Position Description

University Liggett School seeks a full-time, experienced Lower School Science teacher. This teacher will guide student skill growth in science, including exploration, discovery, critical thinking, analysis, problem solving, research and reporting. This position includes collaboration and planning with colleagues in all divisions. We seek knowledgeable candidates who love science exploration, have an understanding of the Next Generation Science Standards, have experience with young children, understand their needs and enjoy guiding them through the inquiry process.

 Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide science instruction using high quality materials for students in the Lower School
• Maintain a positive classroom environment, with clear routines and student expectations.
• Plan and deliver age-appropriate instruction and assess learning outcomes.
• Utilize best practices while staying informed of current research and trends in elementary science instruction and STEM.
• Partner with parents and students; communicating frequently and effectively 
• Explore innovative teaching theories and practices through ongoing professional development opportunities
• Source the necessary materials for hands-on exploration and laboratory experiences.
• Manage laboratory space and materials efficiently and neatly
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Head of Lower School.

Expectations

• Commitment to the application and advancement of The Liggett Approach
• Strong classroom management skills which create an environment that promotes respect and integrity
• Collaboration with teaching colleagues, administrators, and staff
• Promotion of the school mission
• Dedication to the science department philosophy with an individualized phenomena-based approach to learning science centered on skills and inquiry

Science Department Philosophy

The Science Department believes the Liggett student should be engaged in science in such a way that they become intellectually curious and are inspired to use their knowledge and skills to affect positive change in their community and throughout the world.

• Students will develop into scientifically literate individuals who understand that science is both a process and a body of knowledge. Practicing science in the lab enables students to organize and analyze information. Engaging in laboratory work facilitates a deeper understanding and enhances one’s ability to evaluate explanations. 
• Students will experience age-appropriate material throughout the curriculum through exploration and active engagement. Their experiences will include place-based learning opportunities, the use of technology, hosting expert visitors, and through the exploration of laboratory investigations and demonstrations, with the student being at the center of their learning opportunities.
• Students will learn how to formulate questions, research and explore topics (in a thoughtful and purposeful way), create meaning to their understanding of concepts and communicate their findings to others.
• Students will organically cultivate a passion and a skill set to continue their pursuits for future scientific inquiry.

Qualifications

• A minimum of three years of elementary teaching experience is preferred.
• A bachelor’s degree in elementary education or science education is required, masters preferred.
• Knowledge of best practices in science pedagogy 
• Understanding and experience with robotics preferred
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and organizational skills
• Ability to connect with students of diverse backgrounds to develop healthy, supportive, and responsive relationships
• Eager willingness to support and to be present in the life of the school
• Facilitate with technology in the classroom
• Student-centered and growth-oriented mindset
• Collaborative and reflective practitioner
• Alignment with the mission and values of University Liggett School

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

9 month employee/ 7:45 am- 3:30 pm

About University Liggett School

The oldest independent co-educational day school in Michigan, University Liggett School is among the preeminent PreK-12 institutions in the Midwest. Enrolling more than 600 students, University Liggett School offers a rigorous and innovative academic framework that allows students in every grade to find their passion and explore it in depth while developing creativity, critical thinking, teamwork and adaptability. This guiding philosophy is supported by a rich array of co-curricular programs and empowers students to drive their own academic experience, preparing graduates to flourish at some of the strongest colleges and universities in the country. Concentrated class sizes and challenging academics shape students, giving them a keen sense of self while simultaneously fostering lifelong appreciation for and an understanding of learning. The mission of University Liggett School is to empower students to develop intellectual curiosity, leadership and confidence to contribute to a complex and changing world. We challenge students to excel and to achieve their highest potential. We create opportunities for discovery and achievement by developing a faculty who foster the strengths o...f each student through the Curriculum for Understanding. We teach and practice the values of respect and responsibility in an emotionally and physically safe environment.

Show more

Show less

Connections working at University Liggett School