7-12 Science Teacher

Carlynton School District; Portage (Cambria County); On-site; USD 45,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

Carlynton School District is seeking a 7-12 Science Teacher to deliver standards-aligned instruction in grades 7-12. Responsibilities include planning lessons, using laboratory investigations, and integrating technology to enhance learning.

Responsibilities also cover assessment, differentiated instruction, safety in the lab, and collaboration with families and staff to promote student achievement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college.
• Valid Pennsylvania Instructional Level I or Instructional Level II teaching certificate appropriate to the assigned science course(s).
• Knowledge of Pennsylvania Academic Standards and science standards.
• Knowledge of effective instructional practices, assessment methods, classroom management techniques, and differentiated instruction.
• Ability to plan, organize, and deliver effective science instruction appropriate to the grade level and assigned course.
• Knowledge of appropriate science laboratory procedures and safety practices.

Responsibilities

• Provide instruction in assigned science courses using varied instructional methods (direct instruction, discussion, demonstration, lab investigations, inquiry-based learning, technology).
• Prepare and implement lesson plans, course objectives, units of study, laboratory experiences, and instructional activities aligned with standards.
• Differentiate instruction to meet varying student abilities and needs.
• Utilize educational technology and laboratory resources to enhance science instruction.
• Collaborate with parents/guardians, administrators, faculty, and support personnel to promote student achievement.

Skills

Strong communication

Differentiated instruction

Classroom management

Collaboration

Technology integration

Student assessment

Safety awareness

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

Pennsylvania teaching certificate

Tools

Laboratory equipment safety

Job description

• Position Type:
  High School Teaching/ Science - General
• Date Posted:
  8/19/2026
• Location:
  Junior-Senior High School
• Date Available:
  08/24/2026

Position: 7-12 Science Teacher
Reports to: Building Principal
FLSA Status: Exempt
Employment: Full Time

Position Summary

The 7-12 Science Teacher is responsible for providing high-quality, standards-aligned science instruction to students in grades 7-12 in one or more areas of the physical, biological, or earth sciences. The Science Teacher develops students' scientific knowledge, inquiry skills, critical-thinking abilities, problem-solving skills, and understanding of scientific concepts through classroom instruction, laboratory investigations, demonstrations, technology, and other appropriate learning experiences.

The 7-12 Science Teacher plans and delivers instruction consistent with Pennsylvania Academic Standards, District curriculum, established course objectives, and applicable instructional requirements. The teacher assesses and monitors student progress, maintains accurate student records, establishes a safe and effective learning environment, differentiates instruction to meet diverse student needs, and collaborates with parents/guardians, administrators, faculty, and support personnel to promote student achievement.

The Science Teacher is also responsible for promoting safe practices in the science classroom and laboratory and for appropriately supervising the use of laboratory equipment, materials, chemicals, and other instructional resources.

Professional Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
• Valid Pennsylvania Instructional Level I or Instructional Level II teaching certificate appropriate to the assigned science course(s), including Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Earth and Space Science, General Science, or another applicable Pennsylvania science certification.
• Knowledge of Pennsylvania Academic Standards and applicable science standards.
• Knowledge of effective instructional practices, assessment methods, classroom management techniques, and differentiated instruction.
• Ability to plan, organize, and deliver effective science instruction appropriate to the grade level and assigned course.
• Knowledge of appropriate science laboratory procedures and safety practices.
• Ability to assess student learning, analyze student performance, maintain accurate records, and communicate student progress.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, collaboration, and communication skills.
• Ability to effectively utilize instructional technology and digital resources.
• Ability to work effectively and professionally with students, parents/guardians, administrators, faculty, staff, and the school community.
• Must satisfy all employment eligibility, certification, background clearance, and other requirements established by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and Carlynton School District.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Instructional Responsibilities

• Provide instruction in assigned science courses using appropriate and varied instructional methods, including direct instruction, discussion, demonstration, laboratory investigation, inquiry-based learning, technology, audiovisual resources, collaborative learning, and other appropriate instructional strategies.
• Prepare and implement lesson plans, course objectives, units of study, laboratory experiences, and instructional activities consistent with District curriculum and Pennsylvania Academic Standards.
• Provide meaningful learning experiences designed to develop students' scientific knowledge, inquiry skills, critical-thinking abilities, problem-solving skills, and application of scientific concepts.
• Assign appropriate classwork, homework, projects, laboratory activities, research assignments, and other learning experiences to reinforce and assess student learning.
• Differentiate instruction to address varying student abilities, learning styles, academic needs, and instructional levels.
• Utilize educational technology, laboratory equipment, instructional materials, and other resources to enhance science instruction.
• Connect scientific concepts to real-world applications and encourage students to investigate, analyze, interpret, and communicate scientific information.
• Provide appropriate instructional support, remediation, enrichment, and opportunities for students to demonstrate mastery of course content.
• Implement applicable Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), Section 504 Plans, accommodations, modifications, English learner supports, and other instructional interventions as required.
• Initiate and participate in curriculum development and instructional improvement activities as part of the District's instructional program.

