High School Science Teacher
Job Summary: The High School Science Teacher provides rigorous and engaging instruction in one or more areas of science, fostering inquiry, exploration, and mastery of content aligned with the South Carolina College- and Career-Ready Standards for Science. The teacher will support student growth through differentiated instruction, laboratory experiences, and real-world application while maintaining a safe, inclusive, and productive classroom environment.
Position Purpose - Under the general supervision of the School Principal, to develop students' skills and competence in one or more fields of science, including general science, earth science, biology, physiology, chemistry, and physics; develops students skills and abilities in scientific methods and problem-solving, as well as an understanding of the application of science in the solution of practical problems.
Essential Functions
- Develop and implement daily lesson plans that meet the South Carolina Science Standards and support student achievement across all performance levels.
- Instruct students in scientific concepts, laboratory safety, the scientific method, and cross-cutting concepts as outlined in the South Carolina state curriculum.
- Create a classroom culture of high expectations and academic achievement through positive behavior support and consistent routines.
- Incorporate hands-on lab experiences and integrate technology to support interactive learning and real-world relevance.
- Assess student progress using a variety of formative and summative methods; use data to inform instruction and meet student needs.
- Maintain compliance with district policies and state/federal regulations regarding laboratory safety, chemical storage, and instructional materials.
- Collaborate with content teams, school leadership, and families to support student learning and the overall mission of the school.
- Participate in district and school-level professional development and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Fulfill non-instructional duties as assigned, including supervision, meetings, and student support tasks.
- Promotes a classroom environment that is safe and conducive to individualized and small group instruction, and student learning.
- Designs learning activities to demonstrate the application of science to everyday existence, including scientific research projects, demonstrations, experiments, and laboratory activities.
- Instructs students in the proper use and care of scientific equipment, chemicals, and plant and animal life.
- Conducts ongoing assessment of student learning and progress, and modifies instructional methods to fit individual student's needs, including students with special needs; conducts individual and small group instruction as needed.
- Maintains familiarity with district and Connecticut State standardized tests for the purpose of adapting curriculum to maximize student achievement on such tests.
- Organizes and maintains a system for accurate and complete record-keeping, grading, and reporting for all student activities, achievement and attendance as required by district procedures and applicable laws.
- Encourages parental involvement in students' education and ensures effective communication with students and parents.
- Ensures that student conduct conforms to the school's standards and school district policies, and establishes and maintains standards of student behavior needed to achieve a functional learning atmosphere in the classroom.
- Coordinates with other professional staff members, especially within grade level, and participates in faculty meetings and committees.
- Selects and requisitions appropriate books, instructional aids and other supplies and equipment, maintains inventory records, and ensures equipment is in good working order.
Additional Duties
- Performs other related tasks as assigned by the Principal and other central office administrators as designated by the Superintendent.
Note: The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities. It is not meant to be all inclusive of every task or responsibility.
Equipment
Standard instructional technology (laptop, projector, interactive whiteboard, document camera, online learning platforms)
Laboratory equipment and instruments (microscopes, beakers, Bunsen burners, thermometers, balances, centrifuges, glassware)
Safety and PPE gear (goggles, gloves, lab aprons, eyewash stations)
Chemical storage units and safety cabinets (as applicable)
Learning management systems (e.g., Google Classroom, Canvas) and state-supported digital tools (e.g., SCDE resources) (as applicable)
Travel Requirements
- Travels to school district buildings and professional meetings as required.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Knowledge of current teaching methods and educational pedagogy, as well as differentiated instruction based upon student learning styles.
- Knowledge of a wide range of science subject areas, including general science, earth science, biology, physiology, chemistry, physics, and other related areas (e.g., mathematics).
- Knowledge of data information systems, data analysis and the formulation of action plans.
- Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws regarding education and students.
- Ability to use computer network systems and software applications as needed.
- Ability to organize and coordinate work.
- Ability to communicate effectively with students and parents.
- Ability to engage in self-evaluation with regard to performance and professional growth.
- Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others contacted in the course of work.
Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards
Ability to stand and instruct for extended periods; mobility to circulate among students.
Must be able to set up lab materials, operate standard lab equipment, and safely handle educational science tools and chemicals.
Ability to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally (e.g., lab equipment, materials).
Visual and auditory capacity to maintain student safety and classroom oversight.
Qualifications Profile
- Bachelor’s degree or higher in a science-related field from an accredited college or university. (Master's degree preferred)?
Valid South Carolina Teaching Certificate in Secondary Science (grades 9–12), with appropriate endorsement (e.g., Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Physical Science, etc.).
Ability to integrate science and engineering practices, literacy in science, and crosscutting concepts into instruction.
Demonstrated knowledge of best practices in science instruction and classroom management.
Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to collaborate in a team setting.
Commitment to equity, academic excellence, and the development of all students.
- Motor Vehicle Operator's License or ability to provide own transportation.
Experience:
- Successful prior teaching experience for the appropriate grade level preferred.
Terms of Employment
- 190-day certified contract
- ?Salary based on the South Carolina State Teacher Salary Schedule and local supplement, commensurate with education and experience.
- Benefits offered through the South Carolina Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA).
FLSA Status: Exempt
