of Learning and School Division curriculum.
• Teaches Biology, Chemistry, Physics, or other assigned science courses using research-based instructional practices.
• Develops lesson plans that promote scientific inquiry, experimentation, problem-solving, engineering practices, and critical thinking.
• Provides laboratory and hands-on learning experiences that reinforce scientific concepts and real-world applications.
• Maintains a safe laboratory environment and ensures compliance with all laboratory safety procedures, chemical handling requirements, and School Board policies.
• Instructs students in the safe use of laboratory equipment, materials, and scientific investigations.
• Uses a variety of instructional strategies, technology, and differentiated instructional practices to meet the diverse learning needs of students.
• Integrates scientific literacy, data analysis, mathematics, engineering, and technology into classroom instruction.
• Monitors, assesses, and documents student learning using formal and informal assessment methods.
• Analyzes student achievement data to guide instructional decisions and improve student outcomes.
• Prepares students for success on Virginia Science Standards of Learning (SOL) assessments and applicable end-of-course assessments.
• Establishes and maintains appropriate standards of student behavior that support an effective learning environment.
• Encourages responsible citizenship, respect for diversity, ethical scientific practices, and appropriate student conduct.
• Identifies instructional resources, interventions, and support services necessary to meet individual student needs.
• Maintains accurate and complete student records as required by law, School Board policy, and administrative regulations.
• Communicates regularly with parents and guardians regarding student progress, instructional programs, attendance, behavior, and school-related matters.
• Collaborates with teachers, instructional coaches, counselors, administrators, special education staff, English Learner staff, and support personnel to improve student achievement.
• Participates in faculty meetings, professional learning, curriculum development, data analysis, school improvement initiatives, and other assigned activities.
• Demonstrates professionalism, ethical conduct, dependability, confidentiality, and continuous professional growth.
• Complies with all federal and state laws, Virginia Department of Education regulations, School Board policies, administrative procedures.
• Contributes positively to the overall educational program and school community.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the School Administrator.

Terms of Employment: Employment is based on the School Board-approved teacher contract, salary schedule, and work calendar.

Salary: Commensurate with education, experience, and the School Board-approved salary schedule.