Middle School Science Teacher

Lake Forest Country Day School; Illinois; On-site; USD 40,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established educational institution is seeking a passionate Middle School Science teacher for the 2025-26 school year. This role emphasizes lab-based learning and student engagement in scientific inquiry. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in science education, with the ability to create a dynamic learning environment that fosters curiosity and critical thinking. Collaboration with faculty and a commitment to student success are essential, as you will work within a supportive team to develop and implement innovative curricula. If you are ready to inspire young minds and contribute to a thriving educational community, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Experience in teaching middle school science with a focus on lab-based activities.
• Ability to present scientific content dynamically and support analytical skills.

Responsibilities

• Teach four middle school science sections and engage in curricular integration.
• Communicate regularly with students and parents about academic progress.

Skills

Teaching Science

Curriculum Development

Student-Centric Instruction

Communication Skills

Technology Integration

Executive Function Support

Education

Master’s Degree in Education or Science

Previous Experience Teaching Middle School Science

Job description

LFCDS, located on a 30-acre campus about 30 miles north of Chicago, Illinois, is a co-educational, independent day school serving 400 students from age 2 through eighth grade. The School has a long tradition of producing thoughtful, confident, and successful students. Children feel known, loved, and challenged at LFCDS, and a state-of-the-art facility provides a remarkable setting for inspired teaching, academic rigor, and attention to individual needs.

The Opportunity

Lake Forest Country Day School is seeking a Middle School Science teacher for the upcoming 2025-26 school year. The current curriculum includes a study of Life, Physical, and Earth science. As a department, we stress the importance of lab-based activities with a variety of both formative and summative assessment strategies. The position is for fifth grade, which currently includes the study of Matter and Energy in Ecosystems and Organisms, the Structure and Properties of Matter, Human Structure and Processes, and Earth's Systems. Emphasis is placed on developing students’ ability to design and carry out laboratory investigations, apply and interpret models, construct scientific explanations, and engage in arguments based on evidence. There is a significant amount of autonomy and creativity related to the delivery of instruction while maintaining departmental collaboration and curricular continuity.

Position Description

1. Teach four middle school science sections
2. Engage in regular goal-setting and curricular integration conversations
3. Model and help students establish routines and strategies to support executive functioning
4. Communicate regularly with students and parents about academic progress

Member of the Science Department

1. Engage in dialogue with other members of the faculty to foster a collaborative spirit
2. Attend regular department meetings
3. Work collaboratively with the other members of the department on curriculum development
4. Plan and revise curriculum as needed
5. Work as part of the department, ensuring that teamwork, flexibility, sense of humor, and creative problem-solving remain important

Member of the Faculty

1. Serve as an academic advisor
2. Facilitate and implement transition support for incoming students from Lower School
3. Attend regular team meetings
4. Collaborate with Head of Upper School to establish professional growth areas of focus
5. Write narrative progress reports
6. Communicate regularly with students about their progress
7. Perform all non-teaching duties assigned by the Head of Upper School

Preferred Qualifications

1. Confidence in presenting scientific content in a dynamic, student-centric way
2. Ability to integrate math and writing instruction as needed as a means to support the development of analytical skills
3. Model and help students establish routines and strategies to support their executive function
4. Comfort and experience with technology and its use in the classroom
5. A master’s degree and/or previous experience teaching middle school science

Mission Statement: Through inspired teaching and partnership with families, Lake Forest Country Day School nurtures a love of learning and builds a foundation of strong character, preparing students to navigate their path with purpose.

Core Beliefs:

• Childhood is championed: We center all we do on what is best for our students, protecting and building upon the magic of these precious years.
• Community is our core: Honest and respectful relationships, formed through conversation and collaboration, build trust and a sense of belonging – honoring the dignity of every person.
• Curiosity is a gift: Wonder is an animating force that resides in every person and should be modeled and nurtured to stimulate self-discovery, spark innovation, and drive creativity.
• We aim high: Raising expectations activates the great potential we see in every person and elicits efforts that result in individual growth and the collective success of our community.

Individuals interested should email a cover letter and resume (PDFs please) to Steve Robnick, Head of Upper School ([e-mail])