West Haven, Connecticut
New Canaan, Connecticut
Greenwich, Connecticut
Posted: 04-May-26
Location: WEST HAVEN, Connecticut
Type: Full Time
Categories:
Preferred Education:
Position Title: Physics Teacher
Position Status: Full Time
Reports to: Science Department Chair and VP for Academic Affairs
Beginning Date: August 17, 2026
Our Mission: To inspire academic excellence, nurture personal growth, and foster integrity and compassion in students of diverse talents, backgrounds, and beliefs through our Catholic, Holy Cross tradition.
Notre Dame High School is seeking an enthusiastic teaching professional with excellent subject knowledge in physics to join our Science faculty. Our educators employ 21st century skills, project-based learning, and student-centered strategies and pedagogy in the classroom. We seek motivated individuals with a keen interest in encouraging and inspiring students to love learning and excel in the science subject areas.
Position Summary:
To be a successful teacher in this position, the candidate must have a strong background in teaching physics with an ability to also teach introductory chemistry, have an understanding of how students learn, and be able to create effective assessments and provide actionable feedback. Additionally, the teacher should create a supportive educational environment that fosters relationships with students, parents, and staff members. Candidates must also possess a professional growth mindset, focusing on improving classroom practice. The candidate must also be able to work collectively on school and departmental improvement goals and be willing to provide coverage time during the school day for various non-teaching duties.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Teach five periods in a rotating seven-period schedule, delivering instruction in physics at the college preparatory and advanced levels (including algebra-based and/or calculus-based courses, depending on experience).
- Demonstrate strong content knowledge in physics and the ability to support students in rigorous problem-solving, analytical reasoning, and conceptual understanding.
- Willingness to teach introductory chemistry, depending on departmental needs, is preferred.
- Design and implement assessments, laboratory investigations, and experiential learning activities that align with course objectives and best practices in science education.
- Utilize student-centered, inquiry-based instructional strategies to engage learners and promote deep understanding of scientific concepts.
- Incorporate real-world applications to make physics relevant, meaningful, and accessible to students.
- Teach students how to think, write, and present like scientists, emphasizing clear communication and evidence-based reasoning.
- Effectively integrate technology to enhance student learning while being mindful of the challenges technology can present in the classroom.
- Implement strong classroom management practices while fostering a supportive, respectful, and intellectually curious learning environment.
- Serve as a teacher advisor for approximately 15 students, supporting their academic and personal development.
- Collaborate with the Science Department and Academic Center to support curriculum continuity, interdisciplinary projects, and student success.
- Work collaboratively with colleagues to support students with 504 plans and IEPs, ensuring that required accommodations are consistently met.
- Participate in and support the life of the school through involvement in clubs, activities, events, or experiential learning programs, including a one-week experiential learning course.
- Engage in ongoing professional development, demonstrating a growth mindset and a commitment to reflective teaching and continuous improvement.
Qualifications:
- Must have at least an undergraduate college degree in the field from an accredited institution; an advanced degree is preferred but not required.
- 2–5 years of teaching experience is preferred.
- Support the Catholic, Holy Cross mission and philosophy of the school.
- Willingness to support high school students in their intellectual and spiritual formation.
- Exercise judgment within defined procedures and practices to determine appropriate action.
- Demonstrate initiative, a commitment to continuous professional growth, and a willingness to collaborate and support colleagues.
- Ability to work with enthusiasm and pride as a member of the greater Notre Dame, Holy Cross community.
- Serve as a Holy Cross role model to students and peers, modeling good citizenship, kindness, friendliness, and helpfulness.
Application Procedure:
You must be authorized to work in the United States.
Interested candidates can email the following documents to rvalencia@notredamehs.com.
- A cover letter stating intent to apply to a specific position
- An up-to-date resume
- A statement of education philosophy
- Two letters of recommendation from supervisors or teachers who know the applicant well
- Contact information for two additional professional references
Science Department Mission:
To provide each student with the 21st century skills necessary to understand and explain current events, scientific phenomena, and scientific and technological advances using critical thinking and problem solving skills so that they may be an informed global citizen.
Notre Dame High School is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.