Position Summary:

The Royster Middle School of Norfolk Academy is currently seeking a full-time science teacher beginning in August 2026. Successful candidates must embrace student-centered pedagogy and technology use in the classroom, model curiosity and a desire for professional growth, collaborate with colleagues, and exhibit a desire to build positive and meaningful relationships with students, colleagues, administrators, and parents in a manner consistent with the Academy’s philosophy and objectives. We value honor, integrity, and relationships as a school community, and alignment with those values is expected of all faculty and staff.

The Science Department offers a comprehensive curriculum that develops scientific literacy and curiosity from grades 1 through 12. The Middle School science program introduces students to foundational principles in the life, physical, and biological sciences through an inquiry-based and experiential curriculum.  Teachers work together to help students make meaningful connections among concepts and appreciate the ways in which the natural world is interconnected. Each course fosters critical thinking, experimentation, and observation, helping students explore how science shapes their understanding of themselves and their environment.

The ideal candidate will bring a strong background in science and middle school education, with the flexibility to teach throughout the Middle School science program.

 Responsibilities include:

• Teaching four sections in the science department
• Attending faculty meetings and managing other basic professional obligations
• Contributing to the larger school community through coaching two seasons or sponsoring extra-curricular programs
• Serving as a faculty advisor to middle school students
• Contribute to Norfolk Academy’s experiential learning programs
• Presiding at a table with students for daily seated lunch
• Performing other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in science, Science Education, or a closely related field; advanced degree preferred
• Previous experience teaching science at the middle school level (or related age group)
• Strong understanding of inquiry-based and experiential learning approaches
• Experience coaching or sponsoring an extra-curricular activity

Required Competencies:

• Dedication and commitment to the well-being and growth of children
• An understanding of and a commitment to the school’s values, as outlined in the Philosophy, Objectives, and Diversity, Equity, & Justice Statement
• A comprehensive understanding of the field of education and a demonstrated willingness to explore and embrace new pedagogical practices, technologies, and developing trends
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage various audiences, as well as clearly share insights about students and student needs
• Ability to cultivate meaningful relationships with all constituents with a focus on what is best for each child
• Self-starter who is adaptable, possessing a growth mindset with the ability to think critically, problem-solve, and plan effectively

About Norfolk Academy

Founded in 1728, Norfolk Academy (NA) is the oldest independent school in Virginia and one of the most respected in the nation. For three centuries, the Academy has prepared young people for lives of leadership and service, earning a reputation for academic strength, character education, and a close-knit community. Today, 1,200 students in Grades 1–12 benefit from the guidance of devoted faculty and staff whose influence extends beyond the classroom into athletics, the arts, advising, and clubs. This deep level of engagement has created a strong sense of pride across campus and the broader Tidewater community. In 2023, Travis Larrabee became only the fourth Head of School since 1950, a reflection of the school’s continuity and stability. As the Academy looks ahead to its 300th anniversary, it does so with both gratitude for its history and rich traditions and enthusiasm for the future.

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