Middle School Science Teacher - Leave Coverage

Menlo School; Atherton (CA); On-site; USD 97,000 - 182,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Retirement plan contributions

Job summary

Menlo School’s Middle School is seeking an enthusiastic, full-time 6th-grade Science Teacher for a temporary substitute from November 16, 2026 to June 11, 2027. This on-campus role aligns hands-on science with NGSS and supports a diverse learner population.

The ideal candidate loves middle school students, uses inquiry-based methods, differentiates for varied abilities, and collaborates with grade teams. Proficiency with Google Workspace and MacBooks is expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required in science or science education; Master’s degree preferred.
• At least three years of Middle School teaching experience.
• Broad knowledge of best practices in curriculum, instruction, and NGSS three-dimensional teaching.

Responsibilities

• Teach hands-on 6th grade science curriculum aligned to NGSS standards.
• Foster curiosity through inquiry-based lessons.
• Use routines like science notebooks and literacy strategies.
• Grade work using standards-based methods and Habits of Learning.
• Communicate student progress to students, parents, and sixth-grade team with growth-focused feedback.
• Differentiate lessons for diverse learning abilities.
• Maintain a safe, organized lab and classroom environment.
• Collaborate with Department Chair and Grade Level Team on school initiatives.
• Integrate technology tools (MacBooks, Google Workspace) and manage records in Veracross and JumpRope.
• Leave a clear summary of work for the returning teacher.
• Bonus: Familiarity with microscopes, dissection etiquette, gardens, laser cutters, and design thinking.

Skills

Middle School teaching

NGSS 3D teaching

Inquiry-based learning

Curriculum design

Education

Bachelor’s degree in science or science education

Master’s degree preferred

Job description

Menlo’s Middle School is seeking an enthusiastic, full-time 6th-grade Science Teacher. This is a temporary substitute position to support the Middle School during an employee’s leave of absence, from November 16, 2026 to June 11, 2027. This is a full-time, temporary, in-person, on-campus position.

The ideal candidate has a genuine love of Middle School students and is excited to work with all types of learners. They should also have a strong desire to encourage a lifelong passion and understanding of science in their students. We seek an educator who hopes to help students use inquiry to test and explain their ideas and further their understanding of the chemical, biological, and physical world through facilitated exploration.

Responsibilities:

• Teach hands‑on 6th grade science curriculum covering heat transfer, carbon cycle, sustainability, cells, and human body systems based on NGSS standards.
• Foster curiosity through inquiry based lessons.
• Use pre-existing routines, such as student science notebooks and literacy strategies.
• Grade work using school’s standards‑based methods and Habits of Learning in a timely manner.
• Communicate student progress to students, parents, and the sixth‑grade team via reports and timely updates focused on growth mindset and specific next steps.
• Differentiate lessons for diverse learning abilities.
• Manage a safe and organized lab and classroom environment.
• Collaborate with the Department Chair and Grade Level Team to support school‑wide initiatives.
• Use and integrate technology tools into instruction like MacBooks and Google Workspace (especially GoogleClassroom), as well as manage Veracross and JumpRope for school records.
• Leave a clear summary of work for the returning teacher and 7th grade science teacher.
• Bonus Experience: Familiarity using compound light microscopes, dissection etiquette knowledge, familiarity with school gardens, laser cutters and/or design thinking process.

General Instruction:

• Possess a broad knowledge of and experience with current best practices in curriculum and instruction, especially standards‑based learning and grading
• Design learning experiences, create assessments, and evaluate student performance in a standards‑based system, using a set of established core competencies
• Facilitate a dynamic, inspiring, and joyful classroom, using a wide variety of creative and learner‑centered teaching methods
• Support the organizational, academic, and emotional needs of middle schoolers through a genuine love of middle school students
• Differentiate classroom materials, assignments, and presentations as needed to allow for learning differences among students
• Integrate technology confidently into instruction and workflow, using AI tools for both teaching and learning, Google Workspace, and other digital resources to enhance learning

School Community Engagement:

• Contribute to the school community by actively participating in extracurricular activities, faculty committees, and school initiatives
• Demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging through both classroom instruction and broader school community engagement
• Manage frequent, ongoing, and prompt verbal and written communications with students, parents, and colleagues
• Work collaboratively with other faculty members towards common goals through active listening, sharing, and reflecting
• Commit to ongoing professional growth and reflection
• Model high ethical and moral standards

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required in the field of science or science education; Master’s degree preferred
• At least three years of Middle School teaching experience
• A broad knowledge of and experience with current best practices in curriculum and instruction, especially standards‑based learning and NGSS three-dimensional teaching.

We offer:

• An exceptional work environment and caring community
• Highly competitive salary
• A comprehensive benefits package, including generous contributions to a retirement plan for eligible employees and their families. Learn more here.

We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa for this position.

About us:

Menlo School is an independent, coeducational, college‑preparatory school for students in grades six through twelve. Located in the heart of Silicon Valley and founded in 1915, the School is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and is a member of the National and California Associations of Independent Schools.

Menlo is dedicated to providing a joyful, transformative education that empowers students to explore broadly, think critically, act responsibly, and navigate the complexities of an evolving world. Our relevant and engaging academic program—complemented by outstanding arts and athletics—sparks wonder, fosters a love of learning, and inspires students to reach their full potential as they grow in competence, confidence, and curiosity. Student care and the supportive relationships students build with teachers, coaches, and peers are at the heart of all we do as we uphold the highest ethical standards, develop character, and pursue a shared commitment to purposes larger than ourselves.

At Menlo, belonging is essential to who we are as a school. We embrace the growth and well‑being of every member of our community by cultivating a culture rooted in kindness, trust, and belonging—one where everyone feels welcomed, included, and valued, and where our diverse backgrounds, identities, and ideas are honored with curiosity, care, and compassion.

Learn more about the Menlo School here.

Our equal opportunity employment policy:

Menlo School is committed to a policy of non‑discrimination and equal opportunity for all employees and qualified applicants. We administer all personnel practices without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status or domestic partnership status, disability, protected veteran status or military status, genetic information, or any other category protected under applicable law.

Pay Range:

The expected base salary range for this role is $97,000 – $182,000. Final placement within the range is determined by several factors, including skills, experience, education, job level, internal equity, full‑time or part‑time status, and scheduled working months, leaving room for salary growth.