DESCRIPTION
Under the direction of the school principal and/or assistant principal, the secondary science teacher plans and provides appropriate learning experiences for all students. The science teacher creates a learning environment conducive to the intellectual, physical, social, and emotional development of individuals. Secondary Science teachers implement Howard County Public School System’s (HCPSS) science curriculum aligned with the three‑dimensional learning in Maryland’s Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and develop and differentiate lesson plans and assessments to meet the unique needs of all students. The science teacher is responsible for completing science lab safety training and adhering to safety practices when engaging students in science labs. By fostering a safe and nurturing learning environment, the science teacher ensures all students engage in Science and Engineering Practices to develop scientific and environmental literacy.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in an applicable field of education.
- Certification/Licensure: Meets the Maryland State Department of Education licensure requirements for one of the areas listed: Biology 7‑12, Chemistry 7‑12, Physics 7‑12, Earth Science 7‑12.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Three previous years of teaching experience.
ESSENTIAL POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES
- Plan and implement instructional programs that adhere to system-wide goals and priorities and meet the needs, interests, and abilities of all students.
- Prepare, document, and effectively implement appropriate daily lesson plans for classes assigned, based upon HCPSS curricula, and aligned to the Understanding by Design framework, to achieve appropriate learning outcomes.
- Develop and nurture a learning environment that is conducive to the intellectual, physical, social, and emotional development of students.
- Guide the learning process toward the achievement of curriculum goals and learning outcomes.
- Establish learning objectives consistent with student needs, requirements of the HCPSS curriculum framework, and knowledge of student growth and development.
- Create a classroom environment that supports student engagement in the learning process, promotes academic language development and student discourse, and enables each student to achieve academic success.
- Provide an instructional program to meet the needs of all students including students with disabilities and English Learners.
- Refer students for appropriate specialized support as needed.
- Plan for and utilize instructional methods, accommodations, resources, and evaluation techniques that motivate and enable each student to achieve the applicable learning objectives.
- Provide input when necessary to student Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and EL Accommodation Plans.
- Take all necessary safety precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities.
- Maintain accurate and complete records as required by law, HCPSS policy and administrative regulation.
- Assist the administration in implementing all policies and rules governing conduct.
- Develop norms of classroom behavior and procedure and maintain order in the classroom in a fair and just manner.
- Communicate performance, successes, and opportunities for improvement to students and families.
- Provide timely and meaningful feedback to students and families.
- Make provisions for being available to students and families for education-related purposes outside the instructional day when required or requested to do so under reasonable terms.
- Plan and oversee purposeful assignments for paraeducators, student assistants, and/or classroom volunteers.
- Plan and collaborate with co-teachers including special education and ESOL educators.
- Provide non-evaluative input on paraeducator and/or student assistants’ job performance as requested.
- Establish relationships with administrators, curricular office staff, colleagues, students, families, and the school community that reflect recognition of and respect for every individual.
- Appraise his/her own effectiveness and demonstrate successful application of skills and information acquired to increase effectiveness.
- Participate in and share responsibility for the safe and orderly operation of schools.
- Attend staff meetings, district professional learning, events, and serve on staff committees when required or requested to do so under reasonable terms.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be included in further evaluation. Interviews will be limited to those applicants who, in addition to meeting the basic requirements, have experience and education which most closely match the position qualifications and the needs of the school system.
EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION
This is a 10‑month per year position in the Howard County Educators Association (HCEA) employee bargaining unit. The current salary range for this position is on the 10‑month teacher salary scale. Actual placement will follow the salary procedures of the Howard County Public School System and the HCEA Master Agreement, considering relevant prior experience. Under the Fair Labor Standards Act, this position is exempt from overtime. Retirement membership in the Maryland State Retirement Agency (MSRA) pension plan is mandatory. The annual contribution to the pension plan will be 7% of the annual salary.
BENEFITS
HCPSS offers a comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees, including information about paid time off found in the negotiated agreement for employees in this bargaining unit.
PRE-EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS
- Professional references will be contacted prior to any offer of employment.
- Recommended candidates must provide references from current and recent supervisors.
- All employees, regular and temporary, must be fingerprinted, have a criminal background investigation completed, and successfully complete the Maryland Employment History Review.
- Some positions require a physical examination and/or drug testing.
- Individuals offered employment must provide proper identification and documentation of eligibility to work in the United States. HCPSS participates in E‑Verify and does not offer employee sponsorship.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
- HCPSS is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation of any kind.
- All employment decisions at HCPSS are based on organizational needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications without regard to protected characteristics such as race, color, religion, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, or other federal, state or local laws.