High School Science Teacher (7 month maternity cover contract) - The American School in London : Job Details

Reporting to: the High School Principal

Hours: Full-Time

Start date: 1 November 2024 - June 2025

Salary range: Competitive rates of pay apply

Overall purpose

The High School Science Teacher will be responsible for teaching Grade 9 and/or 10 Integrated Science aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). The Science department offers a broad and challenging program anchored in developing proficiency in the investigating, sense-making, and critiquing skills that are key to learning science. With an emphasis on hands-on experiences, the science program seeks to have students think and act like scientists, develop a deep understanding of the core concepts in the discipline, and provide students with the knowledge and tools to address complex social and ethical issues.

Summary of Duties

• Teach five sections of High School Science including Grade 9 and 10 Integrated NGSS Science.

• Develop a standards-based curriculum with other members of the department

• Monitor and evaluate students’ progress, prepare for parent conferences, craft narrative reports, etc.

• Exhibit knowledge of current trends, pedagogy, research, and topics of importance in language arts education by applying it in the classroom and sharing it with teachers on a departmental and school-wide basis

• Organize and participate in field trips

• Participate in regular, purposeful pedagogy meetings and in professional development sessions

• Provide continuity of the students’ educational experience to allow a smooth transition from/to the US education system

• Participate actively in the life of the School, through attendance at events, committee membership, and leadership of extracurricular activities

• Perform other duties within the scope, spirit, and purpose of the job, as requested by the High School Principal

Selection criteria

Essential qualifications/experience:

• A Bachelor’s degree in physical science or life science or a related field

• Substantive full-time experience teaching High School science

• Openness and desire to teach integrated, NGSS aligned courses in an intensely collaborative and innovative department

• Desire to work closely with other teachers to develop and implement teaching and assessment strategies

• Readiness to teach classes (usually two preparations), which could include integrated Science 9 and 10.

• Familiarity with, interest in, and commitment to integrated science—willingness and enthusiasm, if not prior experience

• Experience in a school with a similar teaching philosophy to that of ASL, which employs comparable teaching methods and curricula, or to have received training that will adequately prepare the candidate for the American style of teaching required by the School

• Knowledge and understanding of international and/or independent school communities

• Excellent technology skills and experience integrating technology into the curriculum

• Experience in a school with a similar philosophy, teaching methods, and curricula to those of ASL

• Willingness to contribute to school life outside of the classroom

• A proven commitment to the safeguarding and welfare of children and young people.

Desirable Qualifications/Experience

• Advanced degree preferred

• Evidence of significant recent professional development

• Experience of standards based curriculum and assessment practices

The American School in London is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all trustees, employees and volunteers to share this commitment. All new appointments will be subject to appropriate checks: Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS enhanced), Disqualification by Association Self-Declaration, Declaration of Criminal Record, checks against the Prohibition List (Teacher Status Checks) including Identity, Address, Date of Birth, a Full Employment History, Right to Work in the UK, overseas checks where applicable, EEA checks, at least 2 references (one with current or most recent employer, where appropriate) and original documentation of Qualifications (where appropriate). For positions into Senior Management a Prohibition From Management Check (s128 Directive) will also be undertaken.

All posts involving direct contact with children are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. However, amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975 provide that certain spent convictions and cautions are 'protected'. These are not subject to disclosure to employers and cannot be taken into account. Guidance and criteria on the filtering of these cautions and convictions can be found on the Ministry of Justice website. Shortlisted candidates will be asked to provide details of all unspent convictions and those that would not be filtered, prior to the date of the interview. You may be asked for further information about your criminal history during the recruitment process. If your application is successful, this self-disclosure information will be checked against information from the Disclosure & Barring Service before your appointment is confirmed.

Diversity and equality of opportunity are cornerstone values of The American School in London. The American School in London will not discriminate against an applicant or employee based on race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, sex, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other legally recognised protected basis under local law. Read our Diversity, Equity & Inclusion statement on our website.