Assessment and Student Progress

• Develop and administer formative and summative assessments, laboratory assessments, projects, examinations, and other measures of student learning.
• Evaluate student progress and use assessment results to guide instructional decisions and adjust instruction when appropriate.
• Maintain accurate and timely records of student attendance, grades, assignments, assessments, and academic progress.
• Provide timely and constructive feedback to students regarding academic performance and progress.
• Identify students experiencing academic difficulty and provide appropriate instructional support or referrals.
• Prepare and issue progress reports, report card grades, and other required student performance information in accordance with District procedures.
• Monitor student achievement and communicate concerns regarding academic performance, attendance, or behavior to appropriate school personnel and parents/guardians.

Classroom and Laboratory Management

• Establish and maintain a safe, respectful, orderly, and productive classroom environment conducive to student learning.
• Establish, communicate, and consistently enforce classroom expectations and procedures.
• Maintain appropriate student discipline and enforce District and building rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Provide appropriate supervision of students during classroom instruction, laboratory activities, demonstrations, and other assigned activities.
• Teach, model, and enforce appropriate laboratory safety procedures.
• Ensure the safe handling, use, storage, and disposal of laboratory materials, chemicals, equipment, and supplies in accordance with District procedures and applicable safety requirements.
• Maintain awareness of potential safety hazards and take appropriate action to protect students and staff.
• Ensure the appropriate use and care of textbooks, laboratory equipment, instructional supplies, technology, and other property provided by the Board of School Directors.
• Monitor materials and equipment issued or loaned to students and report loss or damage in accordance with District procedures.

Collaboration and Communication

• Communicate effectively with students, parents/guardians, administrators, teachers, counselors, special education staff, English learner staff, related service providers, and other appropriate personnel.
• Meet with parents/guardians to discuss student progress, academic performance, behavior, and other educational concerns.
• Collaborate with other science teachers and District personnel regarding curriculum, instruction, assessments, laboratory activities, instructional resources, and student achievement.
• Collaborate with special education personnel and other support staff to appropriately address individual student needs.
• Participate in faculty meetings, department meetings, curriculum meetings, parent conferences, professional meetings, educational conferences, and other District activities as required.
• Assist students with academic concerns, course-related questions, course selection, and adjustment to classroom expectations when appropriate.
• Maintain appropriate and professional communication with all members of the school community.

Professional Responsibilities

• Maintain current knowledge of science content, instructional practices, educational technology, assessment practices, laboratory safety, and evidence-based teaching methodologies.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of instructional practices and make appropriate adjustments to improve student learning.
• Participate in professional development, teacher training workshops, conferences, and other professional learning activities as required.
• Participate in District curriculum development, instructional improvement, and school improvement initiatives.
• Maintain all certifications, professional development requirements, and other credentials required for the position.
• Maintain confidentiality of student information and educational records in accordance with FERPA, District policy, and applicable laws.
• Comply with all District policies, administrative regulations, procedures, collective bargaining requirements, and applicable state and federal laws.
• Demonstrate professional conduct and ethical behavior consistent with the expectations of the Carlynton School District and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Additional Expectations

• Maintain accurate records and documentation required by the District.
• Attend faculty meetings, professional meetings, parent conferences, professional development activities, and other required school functions.
• Participate in field trips, science-related activities, student programs, and other activities outside the regularly scheduled instructional program when appropriate and authorized.
• Sponsor or assist with student activities or organizations when assigned.
• Maintain an organized classroom and laboratory environment.
• Promote a positive educational environment and support the mission, goals, and educational programs of the Carlynton School District.
• Uphold confidentiality, ethical practices, professionalism, and the mission of the Carlynton School District.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Building Principal or District administration.

Personal Qualifications

• Strong communication, organizational, instructional, and collaboration skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain productive working relationships with students, parents/guardians, staff, administration, and the school community.
• Ability to effectively manage a classroom and respond appropriately to student academic, behavioral, and social needs.
• Ability to work collaboratively with faculty, administrators, support personnel, and families.
• Ability to exercise sound professional judgment and discretion.
• Ability to recognize areas of concern and recommend or implement appropriate solutions.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to listen and respond to students, parents/guardians, colleagues, and administrators in a professional and effective manner.
• Ability to manage multiple responsibilities and prioritize appropriately.
• Ability to adapt instruction and classroom practices to meet changing student and program needs.
• Demonstrated commitment to student achievement and continuous professional growth.
• Must be able to perform the essential duties and responsibilities of the position at a high level.

