SCIENCE TEACHER

Job Description

Job Description

Common Ground is Seeking a Full-Time Science Teacher

About Common Ground High School

Common Ground High School is the nation’s longest-running environmental charter high school, founded in 1997. Our 225 students form an inclusive, powerful community of learners and leaders.

These students benefit from a unique learning environment : an urban farm and 20-acre site, home to state of the art school facilities, adjacent to West Rock Ridge State Park, and located in the City of New Haven.

We strive to create a learning environment grounded in foundational building blocks : rigor, responsive relationships, relevance that’s rooted in the local community and environment, and real roles & rights.

Common Ground High School is part of a community nonprofit organization that also operates an urban farm and community environmental education center.

As a whole, Common Ground is a center for learning and leadership, inviting people across ages and identities to connect to their urban environment, build community, grow into their full potential, and contribute to a just and sustainable world.

We work toward this mission through active, authentic learning rooted in justice and our environment : a farm, in a forest, in a city.

About the Position

We are seeking an data-driven, compassionate educator to join our team as a Science Teacher. This position is a full time for October 1 through June 2025.

Preference for candidates the following certifications : Chemistry 7-12 and / or Physics Teacher. Consideration will be given to those in the process of gaining the endorsement, or candidates with relevant teaching and / or scientific experience.

Common Ground offers full time employees a competitive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision and life insurance.

Salary is commensurate with Common Ground High School Educator Salary Scale. Placement on that salary scale will take prior work, relevant experience in consideration.

Staff members at Common Ground are represented by UAW local 2110 with a collective bargaining agreement in progress.

The Science Teacher will :

• Teach four classes in chemistry and / or physics to students in grades 9-12.
• Plan a rigorous and engaging science curriculum aligned to Next Generation Science Standards standards for grades 10-12.
• Develop materials and lesson plans to deliver effective instruction.
• Regularly evaluate and assess student performance by collecting and analyzing student performance data.
• Maintain strong classroom management and culture.
• Work with co-teachers and special education team to collaboratively plan and instruct students of varying academic abilities.
• Participate in grade-level and content department meetings.
• Promote the engagement of families in their student’s educational progress.
• Manage responsibilities outside of instruction such as advisory and supervision collateral duties.
• Accept and implement feedback from instructional coaches and supervisors.
• Act as guide for a small advisory that meets daily.

We are looking for Science candidates who demonstrate some or all of the following :

• Demonstrated success in delivering effective and engaging instruction to middle or high school aged students.
• Ability to analyze student data to make informed recommendations for instruction.
• Demonstrated success of managing student behavior and classroom routines to maximize learning time and create a positive classroom environment.
• Prior experience and positive record of collaborating with school staff.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed instruction and possesses a belief that all students can learn and be successful.
• A passion for our social justice mission and commitment to equitable and sustainable change.
• Prior experience working with Special Education and ELL students.

We are also excited to consider candidates who have :

• Values and embraces collaboration, communication, and has capacity to work effectively within a team that includes multiple teachers and community partners.
• Experience working directly with racially, economically, academically diverse high school aged young people, and with low-income young people and people of color in particular.

Knowledge about and passion for working for an organization that is committed to social justice, the dismantling of systems of oppression, and creating a just, equitable, and inclusive culture.

Experience working with Google applications, online course management platforms, and other online learning tools.

Application Instructions : Please submit your cover letter and resume to applications(a)nhep.com Please specify the job you are applying for in the subject line of your email.

Nondiscrimination Policy and Notice

Pursuant to Title IX and its regulations ( Final Rule released on April 19, 2024), the Board of Directors has adopted and implemented a policy stating that the Common Ground District does not discriminate on the basis of sex and prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity it operates, including admission and employment.

Common Ground High School does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, status as a veteran, status as a victim of domestic violence, marital status, pregnancy or related conditions, national origin, protective hairstyles, alienage, ancestry, age, disability, or any other basis prohibited by law and prohibits discrimination, including harassment, in any education program or activity it operates.

The Board shall provide protections from all forms of sex-based harassment, including sexual violence and unwelcome sex-based conduct that creates a hostile environment by limiting or denying a person’s ability to participate in or benefit from a school’s education program or activity.

The Common Ground District shall take prompt and effective action to end any sex discrimination in its education programs or activities to provide for the prompt and equitable resolution of sex discrimination complaints, prevent recurrence, and remedy its effects.

To that end, the District shall act promptly and effectively in response to information about conduct that reasonably may constitute discrimination, including sexual violence and other forms of sex-based harassment.

The district shall also ensure that all school employees are trained about their obligations to address sex discrimination and their obligations to notify or provide contact information for the Title IX Coordinator.

The Common Ground Board of Directors Non-discrimination policy includes protections for students, employees, and applicants against discrimination based on pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, lactation, related medical conditions, or recovery from these conditions and shall provide reasonable modifications for students based on pregnancy or related conditions, allow for lactation for employees, and access to a clean, private lactation space for students and employees.

Common Ground shall not disclose personally identifiable information obtained through complying with Title IX, with limited exceptions, such as when there had been prior written consent or when the information is disclosed to the parent of a minor.

Retaliation against anyone who, in good faith, makes a report of harassment or discrimination, files a complaint of harassment or discrimination, serves as a witness, or participates in an investigation or grievance process is also a violation of Common Ground District’s non-discrimination policy and is prohibited.