Upper School Science Teacher

SCALE:  Professional Scale  
CONTRACT:  Professional Staff Contract 
SUPERVISOR:  Upper School Principal
DIRECT REPORT: Science Head of Department
DIVISION: Upper School

JOB SUMMARY 

At Taipei American School Classroom Teachers play a pivotal role in shaping the educational experience by demonstrating an in-depth understanding of the curriculum, subject content, and the developmental needs of students. Responsibilities include systematically planning instruction, utilizing a variety of research-based strategies, and assessing student progress through data-driven practices. Additionally, Classroom Teachers will foster a positive and safe learning environment, promote professionalism, and engage in continuous growth to enhance TAS' mission, values, and schoolwide learning outcomes.

REQUIRED EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE:

• Three or more years of teaching experience
• Masters' Degree or higher
• Fluent in English.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Sensitivity to the cultural differences between Western and Asian staff and a willingness to work for constructive change in a multi-cultural setting.

IDEAL TRAITS / CHARACTERISTICS:

• Passion, joy, and enthusiasm for teaching.
• Empathy and understanding of diverse family and student needs.
• Patience, kindness, and a student-centered teaching approach.
• A strong commitment to the TAS mission and a willingness to go above and beyond for students and the school community.
• Flexibility, adaptability, and creative problem-solving skills.
• Licensure in science teaching from a governmental body.
• Has demonstrated collaboration as a means to enhance student learning and professional growth.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:Professional Knowledge: 

• Demonstrates an understanding of the curriculum, subject content, and the developmental needs of students by providing meaningful, relevant, and engaging learning experiences.
• Addresses relevant curriculum standards and schoolwide learning outcomes while linking present content with past and future learning experiences, other subject areas, and real-world experiences and applications.
• Demonstrates an understanding of methodologies or practices to promote surface, deep and transfer learning.

Instructional Planning:

• Plans using TAS' mission, schoolwide learning outcomes, standards, and data, alongside engaging and appropriate strategies and resources to meet the needs of all students.
• Plans consistently using differentiated learning experiences (e.g. content, process, product, and learning environment) that support diverse populations of learners (e.g., multilingual learners, students with learning needs, etc.).
• Plans accordingly for pacing, sequencing, content mastery, transitions, and application of knowledge.
• Plans using the UbD framework and works collaboratively with teammates, collaborating teachers and/or instructional leaders to enhance teaching and learning.

Instructional Delivery:

• Uses a variety of research-based, developmentally appropriate instructional strategies relevant to the content area to engage students in active learning, to promote key skills especially those outlined within the schoolwide learning outcomes, and to meet individual learning needs. 
• Uses appropriate instructional technology to enhance student learning.
• Consistently checks for understanding using multiple levels of questioning, provides regular feedback, and adjusts instruction accordingly.

 Assessment of/for Learning:

• Systematically gathers, analyzes, and uses formative and summative data to measure student progress, guide instructional content and delivery methods, and provide timely feedback to students, parents, and stakeholders.
• Uses assessment as a means to support students in developing a growth-mindset while involving students in setting learning goals and monitoring their own progress.

 Learning Environment:

• Uses resources, routines, and procedures to provide a respectful, positive, safe, student-centered environment that is conducive to learning and collaboration.
• Arranges the physical space and structures the classroom to maximize learning while providing a welcoming and safe environment.
• Promotes respectful interactions and an understanding of students' diversity, including language, culture, race, gender, and special needs.

Professionalism:

• Maintains a commitment to professional ethics, collaborates and communicates appropriately, and takes responsibility for personal professional growth that results in the enhancement of student learning.
• Identifies and evaluates personal strengths and weaknesses and sets goals for improvement of professional knowledge and skills.
• Engages in activities outside the classroom intended for school and student enhancement.
• Works in a collegial and collaborative manner with administrators, other school personnel, and the community to promote students' well-being and success.
• Builds positive and professional relationships with parents through frequent and appropriate communication concerning students' progress.
• Uses precise language, correct vocabulary and grammar, and acceptable forms of oral and written communication. 

Position Specific  

The focus of the Upper School science program is helping students deepen their understanding of the natural world through inquiry, critical thinking, and evidence-based reasoning. Our courses emphasize learning through experience, including work in our laboratories, modeling, or by analyzing real-world data. We encourage students to ask questions, make connections, and see science as a dynamic process of discovery. The department values creativity and innovation, and teachers are encouraged to explore new approaches that inspire curiosity and confidence in all learners.

Teachers should be able to:

• Develop and support a collaborative and inclusive classroom environment where curiosity, questioning, and discovery are central to learning.
• Design and implement standards-based units that emphasize conceptual understanding, problem solving, and meaningful application of knowledge.
• Plan and differentiate learning experiences to ensure that all students are challenged and supported, recognizing the diverse strengths, needs, and interests within each class.
• Use varied and authentic assessments, including performance tasks, reflection, and feedback, to measure growth and guide next steps in learning.
• Promote scientific literacy, data analysis, and effective communication through writing, visual representation, and oral presentation.
• Help students connect scientific knowledge to local and global issues related to sustainability, health, and innovation.
• Guide students in designing and conducting independent or collaborative research investigations, including extended or honors-level projects.

Our work is guided by the TAS mission and Schoolwide Learning Outcomes (SLOs) as we prepare students to think critically, act ethically, and engage meaningfully with a complex and changing world.

To Apply

Interested applicants should submit a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three professional references through the online link below. Please note that direct applications via email or other channels will not be considered.

Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible, as Taipei American School reserves the right to close the selection process at any time. 

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