Berkwood Hedge School

Middle School Science Teacher

Berkwood Hedge School is seeking a passionate, talented, and dedicated Middle School Science Teacher to join our amazing educational team for the 2024-25 school year.  The Science Teacher will participate in all aspects of the Upper School program with (Grades 6 -8).  Your job will be to inspire curiosity, cultivate a love for learning, and bring your best to our learning community everyday.

Berkwood Hedge School’s curriculum is based on the understanding that children construct their knowledge of the world through hands-on, integrated, and active child-centered learning experiences.  The strength of the Berkwood Hedge School constructivist and developmental approach is that it allows children to be creative participants in their own learning.  Our teachers support their growth and development across the cognitive, physical, social and moral domains.

We seek someone who will enthusiastically implement all aspects of a project-based middle school science program, as well as:

• Communicate effectively with students, parents and colleagues
• Perform additional duties and participate in the life of the school
• Collaborate effectively with colleagues in all aspects of student learning and school culture
• Maintain active and open communication with parents/guardians of the children and with all members of the Berkwood Hedge School community
• Wholeheartedly support and manifest the Berkwood Hedge School mission of social justice and equity.
• Be creative, innovative, agile, flexible, and responsive
• Have a sense of humor and a growth mindset

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Three years of experience preferred
• Deep understanding of and appreciation for progressive education
• Strong communication skills with both children and adults
• Bachelor's Degree is required and a teaching credential and/or Master’s Degree is preferred
• A commitment to cultural competency, antiracist pedagogy, and a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community

At Berkwood Hedge School, a teacher's engagement includes various activities in addition to teaching and classroom duties, such as giving extra help to students who need it, communicating feedback directly to the Head of School, encouragement of the efforts of colleagues, concern for the appearance of the classroom and of the grounds, promptness in meeting all school obligations and flexibility and cooperation in supporting our school’s advancement. Attendance at school events and activities, such as plays, concerts, festivals, and fairs, staff meetings, and open houses is required.

We look for candidates who thrive on ownership, service, creativity, and collaboration. For more information about Berkwood Hedge School, please visit us at berkwood.org. Salary and benefits are commensurate with experience. We will accept applications until the position is filled. Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis. 

The Middle School Science Teacher job begins immediately.  Please submit a cover letter and resume to Love Weinstock, Head of School at employment@berkwood.org.  Cover letter REQUIRED.  Resumes received without a cover letter will not be considered.

Berkwood Hedge School actively seeks to build a diverse student, staff, and parent community. We are an avid equal opportunity employer and seek applicants who reflect the rich diversity of the Bay Area.  We do not discriminate on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship, ethnicity, family-care status, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, medical condition, disability, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status.

REQUIRED SKILLS

• A deep desire to impart on students that proficient reading, writing, and thinking require effective research, making connections, reasoning, analyzing, generalizing, synthesizing, communicating in various forms, and developing understandings for inquiry and discovery..  
• Create classroom environments for students to safely take risks while engaging in the essential skills of science, and integrate the beauty of the natural world. 
• Experience planning and implementing differentiated project-based learning
• Ability to exercise daily flexibility by wearing many hats, prioritizing, and problem-solving while maintaining a poised professional demeanor
• Willingness to seek opportunities that grow students’ design thinking
• Ability to utilize sound and developmentally appropriate educational practices related to technology to enhance teaching and learning
• Strong communication skills with both children and adults
• Ability to provide families with frequent, engaging, and informative communications.
• Capacity to focus on the whole child, intentionally developing each individual academically, physically, emotionally, and socially.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop, implement, and document engaging lesson plans aligned with the NGSS
• Provide hands-on project-based learning experiences to enhance students' understanding of scientific concepts.
• Foster inquiry and critical thinking skills through discussions and collaboration.
• Provide feedback and guidance to students, promoting their academic growth and development.
• Collaborate with colleagues to develop interdisciplinary projects.
• Communicate regularly with parents/guardians to discuss students' progress, strengths, and areas for improvement.
• Participate in faculty meetings, professional development sessions, and school events as required.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Maintain and support a climate of mutual respect that encourages students to take healthy risks: asking questions, sharing opinions, and making mistakes necessary to learn.
• Accurately assess each student's progress; inform student, parents, lead teacher, and the Head of School immediately of any relevant information. 
• Cultivate each student's creativity, intellectual curiosity, social-emotional development in an academically rich and relevant context.

About Berkwood Hedge School

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