Catlin Gabel School seeks to employ the best qualified individuals from available applicants and to provide them with opportunity for advancement in a manner that does not discriminate because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, genetic information, or any other status protected under local, state, or federal equal employment opportunity laws or regulations.

The School believes that each employee makes a significant contribution to the school’s success. That contribution should not be limited by the assigned responsibilities. Therefore, this position description is designed to outline primary duties, qualifications, and job scope, but not limit the incumbent nor the organization to just the work identified. It is our expectation that each employee will offer their services wherever and whenever necessary to ensure the success of our endeavors.

POSITION SUMMARY

This position involves teaching four year-long sections of Upper School science courses.  The primary responsibilities of this role is teaching foundational ninth-grade science courses, with an emphasis on physics concepts and scientific skill development. This role will also be responsible for teaching upper-level physics elective courses aligned with the candidate’s expertise.

The successful candidate will have a strong background in physics with the ability to teach chemistry as part of the Upper School science program.  Experiencing teaching high school physics is strongly preferred.  Experience in chemistry and/or the development of elective course work is a plus. 

Additionally, experience teaching skills-based, inquiry driven science (ideally, but not necessarily, through Next Generation Science Standards or competency-based approaches) is desirable.

Complementing these skills should be the desire to teach students who encompass a range of academic abilities and an enthusiasm for helping students build self-confidence through successful exploration, experimentation, and discovery. .

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Teach Upper School Science classes as described above, including our foundational ninth-grade courses and upper-level physics electives.
• Design and implement an engaging, inquiry-based science curriculum that emphasizes scientific thinking and skill development.
• Create a safe, inclusive, and supportive classroom environment.
• Work with students to help them develop mindsets and skills such as curiosity, creativity, collaboration, resilience, empathy, and responsible decision-making.
• Identify and respond to individual student learning needs and academic capabilities.
• Serve as an advisor to a small group of students in addition to regular teaching duties.
• Regularly attend, actively participate, and contribute to department, grade-level, and faculty meetings.
• Collaborate with colleagues to develop, plan, and lead or co-lead experiential immersive courses and activities.
• Communicate in a clear and timely fashion with parents, students, and colleagues.
• Support and follow the Faculty Handbook and Employee Handbook for policies, procedures, and professional expectations.
• Integrate the use of technology to enhance student learning and assessment.

OTHER DUTIES

• Actively support the school through participation in the variety of activities that make the Catlin Gabel School a vibrant community.
• Participate in ongoing professional learning and training to support the Catlin Gabel mission.
• Additional duties as assigned by the Upper School Head.

COMPETENCIES

• Cultural competence and commitment to inclusive teaching practices
• Enthusiasm for working with a diverse group of adolescent and upper school students
• Strong knowledge of foundational scientific concepts, particularly in physics, and ability to teach chemistry as part of a comprehensive science program
• Ability to teach students who encompass a range of academic abilities and help students build self-confidence through successful exploration and discovery
• Usage of diverse, culturally competent, and inclusive literature and other materials
• Collaborative skills and ability to work effectively with others in a spirit of collegiality
• Interpersonal skills to be a supportive, engaged, and flexible role model and model curiosity, reflection, and life-long learning
• Adaptability and flexibility to meet the needs of students and families in a dynamic environment
• Excellent communication skills to relate to students, families, and colleagues
• Proficiency in the use of appropriate technology and applications
• Willingness to sponsor an activity, club, or to coach a team is highly desirable

INTERPERSONAL CONTACT

Interactions occur most routinely with students in the classroom and during other activities. Many informal interactions with students for whom the teacher has no direct supervision or responsibility occur. Daily contact ranges from direct teaching of curriculum and student advising, to informal exchanges of a personal or social nature. Regular contact with Upper School colleagues, particularly those working in the same grade level or discipline, or on a joint project, is expected. Frequent contact with parents either for scheduled conferences or casual conversation is a community norm.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE 

• Bachelor’s degree in physics, chemistry, science education or a related field required; Master’s degree preferred.
• At least three years of demonstrated effective teaching experience with high school students.
• Experience teaching high school physics is strongly preferred.
• Experience in inquiry-based, skills-focused, or competency based curriculum design and assessment are preferred

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The requirements listed below are representative of physical requirements and may not be all-encompassing.  Incumbents must be able to perform job duties with or without accommodations.  Work is primarily performed in a classroom setting and includes occasional to frequent work leading students off campus activities.

• The person in this position must be able to remain in a stationary position for lesson preparation, report writing, and collaborative meetings for a moderate amount of time
• Requires mobility to traverse campus to accompany and assure the safety of students
• This may include moving up and down stairs or hill between facilities multiple times throughout the workday.
• Occasional bending, squatting, stooping and kneeling.
• Ability to occasionally lift up 20 pounds.
• Periodic trips off-campus for retreats, professional development and to accompany students.

SCHEDULE

This is a teaching position with an academic year schedule. Teachers are expected to be on campus at least between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily and to attend other functions as designated (after 4:00 p.m. or on weekends). Full-time faculty members are expected to travel to retreats, conferences and workshops as well as to accompany students on various experiential activities throughout the year.

The Upper School is housed in several buildings designed to provide a comfortable, spacious, and attractive atmosphere for learning. There are some mandatory evening and weekend commitments.

• Bachelor’s degree in physics, chemistry, science education or a related field required; Master’s degree preferred.
• At least three years of demonstrated effective teaching experience with high school students.
• Experience teaching high school physics is strongly preferred.
• Experience in inquiry-based, skills-focused, or competency based curriculum design and assessment are preferred

About Catlin Gabel School

Catlin Gabel School is a coeducational, independent day school located on 54 acres in the West Hills neighborhood of Portland, Oregon formed in 1957 by the merger of the Catlin Hillside School, which had been founded as Miss Catlin’s School in 1911, and the Gabel Country Day School, whose roots extend to 1859 with the founding of The Portland Academy. The campus itself is a former farm with beautiful trees, fields, and plantings that has been modernized and upgraded over the years with new and renovated buildings that blend in with the natural surroundings. We offer a broad and challenging curriculum based on a progressive philosophy with small classes designed to educate the total person, incorporating the academic along with the arts, physical education, and a strong sense of community service. The school enrolls nearly 740 students in Pre-Kindergarten through twelfth grade and has 100 faculty members committed to diversity among students, faculty and staff. Catlin Gabel is an equal opportunity employer.

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