What You'll Do
At Avenues, science teachers ensure that students act and think like scientists every day: asking questions, conducting experiments, and trying to make sense of phenomena. In grades 6-9, we engage students in an integrated and interdisciplinary project-based curriculum that integrates fundamental concepts from the physical and life sciences. Beyond this core sequence, students pursue advanced study in physics, chemistry, biology, cosmology, and psychology, among other disciplines.
As an Avenues science teacher you will:
- Design, implement, and refine truly interdisciplinary project-based learning experiences that provide students access to curricular content and skills through authentic, purpose-driven, real-world projects
- Ensure that students achieve key learning outcomes in physical and life sciences and engineering practices, targeting instruction thoughtfully to address diverse individual learning needs and interests
- Collaborate intensively with colleagues both inside the classroom and during extensive co-planning time to refine science curriculum and develop interdisciplinary projects
- Use a standards-based assessment system to provide students with frequent, authentic, meaningful feedback that allows them to monitor and reflect on their own learning
- Build a robust learning atmosphere that leads students to feel part of a rigorous but joyful learning community
- Use state-of-the-art information technology to support students and provide them access to the full resources of knowledge available online.
What You'll Bring
Avenues Science teachers bring all or most of the following:
- A strong science background and at least three years teaching experience in high school science, preferably across multiple disciplines or as interdisciplinary courses
- Comfort teaching general concepts in both physical and life sciences as well as advanced coursework in biology, chemistry, or physics, with emphasis on chemistry and physics in the context of biological and ecological systems
- Comfort incorporating connections from other disciplines in order to build a rich integrated science program
- A familiarity with specialized topics such as computer science, earth and space science, engineering design, environmental science and sustainability, algebra and calculus-based physics, research experiences for students, or technology integration; we highly value candidates who will help us develop a rich program of rigorous core content and electives
- Experience in designing, developing and guiding students through rigorous science-focused and interdisciplinary project-based learning experiences
- A commitment to student success beyond the science curriculum especially in metacurricular skills such as collaboration, critical thinking, communication, metacognition, and persistence
- A focus on students as children and a recognition that healthy social and cognitive development is our primary charge
- An enthusiasm for working with students and their families as individuals with disparate yet valuable gifts
- A remarkable entrepreneurial drive, creativity and ability to bring new ideas to fruition
- Intellectual curiosity and humility to reflect, welcome feedback, and grow in teaching practice