Interim Middle School Science Teacher

National Association of Episcopal Schools; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Oregon Episcopal School in Portland seeks an Interim Middle School Science Teacher to begin duties in November 2026 and continue through March 2027. The teacher will lead sixth grade science classes with inquiry-based methods, integrate the Science Inquiry Project process, and align with learning outcomes.

Candidates should foster collaboration, strong communication, and an inclusive learning environment. Ideal applicants bring a commitment to equity, engage students creatively, and contribute

Qualifications

• BA/BS in science or related field.
• Two to three years of experience teaching science or completion of a teaching certification program at the secondary level.
• Intercultural competence and ability to work with diverse backgrounds.
• Digital literacy with MS Office, Google Docs/Sheets; data privacy awareness.
• Video-conferencing experience; willingness to adapt to evolving digital tools.
• Ability to pass a criminal background check.

Responsibilities

• Communicate and maintain clear learning outcomes aligned with department goals.
• Implement and facilitate sixth grade science classes.
• Provide frequent, constructive feedback to students.
• Differentiate instruction to support all learners.
• Advise a group of Middle School students.
• Collaborate with colleagues and participate in school meetings.

Skills

Intercultural competence

Digital literacy

Video conferencing experience

Verbal and written communication

Education

BA/BS in science

MA/MS in science

Tools

MS Office

Google Docs/Sheets

Job description

Oregon Episcopal School seeks an Interim Middle School Science Teacher to begin duties in November 2026 through March 2027.

OUR MISSION

Oregon Episcopal School educates students to realize their power for good as engaged citizens of the world.

ABOUT US

Founded in 1869, Oregon Episcopal School today occupies a wooded 59-acre campus where 880 students in Pre-K through 12th Grade share an excellent faculty, an inquiry-based curriculum, and a strong sense of community. The Upper School also includes a small boarding program of international and domestic students who live and learn together, enhancing the vibrancy of the school community.

OES seeks and values employees who continually grow in their work practices. Teaching faculty engage in the Characteristics of Effective Teaching for their ongoing learning in service of students. All other employees engage in professional growth specific to their responsibilities. Together, faculty and staff create a vibrant and diverse community of lifelong learners.

As an Episcopal school, we are rooted in a rhythm of gathering and reflection that values and respects all beliefs and cultures. As such, we educate toward a larger purpose – toward inclusion and respect, service and justice, and commitment beyond ourselves.

JOB SUMMARY

The Middle School sixth grade science teacher at OES teaches inquiry-based science classes and guides students through the Science Inquiry Project process.

The teacher will implement curriculum and learner-centered activities that emphasize problem-solving, collaboration, and ask students to think deeply and creatively about concepts and applications. The teacher will be able to lead activities based on specific learning outcomes and outcomes-based grading, as well as the ability to respond to the needs of middle school learners. Teachers are expected to bring an innovative, energetic spirit to the classroom, constantly seeking ways to make problem-solving essential to adolescents.

In addition to the qualifications detailed below, the successful teacher will promote the School’s commitment to attracting and retaining a highly talented faculty, possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and the ability to support the School’s educational mission. As professional educators in a dynamic living and learning environment, faculty are required to model professional behavior and observe appropriate adult-student boundaries to support a safe and supportive community for teaching and learning. The ideal candidate will have a demonstrated gift for engaging students and strengthening the inclusive community of OES.

Faculty also participate in a variety of activities typical to the independent school environment, including advising, collaborative work, support of experiential education, and other duties as assigned.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Communicate and maintain clear, consistent, and appropriate learning outcomes and expectations that are aligned with the Science Department’s goals and schoolwide strategic initiatives.
• Implement and facilitate teaching Science classes in a sixth grade science classroom.
• Provide frequent, constructive, objective, and prompt feedback to students
• Implement assessments and activities as tools for student learning and growth.
• Recognize, respect and promote the cultural difference and diversity of the individuals in the classroom and community.
• Collaborate proactively and productively with colleagues.
• Communicate with students and parents in a clear, timely, and professional manner.
• Establish and maintain relationships with students and families that promote learning and community building.
• Seek to understand, value, and respond to each student.
• Differentiate instruction to support all learners.
• Manage the classroom environment so that all students can learn safely and feel included.
• Establish and maintain appropriate standards for student behavior using Restorative Practice methods which encourage reflection and problem‑solving and support positive self‑esteem and building relationships.
• Advise a group of Middle School students.
• Attend Middle School meetings, Student Support Team meetings, and check in with Assistant Heads as needed for support
• Serve as a role model for Middle School students.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• BA/BS or equivalent in science or related field
• Two to three years of experience teaching science or completion of a teaching certification program at the secondary level
• Intercultural competence, ability to work with sensitivity and effectiveness with students, families, colleagues of diverse backgrounds and identities, demonstrated commitment to equity and inclusion for people of all backgrounds and identities
• Digital literacy; intermediate to advanced proficiency in MS Office Suite, Google Docs/Sheets and other web-based applications; database and cloud storage solutions, such as Google Drive, ability to troubleshoot common hardware and software issues, and good understanding of data privacy principles, particularly in safeguarding student data and personal information.
• Video‑conferencing experience, as appropriate to job duties; flexibility and willingness to learn as digital tools evolve
• Ability to pass a criminal background check

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• MA/MS or equivalent in science or related field
• Experience teaching courses from 6th through 8th grade
• Five years’ experience teaching at a secondary or post‑secondary school
• Demonstrated innovation in the teaching of science, technology integration, and inquiry‑based learning

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Verbal and written communication skills, ability to manage confidential information in compliance with the law and best practice
• Ability to consistently apply principles of equity and inclusion in day to day work and in the broader workplace community
• Organizational skills, ability to work well on teams

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to sit at computer and keyboard for moderate periods
• Mobility sufficient to move about the campus, to include climbing stairs
• Sight and hearing adequate to perform the duties of the job, ability to communicate clearly
• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds on an occasional basis