Reports To

Work Performance

• Acknowledges students', parents', staff members', and other individuals' needs and responds in a professional, respectful, and courteous manner.
• Promotes a positive educational and team environment through active cooperation with others.
• Maintains awareness of and complies with School District policies, procedures, and administrative regulations.
• Follows the appropriate chain of command.
• Demonstrates initiative and performs responsibilities with appropriate independence.
• Incorporates effective and current instructional practices into classroom instruction.
• Maintains confidentiality regarding student information and District business.
• Responds appropriately to supervision, feedback, and direction.
• Maintains professional appearance and conduct appropriate to the educational environment.
• Organizes the classroom, laboratory, instructional materials, and professional responsibilities efficiently.
• Demonstrates the ability to manage multiple responsibilities and meet established deadlines.

Temperament

• Ability to work effectively as a teacher, team member, collaborator, and educational professional.
• Must be courteous and able to effectively manage instructional and professional responsibilities.
• Must be cooperative, congenial, student-centered, and service oriented.
• Ability to work effectively in an environment with frequent interruptions and changing priorities.
• Ability to remain calm and exercise sound judgment in challenging situations.
• Ability to be respectful, patient, fair, and empathetic when working with students and others.
• Ability to maintain appropriate professional boundaries and expectations.

Personal Skills

• Plans and prioritizes instructional and professional responsibilities effectively.
• Able to manage several ongoing responsibilities, assignments, and activities simultaneously.
• Able to adjust to changes in the instructional environment, student needs, curriculum, and District expectations.
• Reports to work on time, provides a full day's work, and makes effective use of instructional and professional time.
• Maintains a professional and constructive attitude toward students, administration, fellow employees, parents/guardians, and the public.
• Maintains productive working relationships with the Building Principal, colleagues, and other District personnel.
• Demonstrates reliability, initiative, professionalism, and sound judgment.

Technical Skills

• Demonstrates the ability to acquire and utilize new and existing instructional technologies, software, hardware, and digital resources.
• Effectively utilizes classroom technology to support instruction, assessment, communication, and student learning.
• Demonstrates appropriate knowledge and use of science laboratory equipment and instructional materials.
• Demonstrates the ability to maintain accurate electronic student records, grades, and other required documentation.
• Ability to use computer technology efficiently, including word processing, presentation software, spreadsheets, learning management systems, student information systems, and other District-supported applications.
• Ability to prepare clear, accurate, and professional instructional materials and communications.
• Ability to utilize technology to analyze student performance and support instructional decision-making.

Physical Demands

• Ability to traverse classrooms, laboratories, hallways, and other areas of the school building.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods during instruction and student supervision.
• Ability to sit for periods of time while completing instructional and administrative responsibilities.
• Ability to transition frequently between sitting, standing, and walking.
• Ability to lift, carry, and move curricular materials, laboratory supplies, instructional equipment, and other items reasonably required for the position.
• Manual dexterity sufficient to operate instructional technology, laboratory equipment, and other classroom materials.
• Sufficient physical ability to safely supervise students during classroom and laboratory activities.
• Must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

Sensory Abilities

• Speaking and hearing abilities sufficient to effectively instruct, communicate with, and supervise students.
• Visual acuity and depth perception sufficient to monitor students and safely supervise laboratory activities.
• Tactile sensation sufficient to appropriately use classroom and laboratory materials and equipment.
• Sufficient sense of smell to assist in detecting accidental releases of fumes, chemicals, or other potential laboratory hazards.

Cognitive Abilities

• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational and time-management abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple responsibilities and instructional priorities.
• Ability to exercise sound professional judgment.
• Ability to analyze student performance and make appropriate instructional decisions.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and respond appropriately to unexpected situations.
• Ability to demonstrate patience, flexibility, professionalism, and sound decision-making.
• Ability to appropriately respond to the academic, behavioral, social, and safety needs of students.
• Primarily classroom and science laboratory settings within a school environment.
• Regular interaction with students, faculty, administrators, parents/guardians, and other District personnel.
• Exposure to science laboratory materials, chemicals, equipment, and other instructional resources associated with the assigned science courses.
• Work environment may include frequent interruptions and varying levels of activity and noise associated with a secondary school setting.

Clearances

• Every employee must submit an Arrest/Conviction Report and Certification Form as required under Pennsylvania Act 24 of 2011.
• Act 34 - Pennsylvania Criminal Record Check.
• Act 151 - Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance.
• FBI Federal Criminal History Check.
• Act 126 mandated reporter and applicable professional ethics training as required.
• Clearances must be renewed in accordance with applicable Pennsylvania law and District requirements.
• Newly hired employees must satisfy applicable Act 168 Sexual Misconduct/Abuse Disclosure requirements prior to employment.
• All other pre-employment requirements established by Pennsylvania law and the Carlynton School District must be satisfied prior to employment.

Terms of Employment

• Work year, salary, and benefits are defined by the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the Carlynton School District and the Carlynton Federation of Teachers.

Evaluation

• Performance will be evaluated by the Building Principal in accordance with applicable District procedures, Pennsylvania requirements, the Collective Bargaining Agreement, and this job description.
• This job description is subject to change as determined by the Superintendent.