Job Description
Secondary Chemistry Teacher (Grades 9-12)
Full-Time opening beginning in the 2025-26 School Year
City & State: Harrisburg, PA
School: Bishop McDevitt High School
Bishop McDevitt High school is a Catholic, coeducational college-preparatory educational institution located in Harrisburg Pennsylvania. We serve students of diverse intellectual, socio-economic, and religious backgrounds. We strive to nurture the whole person by creating a challenging academic environment rooted in Gospel values. Our community aspires to graduate well-rounded Christian men and women committed to living moral lives of holiness, integrity, justice, and responsible citizenship. Bishop McDevitt is in need of motivated, qualified, and energetic individuals for the position of Science teacher. Our students are our greatest treasures and our teachers are amazing professionals who are driven not only to educate, but also to act as role models and mentors.
FLSA Status: Exempt
Position Purpose: Under the general supervision of the School Principal, to develop students' skills and competence in one or more fields of science, Chemistry, Anatomy, 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.
Reports to: Principal
Essential Functions
- Teaches knowledge and skills in one or more fields of science/Chemistry, in accordance with Diocesan curriculum.
- Promotes critical and creative thinking and analysis in all related subject areas.
- Promotes a classroom environment that is safe and conducive to individualized and small group instruction, and student learning.
- Develops lesson plans and instructional materials for subject area, and translates lesson plans into learning experiences to develop pertinent sequential assignments, challenge students, and best utilize the available time for instruction.
- 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.
- Continues to acquire professional knowledge and learn of current developments in the educational field by attending seminars, workshops or professional meetings, or by conducting research.
- 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.
Responsibilities/Tasks for: Secondary School teacher
- Create an effective learning environment through functional and attractive displays, bulletin boards, and activity/learning centers.
- Observe and evaluate students' performance, behavior, social development, and physical health.
- Prepare materials and classrooms for class activities.
- Adapt teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students' varying needs and interests.
- Plan and conduct activities for a balanced program of instruction, demonstration, and work time that provides students with opportunities to observe, question, and investigate.
- Instruct students individually and in groups, using various teaching methods such as lectures, discussions, and demonstrations.
- Establish clear objectives for all lessons, units, and projects, and communicate those objectives to students.
- Assign and grade classwork and homework.
- Establish and maintain standards of student behavior needed to provide an orderly, productive classroom environment.
- Prepare, administer, and grade tests and assignments in order to evaluate students' progress.
- Communicate with parents and school counselors on student progress.
- Maintain accurate and complete student records as required by laws, diocesan policies, and administrative regulations.
- Guide and counsel students with adjustment and/or academic problems, or special academic interests.
- Prepare objectives and outlines for courses of study, following curriculum guidelines or requirements of the school, state, and diocese.
- Enforce administration policies and rules governing students.
- Identify students' needs and cooperate with other professional staff members in assessing and helping students solve learning and health problems.
- Use technology and other equipment and materials to supplement presentations.
- Prepare for assigned classes and show written evidence of preparation upon request of immediate supervisors.
- Collaborate with other teachers and administrators in the development, evaluation, and revision of secondary school programs.
- Prepare reports on students and activities as required by administration.
- Instruct and monitor students in the use and care of equipment and materials, in order to prevent injuries and damage.
- Maintain professional competence by attending professional meetings, educational conferences, and teacher training workshops in order to maintain and improve professional competence for Act 48.
- Plan and supervise class projects, field trips, visits by guest speakers, or other experiential activities and guide students in learning from those activities.
- Attend staff meetings and serve on committees as required.
- Administer standardized ability and achievement tests and interpret results to determine student strengths and areas of need.
- Perform administrative duties such as assisting in school libraries, hall and cafeteria monitoring, and bus loading and unloading.
- Select, store, order, issue, and inventory classroom equipment, materials, and supplies.
- Sponsor extracurricular activities such as clubs, student organizations, and academic contests.
- Prepare and supervise students for Mass.
Working Conditions and Physical Requirements
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
- Must have the ability to sit and stand for extended periods of time.
- Must be able to perform all the technological requirements of classroom management.
- Must be able to hear and understand speech at normal classroom levels and in an outdoor environment.
- Must be able to speak in audible tones so that others may understand clearly in both a normal classroom environment and in an outdoor setting.
- Must have the physical ability to lift up to 25 pounds.
- Must be able to bend, stoop, climb stairs, and reach overhead.
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Duties are normally performed in a school/classroom environment. Duties may be occasionally performed on field trips away from school. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities Required)
- Must possess a Bachelor’s degree or higher in Education, Chemistry, or a related field.
- PA Teaching Certification Preferred or be willing to obtain one.
- Must possess the ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
- Must possess the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, staff, parents, and the community.
- Must comply with PA State clearance requirements.
- Must be willing to respect the Catholic Church's teachings on morality.
