Oregon Episcopal School seeks a Middle School science teacher for a temporary position between March and June 2024. 

OUR MISSION: Oregon Episcopal School prepares students for higher education and lifelong learning by inspiring intellectual, physical, social, emotional, artistic, and spiritual growth so that they may realize their power for good as citizens of local and world communities.

ABOUT US: Founded in 1869, Oregon Episcopal School today occupies a wooded 59 acre campus where 880 students in Pre-K through 12th Grade share an excellent faculty, an inquiry based curriculum, and a strong sense of community. The Upper School also includes a small boarding program of international and domestic students who live and learn together enhancing the vibrancy of the school community.  

The School values employees who seek to continually develop the OES Essential Competencies in themselves and others and are prepared to engage in a vibrant, diverse learning community. Committed to the professional development of our faculty, teachers are guided by the Learning and Teaching at OES faculty growth model. 

As an Episcopal school, we are rooted in a rhythm of gathering and reflection that values and respects all beliefs and cultures. As such, we educate toward a larger purpose —  toward inclusion and respect, service and justice and commitment beyond ourselves. 

JOB SUMMARY: The Middle School sixth grade science teacher at OES teaches inquiry-based science classes and guides students through the Science Inquiry Project process. 

The teacher will implement curriculum and learner-centered activities that emphasize problem-solving, collaboration, and ask students to think deeply and creatively about concepts and applications. The teacher will be able to lead activities based on specific learning outcomes and proficiency grading, as well as the ability to respond to the needs of middle school learners. Teachers are expected to bring an innovative, energetic spirit to the classroom, constantly seeking ways to make problem-solving essential to adolescents. 

In addition to the qualifications detailed below, the successful teacher will promote the School’s commitment to attracting and retaining a highly talented and diverse faculty, possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and the ability to support the School’s educational mission.  As professional educators in a dynamic living and learning environment, faculty are required to model professional behavior and observe appropriate adult-student boundaries to support a safe and supportive community for teaching and learning. The ideal candidate will have a demonstrated gift for engaging a diverse student body and strengthening the inclusive community of OES. 

In addition to teaching responsibilities, faculty participate in a variety of activities typical to the independent school environment, including advising, committee work, support of experiential education, and other duties as assigned. In addition to strength in their teaching discipline/area, faculty candidates who bring an interest in coaching are encouraged to apply for these additional opportunities for student engagement and are strongly considered.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Create, communicate, and maintain clear, consistent, and appropriate learning outcomes and expectations that are aligned with the Science Department’s goals and schoolwide strategic initiatives. 
• Provide frequent, constructive, objective, and prompt feedback. 
• Carry out assessments and activities as tools for student learning and growth. 
• Recognize, respect and promote the cultural difference and diversity of the individuals in the classroom and community. 
• Collaborate proactively and productively with colleagues. 
• Communicate with students and parents in a clear, timely, and professional manner.
• Establish and maintain relationships with students and families that promote learning and community building. 
• Seek to understand, value, and respond to each student. 
• Differentiate instruction.
• Manage the classroom environment so that all students can learn safely and feel included.
• Establish and maintain appropriate standards for student behavior using Restorative Practice methods which encourage reflection and problem solving and support positive self-esteem and building relationships. 
• Engage fully in school-wide training around diversity, equity, inclusion and anti-racism (DEIA) and Middle School pedagogical work using the Social Justice standards from Learning for Justice. 
• Provide students with actionable feedback using the language and guidelines of the OES proficiency-based feedback and reporting system.
• Integrate technology in teaching and assessment, and have a proficiency with teaching online classes as needed. 
• Fulfill responsibilities for duties supervising study hall and lunch duty. 
• Attend Middle School meetings, grade-level Team meetings, and Department meetings. 
• Serve as a role model for Middle School students.

Candidates should send a cover letter and resume to Ann Sulzer, Head of Middle School,  through the OES Employment page.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• BA/BS or equivalent in science or related field  
• Two to three years of experience teaching science or completion of a teaching certification program at the secondary level
• Intercultural competence, ability to work with sensitivity and effectiveness with students, families, colleagues of diverse backgrounds and identities,  demonstrated commitment to equity and inclusion for people of all backgrounds and identities 
• Digital literacy; intermediate to advanced proficiency in MS Office Suite, Google Docs/Sheets and other web based applications; database and 
• Video-conferencing experience, as appropriate to job duties; flexibility and  willingness to learn as digital tools evolve 
• Ability to pass a criminal background check

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

• MA/MS or equivalent in science or related field  
• Experience teaching courses from 6th through 8th grade
• Five years’ experience teaching at a secondary or post-secondary school
• Demonstrated and successful history with innovation in the teaching of science, technology integration, curriculum design and inquiry-based learning  

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: 

• Verbal and written communication skills, ability to manage confidential  information in compliance with the law and best practice 
• Ability to consistently apply principles of equity, inclusion, and anti-racism in day to day work and in the broader workplace community
• Organizational skills, ability to work well on teams 
• Knowledge of educational technology, with an openness to innovation and willingness to learn as tools evolve 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: 

• Ability to sit at computer and keyboard for moderate periods 
• Mobility sufficient to move about the campus, to include climbing stairs 
• Sight and hearing adequate to perform the duties of the job, ability to  communicate clearly 
• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds on an occasional basis

About Oregon Episcopal School

Oregon Episcopal School prepares students for higher education and lifelong learning by inspiring intellectual, physical, social, emotional, artistic, and spiritual growth so that they may realize their power for good as citizens of local and world communities. Oregon Episcopal School occupies a wooded 59 acre campus where 880 students in Pre-K through 12th Grade share an excellent faculty, an inquiry based curriculum, and a strong sense of community. The School values employees who seek to continually develop the OES Essential Competencies in themselves and others and are prepared to engage in a vibrant, culturally diverse learning community.

Connections working at Oregon Episcopal School