Science Teacher (Middle School)

Position Purpose 

Under the general supervision of the School Principal, to develop students' skills and competence in one or more fields of science, including general science, earth science, biology, physiology, chemistry, and physics; develops students skills and abilities in scientific methods and problem-solving, as well as an understanding of the application of science in the solution of practical problems. 

Essential Functions 

• Teaches knowledge and skills in one or more fields of science, including general science, earth science, biology, physiology, chemistry, and physics, in accordance with district curriculum.
• Promotes critical and creative thinking and analysis in all related subject areas.
• Promotes a classroom environment that is safe and conducive to individualized and small group instruction, and student learning.
• Develops lesson plans and instructional materials for subject area, and translates lesson plans into learning experiences to develop pertinent sequential assignments, challenge students, and best utilize the available time for instruction.
• Designs learning activities to demonstrate the application of science to everyday existence, including scientific research projects, demonstrations, experiments, and laboratory activities.
• Instructs students in the proper use and care of scientific equipment, chemicals, and plant and animal life.
• Conducts ongoing assessment of student learning and progress, and modifies instructional methods to fit individual student's needs, including students with special needs; conducts individual and small group instruction as needed.
• Maintains familiarity with district and Delaware State standardized tests for the purpose of adapting curriculum to maximize student achievement on such tests.
• Continues to acquire professional knowledge and learn of current developments in the educational field by attending seminars, workshops or professional meetings, or by conducting research.
• Organizes and maintains a system for accurate and complete record-keeping, grading, and reporting for all student activities, achievement and attendance as required by district procedures and applicable laws.
• Encourages parental involvement in students' education and ensures effective communication with students and parents.
• Ensures that student conduct conforms to the school's standards and school district policies, and establishes and maintains standards of student behavior needed to achieve a functional learning atmosphere in the classroom.
• Coordinates with other professional staff members, especially within grade level, and participates in faculty meetings and committees.
• Selects and requisitions appropriate books, instructional aids and other supplies and equipment, maintains inventory records, and ensures equipment is in good working order. 

Additional Duties 

Performs other related tasks as assigned by the Principal and other district office administrators as designated by the Superintendent. 

Note: The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities.  It is not meant to be all inclusive of every task or responsibility.

Equipment 

Uses standard office equipment such as personal computers, printer, copy and fax machines, and telephone. 
Uses scientific equipment specific to science classroom.

Travel Requirements 

Travels to school district buildings and professional meetings as required. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities 

• Knowledge of current teaching methods and educational pedagogy, as well as differentiated instruction based upon student learning styles.
• Knowledge of a wide range of science subject areas, including general science, earth science, biology, physiology, chemistry, physics, and other related areas (e.g., mathematics).
• Knowledge of data information systems, data analysis and the formulation of action plans.
• Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws regarding education and students.
• Ability to use computer network system and software applications as needed.
• Ability to organize and coordinate work.
• Ability to communicate effectively with students and parents.
• Ability to engage in self-evaluation with regard to performance and professional growth.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others contacted in the course of work. 

Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards 

Works in standard office and school building environments. 

Qualifications Profile 

Certification/License: 

Delaware State Certification as a Science Teacher 1543 or as required for position (Specific science content area required.) OR Middle Level Science Teacher 1533

• Information about Delaware Certification/Licensure can be found on the Delaware Department of Education website: https://deeds.doe.k12.de.us/ (See Attached 1543 - 1533)

 Motor Vehicle Operator's License or ability to provide own transportation. 

Education: 

-  Bachelors from an accredited college or university in education discipline applicable to teaching assignment. 

TEMPORARY POSITION:        No
            Note:   All temporary positions will end on June 30th.
 
NUMBER OF MONTHS/DAYS: 10 Month - 188 Days
Note:  Months/days will be pro-rated to start date.
 
FULL TIME OR PART TIME:    Full Time
 
ELIGIBLE FOR "STATE SHARE" OF BENEFITS:        Yes
 
PENSION ELIGIBLE POSITION:  Yes
 
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 
Teacher Certification - Delaware Code Title 14 Section 1500
 
NOTE:  A minimum of a high school diploma or GED is required for all employees of the Seaford School District. 
 
APPLICATION PROCEDURE:  Interested and qualified candidates should complete an online application. 
 
NOTE:  Currently employed staff members interested and certified/licensed in this position will be given first consideration and should remit a staff transfer request on the Seaford School District website www.seafordbluejays.org no later than the application closing date referenced above. 
 
SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:  All new state employees will be required to participate in the State of Delaware's Direct Deposit system.  With direct deposit, wage and salary payments are deposited in the employee's bank account via electronic funds transfer.

All final candidates for employment must have a satisfactory criminal background check before being placed on contract/payroll as per State of Delaware regulations. Candidates must call the Delaware State Police at (800) 464-4357 to make an appointment.  The cost of the criminal background check is $65 (expense borne by the prospective employee).  Final candidates must also receive a satisfactory child protection registry check.


Final candidates must also produce documentation of Mantoux skin test results for entrance to school system.
 
The State of Delaware has initiated a lag pay policy which means that new employees will receive the first paycheck at the end of the second pay period of work. 
 
The Seaford School District reserves the right to extend or shorten the application and/or interview period, to fill or not fill a position,  to modify the job requirements within one's primary area of certification, and to reject any or all applications for just cause.
 
The State of Delaware does not discriminate against qualified persons with disabilities in its programs or services.  Persons with disabilities are encouraged to contact the Human Resource and Public Information Office, at (302) 629-4587, as soon as possible to request an auxiliary aid or service.
 
The Seaford School District is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination against any employee or applicant because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, marital or handicapped status in accordance with state and federal laws.  This policy shall apply to recruitment, employment, and subsequent placement, training, promotion, compensation, tenure and probation, and other terms and conditions of employment over which the district has jurisdiction.  Inquiries should be directed to:  Director of Personnel, 390 North Market Street Ext., Seaford, DE 19973.  Phone:  (302) 629-4587.

DISCLAIMER: If there is any conflict in interpretation between this posting and information from the Delaware Department of Education, the Delaware Department of Education prevails.
 
 
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Grade Configurations:
West Seaford Elementary School - Kindergarten through Grade 2
Blades Elementary School - Kindergarten through Grade 2
Central Elementary School - Grade 3 through Grade 5
Frederick Douglass Elementary School - Grade 3 through Grade 5
Seaford Middle School - Grade 6 through Grade 8
Seaford High School - Grade 9 through Grade 12