Science Leave Replacement Teacher

Hamilton Township School District Mercer County; Middle School; On-site; AUD 35,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Hamilton Township School District Mercer County is seeking a versatile Grade 7 Science long-term replacement teacher to guide middle school students through an integrated Earth, Life, and Physical Science program. The role emphasizes NGSS-aligned instruction, inquiry-based learning, and collaborative planning with the science department.

The ideal candidate will implement 3-Dimensional learning, utilize PhET and Gizmos simulations, and differentiate instruction to support a diverse learner

Qualifications

• Valid New Jersey Intermediate/Middle School Science certificate or equivalent.
• Strong understanding of NGSS and NJSLS for science.
• Experience using Google Apps for Education and data collection tools.

Responsibilities

• Teach Grade 7 Science aligned to NGSS and district guidelines.
• Lead Earth, Life, and Physical Science units with inquiry-based learning.
• Facilitate NGSS 3-Dimensional investigations and hands-on labs.
• Collaborate with department to align curricula and differentiate for diverse learners.
• Incorporate simulations (PhET, Gizmos) in lessons.

Skills

NGSS knowledge

Data analysis

Inquiry-based learning

Education

NJ Certification (Middle School Science)

Tools

Google Apps for Education

PhET Gizmos simulations

Job description

Grade 7 Science Long-Term Replacement Teacher

• Position Type: SECONDARY EDUCATION/ Science
• Date Posted: 10/21/2026
• Location: Middle School
• Closing Date: 11/08/2026

We are seeking a versatile and dynamic Science teacher for a long-term replacement position to lead our Grade 7 Science course. The ideal candidate will guide middle school students through an integrated, comprehensive exploration of Earth, Life, and Physical Science principles, fostering scientific literacy and curiosity in alignment with district goals and state guidelines.

Key Responsibilities

• Weather and Climate Instruction (Earth Science): Teach the cycling of water through Earth's systems driven by solar energy and gravity. Guide students in analyzing data regarding air mass interactions, ocean currents, density variations (temperature and salinity), and the probabilistic nature of weather forecasting.
• Ecology and the Environment Instruction (Life Science): Lead instruction on photosynthesis, cellular respiration, and the chemical reactions that rearrange food molecules to support growth and release energy. Facilitate student modeling of matter cycling and energy flow in ecosystems, resource availability impacts on populations, and human impacts on biodiversity.
• Waves, Sound, and Light Instruction (Physical Science): Instruct students on basic wave properties (wavelength, frequency, amplitude), the behavior of light (reflection, absorption, transmission, and refraction/bending through different media), and the structural reliability of digitized versus analog signals.
• Inquiry-Based & Three-Dimensional Learning: Facilitate authentic Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) 3-Dimensional investigations, engineering design processes, computer simulations (such as PhET, Gizmos), and hands-on laboratory experiences.
• Collaborative Planning: Actively partner with departmental colleagues to deliver district-approved science curricula. Demonstrate a commitment to scaffolding and adjusting instructional rigor to effectively support diverse learning profiles.

Requirements

• Certification: Valid New Jersey Instructional Certificate (Middle School with Subject-Matter Specialization: Science, Biological Science, Chemistry, Physics, Physical Science, Earth Science).
• Core Knowledge: Strong, practical command of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and New Jersey Student Learning Standards (NJSLS) for Science.
• Technical Skills: Background with implementation of Google Apps for Education, digital representation tools, data collection spreadsheets, and utilizing interactive computer simulations to test scientific concepts.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with the Charlotte Danielson Framework for Teaching.
• Demonstrated ability to scaffold instructional materials and adjust rigor for a wide variety of student learning profiles.

Effective: 2026-2027School Year

• Days 1 - 20 = $130/day
• Day 21+ = $340/day (per HTEA Step 1 2026/27 BA Teacher Guide)

Benefits

• Leave replacement teachers receive benefits after 5 consecutive months of working (single health benefits)
• In addition to the base salary, eligible employees receive a comprehensive benefits package: including medical/vision, prescription and dental insurance, and paid time off.

AA/EEO

*In accordance with S-414/A-3188 ( http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/2018/Bills/S0500/414_R2.HTM ), school districts, charter schools, nonpublic schools, and contracted service providers ("employers") are required to review the last twenty years of employment history of prospective employees to ascertain allegations of child abuse or sexual misconduct. It explicitly prohibits such employers from hiring a person serving in a position which involves regular contact with students unless the employer conducts a review of the employment history of the applicant by contacting former and current employers and requesting information regarding child abuse and sexual misconduct allegations.

*Appointed candidates are required to become a NJ resident within one year of starting the position as per P.L. 2011, c. 70. New Jersey First Act ( https://www.nj.gov/labor/research-info/njfirst.shtml )