Middle School Science Teacher

SCALE:  Professional Scale  
CONTRACT:  Professional Staff Contract 
SUPERVISOR: Science Department Chair
Middle School Administration
DIVISION: Middle School

JOB SUMMARY 

The Middle School Science program at Taipei American School is grounded in the principles of the newly adopted Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and is designed to foster independent, critical, and creative thinkers. The successful candidate will demonstrate the ability to cultivate a classroom environment that encourages inquiry, analytical thinking, creativity, and a genuine passion for science. They will emphasize the development of scientific skills and reasoning through the exploration of real-world phenomena, guiding students to apply their knowledge in meaningful and authentic contexts. The teacher will provide structured opportunities for students to become self-directed learners through goal setting, choice, and self-reflection. Responsibilities include teaching five sections of Middle School Science, sometimes across two grade levels, and collaborating with colleagues within the department and across grade-level teams to design, implement, and refine a rigorous and engaging science curriculum. 

Other teaching expectations:

• Facilitate a Homeroom class for 8 to 12 students (25-minutes daily) delivering lessons on DEIB and other related topics throughout the year.
• Meet with MS Counselors and grade-level team(s) to talk about student well-being
• Attend MS Camp for four days and three nights.

REQUIRED EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE:

• Three or more years of teaching experience in Middle School
• Bachelor's degree in science or related field (master's in science or education preferred)
• Fluent in English
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

IDEAL TRAITS / CHARACTERISTICS:

• Passion, joy, and enthusiasm for teaching middle school students and for teaching science.
• 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.
• Willingness to support the growth of the program and their own professional growth outside of the classroom (for example through PLC's or curriculum review teams)
• Ability and eagerness to work collaboratively with a team of teachers 

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.

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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