In an authentically diverse community reflective of Los Angeles, New Roads prepares young people for life by developing in them a personal dedication to learning, a respect for independent thinking, an expanding curiosity about the world and its people, and a commitment to the common good.
The Middle School Science Department Chair and Teacher guides the development of the curriculum, pedagogy, and assessment within the Science Department. The Middle School Science Chair and Teacher is a professional, experienced and passionate educator with teaching experience at the middle school level (grades 6-8).
As The Chair, this teacher is the managerial and instructional leader of the department, serving as a role model of professional growth, reflective constructivist practice, and scholarship in both pedagogical and content knowledge. Within the discipline, the Science Department Chair is responsible for keeping the department aware of state, local, and international standards, Next Generation Science Standards, promoting curricular innovation within the Science Department, assessing the effectiveness of the program, ensuring a coherent spiraling curriculum within the Middle School which aligns with K-12 Curriculum, and serving as the spokesperson for the department. The Science Department Chair reports directly to the Director of the Middle School.
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Supports the search within the department for teachers alongside the Middle School Director and Academic Dean
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Conveys information within department regarding planning, curriculum, assessment, materials, and resources
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Holds regular department meetings and provides agenda to Academic Dean and Middle School Director
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Ensures consistency in policies across the department and approves policies with the Academic Dean and Middle School Director
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Uses a variety of data to inform decisions about pedagogy, assessment, and curriculum
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Establishes with Middle School Director and Academic Dean professional goals for teachers
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Supports the orientation/transition program for new faculty in the department
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Articulates the departments annual goals and strategies in achieving the mission of the school and departmental objectives, assessments, and policies accordingly in cooperation with members of the department
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Consults with the Academic Dean and Middle School Director on professional development activities (individual and collective) for the middle school faculty (including workshops, speakers, school observations, in-service training programs, and the like)
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Serves as an advisor to teachers in all matters pertaining to curriculum development, effective pedagogy, assessment, classroom management, and general school procedures
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Participates in observing, supervising, and helping to evaluate the faculty in the development and implementation of curriculum
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Supports the evaluation process for faculty
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Assists teachers in matching appropriate assessment instruments to the schools objectives
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Educates the faculty on an ongoing basis about constructivist approaches to pedagogy, curriculum, and assessment
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Educates the faculty in effective use of technology to support teaching and learning in the discipline
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Makes recommendations to the Academic Dean and Middle School Director on the hiring and retention of faculty
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Guides the use of data in improving curriculum, pedagogy, and assessment
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Creates embedded opportunities to drive continuous professional growth by linking theory and practice, and modeling constructivist practice
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Develops budgets that strategically advance the school's educational priorities and positions the school at the forefront of educational innovation
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Develops strategic and timely budget for department
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Serves as a spokesperson, in all relevant venues, for the discipline
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Independently identifies and addresses the needs and concerns of the department
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Manages/collaborates within and outside of the department effectively
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Leadership is flexible and responsive to students and teachers needs
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Leadership encourages teacher to build constructivist projects/units/lessons which focus on student learning
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Independently sets goals which grow the program
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Designs assessment tools for evaluation of teaching effectiveness and student learning alongside the Academic Dean
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Models various pedagogical strategies
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Researches and distributes department resources
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Leads the implementation of NRs mission
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Meets deadlines set by Academic Dean/Director
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Creates meeting agendas that enrich and grow the department
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Sees items on agendas through to implementation
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Oversees safe handling and maintenance of chemicals and laboratory equipment for the department
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Ability to use conventional and unconventional tools to explore Science and follow the interests of students in a measured and meaningful way
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Plan and teach science at an Middle School level (grades 6-8)
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Encourage scientific literacy and inquiry-based thought on a daily basis
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Incorporate multiple techniques of instruction, including discussion, hands-on labs and activities, independent writing assignments, and the use of all appropriate visual aids
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Communicate and enforce high expectations and standards for behavior and performance
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Maintain accurate and complete records of students' progress and development
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Participate in department, school, and parent meetings
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Ability to work both independently and as a member of a team
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Understand theories related to middle school school (grades 6-8) students developmental milestones and socio-emotional lives
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Will maintain and communicate high expectations and boundaries in a consistently kind, clear and respectful manner.
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Maintain a climate of trust and mutual respect, which encourages students to risk asking questions, expressing their opinions, and making mistakes necessary to the learning process.
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Differentiate for individual students based on their unique learning needs so all students are appropriately engaged and challenged
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Ensure students are engaged through activities and technology that accommodate various learning styles, personality styles, behavioral styles, and the need for physical movement
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Collaborate with classroom teachers to create interdisciplinary units that teach grade-level content knowledge and skills through Science
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Provide ongoing and timely feedback to students on their progress towards meeting big goals by frequently checking for understanding and formative assessment
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Communicate respectfully and thoughtfully with parents/ guardians remaining sensitive to different families, cultures, values and needs.
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Show concern for and nurture the students intellectual, social, emotional, ethical, and aesthetic development
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A commitment to supporting the holistic development of the student, both inside and outside of the class
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Demonstrate an understanding of, and commitment to, New Roads philosophy and approach to education.
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Demonstrate commitment to social justice and working with a diverse community.
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Show experience and interest in differentiated instruction, project-based, constructivist approach teaching and learning, as well as portfolio, authentic, and performance assessment.
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Demonstrate thorough knowledge of subject matter, including grammar, and effectiveness in teaching.
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Desire to teach reading comprehension skills and building vocabulary.
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Knowledge of supporting the metacognitive skills and learning strategies to access the disciplines
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Knowledge of how to teach students to use textbooks, as well as other resources
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Desire and ability to collaborate across disciplines
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Provide students with opportunities and support in the development of critical thinking and problem solving skills,the exploration of ideas, and the development of leadership qualities
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Other duties as assigned