Middle School Science Teacher
The Independent Day School

The Independent Day School seeks an engaging learner and teacher who is invested in teaching Science to 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students. Candidates must possess demonstrated competence and experience in the content area and pedagogy. A Bachelors degree in life science and recent successful teaching experience is preferred. Successful candidates will have flexibility, energy, enthusiasm, high expectations and an understanding of the developmental needs of Middle School aged students.

Science at IDS challenges students to explain the mysteries they find in the world around them and then "prove it." Our science curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning. Our inquiry-based approach uses lab experiences, projects, technology, and group work to foster excitement and conceptual understanding of science in everyday living. Students learn how to work in a laboratory setting as collaborative members of a team. Together, students work to research a problem, set up an experiment, construct charts, tables, and graphs, and analyze, conclude and present their results. Throughout the program, students develop confidence working in a laboratory setting, interpreting scientific publications, writing term papers, and completing comprehensive exams. Most importantly, students leave the middle school science program with a deep appreciation of the world around them and enthusiasm for further study.

In 6th grade, the IDS nature trail and campus are used as mechanisms for exploring weather, geology, and environmental science. The community garden is a cornerstone of our curriculum that functions as an outdoor lab where students learn about botany as they plant their own seeds and tend to them. An exciting complement to these lessons takes place off campus when we venture out on the geology of Connecticut field trip. In 7th grade, we focus on the life sciences beginning with the study of cells and genetics. We then take on evolution and finally the animal kingdom, incorporating a field trip to Mystic Aquarium to bring the classroom lessons to life in the real world. In 8th grade, we study the physical sciences, focusing on energy, alternative energy, simple machines, chemistry, and astronomy. Students put into practice their newfound understanding of energy when they "green" our campus and later launch their own rockets-an exhilarating conclusion to their scientific explorations at IDS and a poignant reminder of the adventures yet ahead.

The Middle School Science teacher will be responsible for teaching sections of environmental, life, and physical sciences as well as serving 8-12 students as an Advisor and serving on the highly collaborative Middle School Faculty. The successful candidate will be eager to actively participate in the life of the school as a coach or club advisor.

Interested candidates should submit a letter of interest, a resume and a list of at least three references to the Head of School, The Independent Day School, 115 Laurel Brook Road, Middlefield, CT 06455, or by email at barrengos@independentdayschool.org.The Independent Day School does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, gender, disability, sexual orientation, or national or ethnic origin in educational, scholarship, employment, or other school administered programs. The Independent Day School operates on an equal opportunity basis.