Upper School Chemistry Teacher

Poly Prep Country Day School; New York (NY); On-site; USD 72,000 - 101,000; Full time

Job summary

An established educational institution is seeking a passionate Upper School Chemistry Teacher for the 2025-2026 academic year. This role is designed for an individual eager to inspire students through innovative teaching methods and a commitment to fostering scientific curiosity. The ideal candidate will embrace progressive pedagogies and engage in collaborative efforts to enhance the learning environment. With a focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion, this position offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on students' lives while working in a supportive community. Join a team dedicated to empowering students and promoting a love of learning.

Benefits

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

403(b) retirement plan match

Long-term disability

Flexible spending account

Pre-tax commute benefit

Free lunch

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry or related discipline required.
• At least two years of teaching experience.

Responsibilities

• Teach four sections, including three of 10th grade Chemistry.
• Commitment to innovative instructional practices.
• Attend and contribute to departmental meetings.

Skills

Progressive pedagogies

Student-driven inquiry

Culturally relevant teaching

Assessment methods

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in chemistry

Master's degree in chemistry education

Job description

Poly Prep seeks applicants for the position of Upper School Chemistry Teacher for the 2025-2026 academic year who will be excited to empower our Upper School students to think critically by fostering their natural scientific curiosity. The ideal candidate will exhibit a love of learning and eagerness to engage with upper school students; commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion; an ability to forge creative connections among core ideas in science; experience in progressive pedagogies such as student-driven inquiry; openness to and experience in the use of varied assessment methods and tools; the desire for generous collaboration with colleagues; and demonstrated interest in incorporating sustainability and justice issues into the curriculum.

Poly Prep is dedicated to providing all of our students an inclusive and equitable education so that they become empowered by extensive cultural competencies, life-long love of learning, and the commitment to improving their communities. We seek an individual who is committed to promoting these values, and whose personal integrity and collegiality will enrich a high-achieving department.

In the Upper School Science department, we value:

• Student curiosity and questions as a means for both scientific and personal discovery
• 3 Dimensional learning that goes beyond simple fact acquisition
• Developing student character through a student’s own identities and lived experiences

We work to achieve these values through:

• Student-centered pedagogies such as guided inquiry and storylining
• NGSS aligned, hands-on curricular activities and labs
• Project-based learning and alternative assessments that incorporate culturally relevant and culturally sustaining phenomenon

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES

Teaching:

• Four sections, including three of 10th grade Chemistry and one elective (Earth Science preferred)
• Eagerness to work with students on an individual basis, as need be
• Commitment to progressive and innovative instructional and assessment practices
• Ability to keep accurate grades, effectively and supportively communicate with students and families, and provide helpful written and oral feedback on student progress consistently throughout the school year
• Commitment to professional learning and growth, particularly as they relate to inquiry-based learning and culturally sustaining pedagogies

Additional Responsibilities:

• Attend and contribute to meetings during and after the school day, including but not limited to departmental, committee, divisional and grade-level meetings
• Attend community events throughout the school year
• Co-advise a club or activity and engage in supervision duties as necessary
• Accompany students on occasional curricular trips
• Willingness to obtain a Certificate of Fitness C-14 if needed

Salary Range: $72,525 - $100,075

Poly Prep strives to be an equitable, just, and diverse community, one proud of and deeply committed to empowering students to discover who they are and what they want to be. In keeping with the country day school philosophy, we seek community members who will share a passion for learning in and out of the classroom.

We offer a supportive environment, with a full benefits package (medical, dental, vision, life insurance, a generous match on our 403(b) retirement plan, long-term disability, flexible spending account, pre-tax commute benefit, and free lunch).

Poly Prep is an equal opportunity employer and provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Bachelor’s degree in chemistry or related discipline required. Master’s degree in chemistry or chemistry education preferred

Experience: At least two years of teaching experience.