Science Teacher - Biology Gr. 9-12 [Needham High School] (Sy24-25)

Needham Public Schools is an inclusive, dynamic, and multicultural community seeking an energetic, skilled, and warm Biology Teacher to join our team. To enhance our goals of supporting every child, Needham Public Schools seeks candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences.

About Needham Public Schools (NPS): NPS has a deep commitment to the success of our diverse students and families and to the professional groqth of its educators. Needham devotes itself to cultural proficiency, equity, and community collaboration to fulfill the vision of the Portrait of a Needham Graduate http://p13cdn4static.sharpschool.com/UserFiles/Servers/Server_64429/File/District/Portrait%20Strategic%20Plan.pdf . This METCO district comprises 5 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, and 1 nationally-ranked high school serving approximately 5,500 students. NPS is committed to addressing equity in the district by focusing on improving academic performance for historically marginalized students and ensuring our schools are safe for every child and free of bias, bullying, and hurtful acts that demean and diminish.

Under the general supervision of the Science Department Chair, this teacher will be responsible for advancing students' understanding of the content detailed the the MA Biology Frameworks and building scientific practices. As a Needham High School educator, this teacher will work closely with a caring teaching team to present a cohesive understanding of science within a K-12 science learning sequence. Our teachers work in close collaboration to integrate the attributes, skills, and knowledge made explicit in the Portrait of a Needham Graduate, emphasizing the preparation of students to become socially and culturally responsive contributors.

Job Responsibilities:
Plan and teach sections of Biology (all levels) and work closely with members of the Biology Department to support student learning and growth.
Teach content and skills in High School Biology using curriculum guidelines from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Biology Frameworks that correlate with appropriate learning activities and district standards
Prepare students to pass the Biology MCAS exam
Adapt district curriculum materials and methods to develop relevant sequential assignments that guide and challenge students
Sets ambitious learning goals for all students, creates cognitively demanding tasks, and models the belief that that all students can master challenging material through effective effort
Assesses students' understanding regularly with ambitious learning goals in mind and takes ownership of making necessary adjustments to instruction to reach goals despite setbacks
Passionate and optimistic about their students, their content, and the teaching profession
Scaffolds and differentiates instruction in order for all students to do complex thinking and rigorous academic work
Uses instructional practices that are likely to challenge, motivate, and engage all students and facilitate equitable, active student participation
Builds a productive learning environment where every student participates and is valued as part of the class community
Engages with families and builds collaborative, respectful relationships with them in service of student learning
Performs other related duties as requested by the Science Department Chair and/or School Principal
Required Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree
MA DESE certification in Biology at the appropriate grade level (MTEL provisional licensure)
SEI endorsement
Strong communication and interpersonal skills
Experience working with and/or teaching high school students, and an understanding the diverse needs of students at this age
Collaborative work ethic, training/experience in the use of instructional technology
Commitment to inclusive pedagogy, and the potential and willingness to contribute to student life
Preferred Qualifications:
Master's degree
Compensation and Benefits:
Please review the Unit A Contract http://www.needham.k12.ma.us/departments/human_resources/contracts and this page http://www.needham.k12.ma.us/departments/human_resources/benefits to learn more about employee compensation and benefits.

The Needham Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, active military/veteran status, ancestry, genetic information, or national or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, employment policies, and other administered programs and activities. In addition, students who are homeless or of limited English-speaking ability are protected from discrimination in accessing the course of study and other opportunities available through the schools.

Needham Public Schools has a strong commitment to equity. Candidates who also have a strong commitment to this work are encouraged to apply. For more information on our equity work please visit our equity website http://www.needham.k12.ma.us/equity .

All positions are subject to the approval of the 2024-2025 Needham Public School budget by the Town of Needham.