High School Chemistry Teacher

The High School Chemistry Teacher has the rewarding and challenging task of inspiring students to understand the theories, methodologies, and practices that govern the interaction of matter, processes fundamental to important contemporary issues like climate change and sustainability. Students must learn how scientists research, discuss, write about, and present concepts while applying their learning to real-world contexts. As such, this position offers the teacher flexibility to engage students with creative learning experiences and assessments.

Job goals

• To instill in students a high regard for studying chemistry in order to advance their understanding of the properties, composition, structure of matter and its transformation
• To develop in each student an appreciation of and deep enduring understanding of chemical reactions, changes in matter and principles that govern these changes
• To foster an appreciation in students that a fundamental knowledge of chemistry is necessary for them to understand its application in medical treatments, consumer electronics and product household goods
• To instill a desire in students to further investigate the wonders of science by understanding the basic properties of matter and learning how to predict and explain how they change when they react to form new substances
• To develop students’ mastery of chemistry content and to focus on applying their knowledge, critical thinking and reasoning skills through inquiry-based experiments
• To provide optimum opportunities for students to develop their communication skills by recording evidence of their research of literature of scientific investigations through verbal, written, and graphic presentations
• To provide a rich curriculum that encourages both personal and academic achievement, challenging students to excel in chemistry and in their personal development

Performance responsibilities

• Uses an established set of chemistry standards (NGSS, AP, IB, Cambridge) to develop units of study in chemistry, which encompass the core scientific principles, theories, and processes governing chemical systems
• Builds lessons based on preparing students for college and career success in STEM by teaching students to ask questions, develop models, conduct experiments, and write lab reports
• Designs units that advances students’ inquiry and reasoning skills, such as designing plans for collecting data, analyzing data, applying mathematical routines, and connecting concepts in and across domains
• Creates student-directed inquiry-based lab experiences to provide opportunities for students to design experiments, collect data, apply mathematical routines and methods, and refine testable explanations and predictions
• Uses a variety of instructional strategies such as demonstrations, discussions, lectures, lab activities in order to assist students in developing logical, critical, and creative thinking skills, drawing conclusions, solving problems, achieving improved interpersonal relationships, and making value judgments
• Uses formative assessments, lab assignments/experiments, and other types of multiple measures to assess student learning and make instructional decisions and adjustments
• Provides individual and small group instruction in order to adapt the curriculum to the needs of students with varying intellectual abilities, attitudes, and cultural backgrounds
• Collaborates with other teachers as required by administration
• Maintains standards of student behavior to provide an orderly and productive classroom environment
• Maintains professional competence through extended training
• Selects and uses appropriate textbooks, instructional aids, technology, and maintains required inventory records
• Communicates with parents and school counselors on student progress
• Identifies pupil needs and cooperates with other professional staff members in helping students solve health, attitude, and learning problems
• Supervises students in out-of-classroom activities during the assigned workday
• Participates in curriculum and other developmental programs
• Participates in faculty committees and the sponsorship of student activities
• Participates cooperatively with the appropriate administrator to develop the method by which he/she will be evaluated in conformance with academy guidelines
• Performs other duties that may be assigned by the principal or the academy