Safeguarding jobs in United States

Environmental Education and Lower School Science Teacher

Reports to: Lower School Principal

Hours: Full-time

Contract: ASL term time, August - June

Salary: Competitive rates of pay apply

The Environmental Education and Lower School Science Teacher will design, prepare for, and teach science and environmental education to students in grades K1-G4. This role serves as the primary science instructor for Grade 1 and Grade 2 students, co‑teaches science with K1 and K2 classroom teachers, and delivers experiential environmental education programs at Canons Park for all lower school students. The main purpose of the role is to provide expert science instruction, facilitate differentiated learning experiences, and foster environmental stewardship while supporting classroom teachers' professional development in science pedagogy. Enhancing teaching and learning through inquiry‑based, hands‑on science education is the primary objective of the role.

• Serve as primary science instructor for Grade 1 and Grade 2 students (6‑8 year olds), teaching comprehensive science curriculum aligned with NGSS standards
• Plan, prepare, and deliver engaging, developmentally appropriate science lessons independently
• Create hands‑on investigations and experiments that promote inquiry‑based learning
• Assess student progress in science and provide feedback to classroom teachers and parents for report cards and conferences
• Coordinate with G3 and G4 science teacher to ensure curriculum continuity and alignment

• Collaborate with K1 and K2 classroom teachers to deliver hands‑on science applications
• Participate in planning and preparing science lessons with lead teachers
• Support inquiry‑based learning experiences appropriate for early learners (4‑6 year olds)
• Model effective science pedagogy for classroom teachers
• Provide one‑to‑one and small group support to individual students as needed

• Design and deliver experiential environmental education programs at Canons Park for all lower school students
• Develop outdoor learning experiences that connect to NGSS standards and ASL curriculum
• Create weather‑appropriate programming for year‑round engagement, both indoor and outdoor
• Plan, schedule, and organize field trips, transport, and outdoor learning activities
• Maintain and enhance outdoor learning spaces and resources at Canons Park
• Foster environmental stewardship and global citizenship values aligned with ASL's mission

• Support classroom teachers in science content knowledge and pedagogy through professional development
• Liaise with other members of the teaching team, specialists, and administration to develop the quality of science instruction and student support
• Participate in lower school curriculum planning and professional development opportunities on and off campus
• Collaborate with facilities team on outdoor learning space maintenance
• Prepare instructional materials and displays for science and environmental education
• May be asked to edit and assist with production of class posts to asl.org and other publications
• Attend all team meetings and all relevant faculty meetings
• Establish professional goals each year aligned with ASL's strategic priorities
• Participate in student placement meetings
• Participate actively in the life of the School, through attendance at events, committee membership, and leadership of extracurricular activities
• Supervise and chaperone large groups of students for outdoor learning experiences, field trips, and transitions
• Any other duties within the scope, spirit, and purpose of the job, as requested by the Lower School Principal/Assistant Principal

This position description is current at the date shown but following consultation may be changed to reflect or anticipate changes in the role that are commensurate with the job title and salary.

The American School in London is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all trustees, employees and volunteers to share this commitment. All new appointments will be subject to appropriate checks: Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS enhanced), Disqualification by Association Self‑Declaration, Declaration of Criminal Record, checks against the Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA) Prohibition List (Teacher Status Checks) including Identity, Address, Date of Birth, a Full Employment History, Right to Work in the UK, overseas checks where applicable, at least 2 references (one with current or most recent employer, where appropriate) and original documentation of Qualifications (where appropriate). For positions into Senior Management a Prohibition from Management Check (s128 Directive) will also be undertaken.

All posts involving direct contact with children are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. However, amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975 (2013 & 2020) provide that certain spent convictions and cautions are 'protected'. These are not subject to disclosure to employers and cannot be taken into account. Guidance and criteria on the filtering of these cautions and convictions can be found on the Ministry of Justice website. Shortlisted candidates will be asked to provide details of all unspent convictions and those that would not be filtered, prior to the date of the interview. You may be asked for further information about your criminal history during the recruitment process. If your application is successful, this self‑disclosure information will be checked against information from the Disclosure & Barring Service before your appointment is confirmed.

Diversity and equality of opportunity are cornerstone values of The American School in London. The American School in London will not discriminate against an applicant or employee based on race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, sex, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other legally recognised protected basis under local law. Read our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion statement here .

• Relevant teaching qualifications or equivalent experience in science education
• Experience teaching science to children of elementary or early childhood age in a school setting
• Understanding of inquiry‑based science instruction
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Ability to work in a collaborative team‑teaching environment
• Demonstrable technology skills
• Willingness to participate in ongoing professional development activities
• Ability to take initiative and to make professional judgments regarding student welfare, communication, logistics, and use of educational materials and methods
• Physical ability to lead outdoor education programs in various weather conditions
• A proven commitment to the safeguarding and welfare of children
• Current experience with cultural competency initiatives

• Experience teaching elementary science aligned with NGSS standards
• Experience with outdoor and environmental education programming
• Knowledge of local environmental resources and outdoor learning best practices