<p>Middle School Science Teacher (183 Days)</p> <p>Reports To: Principal, Assistant Principal, and/or Science Department Chair</p> <p>Overview:In alignment with the mission of the Dedham Public Schools to promote excellence in learning, self-discipline, and motivation, the Middle School Science Teacher fosters inquiry-based learning, supports diverse learners through culturally responsive teaching, and cultivates a safe, inclusive, and engaging classroom environment rooted in scientific thinking and collaboration.</p> <p>Core Responsibilities</p> <ul> <li>Teach sections of middle school science aligned with the 2016 MA STE Frameworks. </li><li>Design and implement engaging, phenomena-based lessons that incorporate scientific and engineering practices. </li><li>Differentiate instruction to meet the academic, linguistic, and social-emotional needs of all learners. </li><li>Create a safe and respectful classroom that promotes equity, inclusion, and student voice. </li><li>Collaborate with grade-level and content-area teams to design interdisciplinary and vertically aligned curriculum. </li><li>Use assessment data to inform instruction, track student progress, and adjust teaching strategies accordingly. </li><li>Participate in weekly team meetings, IEP meetings (as required), and parent/guardian conferences to support student learning. </li><li>Maintain regular, effective communication with families to foster partnerships and support academic and behavioral growth. </li><li>Uphold laboratory safety standards and ensure a safe learning environment. </li><li>Support and implement district and school-based initiatives. </li></ul> <p>Qualifications</p> <p>Required</p> <ul> <li>Massachusetts DESE License in General Science (Grades 6-8) </li><li>Sheltered English Immersion (SEI) Endorsement </li><li>Knowledge of 2016 MA STE Standards and Grade 8 STE MCAS exam structure </li><li>Understanding of laboratory safety protocols and practices </li></ul> <p>Preferred</p> <ul> <li>Familiarity with OpenSciEd and/or other phenomena-based curricula </li><li>Experience with inclusive practices and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) </li></ul> <p>Skills & Dispositions</p> <ul> <li>Demonstrates ability to differentiate instruction and engage students of diverse backgrounds, identities, and abilities </li><li>Commitment to culturally responsive teaching and fostering an inclusive classroom community </li><li>Strong classroom management skills and ability to build positive relationships with students </li><li>Reflective practitioner committed to continuous professional growth </li><li>Collaborative and collegial mindset; openness to feedback and shared problem-solving </li><li>Effective communication skills with students, families, and colleagues </li><li>Technological proficiency, including use of digital tools in a 1:1 computing environment </li><li>Strong organizational skills and attention to detail </li></ul> <p>Instructional & Professional Expectations</p> <ul> <li>Participate in curriculum review and development efforts within the department and across disciplines </li><li>Design lessons that promote inquiry, critical thinking, and connections to real-world applications </li><li>Use a variety of assessment strategies to evaluate student learning and provide timely feedback </li><li>Maintain accurate and complete records as required by district policy and legal mandates </li><li>Support student growth in both academic and social-emotional domains </li><li>Abide by all applicable state laws, district policies, and ethical guidelines </li><li>Take necessary precautions to ensure the safety of students, equipment, and materials </li><li>Engage in ongoing professional learning and remain current on instructional best practices </li><li>Serve on school or district committees as assigned </li></ul>