Middle School Science Teacher

Location: St. Louis, MO 63118 Department: Schools / Academics Reports To: School Leader Classification: Full-Time / Exempt Annual Salary Range (Teacher First Compensation Model): Professional: $60,000 Advanced: $70,000 Exemplary: $80,000 (Salary band determined through Kairos’ Teacher First Compensation performance framework.) Plus a $1,500 signing bonus for the 2025-26 school year. Position Summary The Middle School Science Teacher at Kairos Academies is a mission-driven educator who brings science to life through inquiry, experimentation, and hands-on learning. This role combines deep content knowledge with Kairos’ coaching-based instructional model—empowering students to ask questions, think critically, and take ownership of their learning through real-world application. At Kairos, all teachers are leaders. Beyond delivering rigorous, standards-aligned instruction, Science teachers model our values of Love, Excellence, Agency, and Diversity while shaping the systems and culture that make Kairos a place where every student can thrive. Teachers are expected to coach, collaborate, and reflect to ensure students achieve measurable academic and personal growth. Core Responsibilities Instructional Excellence Design and implement engaging, standards-aligned units across life, earth, and physical sciences that promote inquiry and problem-solving. Facilitate hands-on labs, experiments, engineering challenges, and data-driven investigations that connect science concepts to real-world phenomena. Use data from MAP, NWEA, and internal assessments to differentiate instruction and close achievement gaps. Maintain accurate gradebooks and provide frequent, actionable feedback on lab work, projects, and written reflections. Integrate literacy and numeracy into science lessons to build interdisciplinary connections and reinforce critical thinking. Ensure lab safety, proper materials management, and compliance with safety protocols at all times. Student Relationships & Mentorship Serve as a Kairos Coach, mentoring a pod of students weekly to support executive functioning, goal-setting, and reflection. Foster a classroom environment that promotes curiosity, teamwork, and respect for diverse perspectives. Communicate proactively with families to celebrate student progress and address academic or behavioral challenges. Collaboration & Professional Growth Partner with grade-level and content-area teams to align curriculum, assessments, and best practices. Participate in professional learning communities (PLCs), coaching cycles, and team reflections aligned with Kairos’ learning model. Contribute to a collaborative, solutions-oriented team culture that prioritizes continuous improvement. Whole-School Service & Leadership Serve in a whole-school service role (e.g., STEM Lead, Safety Lead, Tutoring Lead) that supports schoolwide academic and cultural goals. Support consistent implementation of restorative practices, positive behavior systems, and SEL frameworks. Contribute to family engagement events, community initiatives, and cross-disciplinary projects. Driver Goals MAP Proficiency: 60% of students meet or exceed science proficiency benchmarks. NWEA Growth: 70% of students demonstrate expected or above-expected growth. Mentoring Participation: 75% of students meet coaching engagement and reflection benchmarks. On-Track Gradient Learning Classes: 85% of students maintain on-track progress in science coursework. Key Indicators of Success Evidence of rigorous, inquiry-based instruction aligned to Missouri Learning Standards and Kairos’ Graduate Profile. Consistent use of data to inform instruction, reteaching, and student interventions. Classroom culture characterized by curiosity, collaboration, and student ownership of learning. Growth in student independence and scientific reasoning as measured by coaching data and student feedback. Active contribution to team planning, problem-solving, and schoolwide improvement efforts. Qualifications Required: Bachelor’s degree in Science Education, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, or related field. Demonstrated success increasing student engagement and achievement in science. Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills. Eligible to work for any employer in the United States. Preferred Missouri Teaching Certificate (Science 5–9) or eligibility to obtain upon hire. Master’s degree in Education, Curriculum & Instruction, or related field. Experience with inquiry-based, project-based, or STEM-integrated instruction. 3+ years of middle school teaching experience with proven student growth outcomes. Monday–Friday, 7:45 AM – 4:00 PM. Occasional evenings or weekends for family engagement, tutoring, or science events. Dynamic, fast-paced environment requiring adaptability and collaboration. On-site role at Kairos Academies in St. Louis, MO. Benefits Include: Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance Generous Paid Time Off Professional Development and Tuition Assistance Wellness Reimbursement Program Certification and Graduate Coursework Reimbursement Comprehensive Coaching and Growth Opportunities About Kairos Academies Kairos Academies is a forward-thinking public charter school network in St. Louis reimagining education for the 21st century. Our mission is to cultivate an integrated community of self-directed learners, leaders, and citizens. Recognized nationally for innovation and excellence, Kairos replaces traditional lectures with personalized, project-based learning and emphasizes executive-function coaching to help students take ownership of their education and lives. #J-18808-Ljbffr Kairos Academies