High School Biology Teacher

The Kehillah School is an innovative independent high school rooted in Jewish values and open to students of all backgrounds. Located in Palo Alto, CA, we are committed to academic excellence, inclusion, and student well-being. Position Summary We are seeking a science teacher to teach three classes: Biology (9th grade), Human Anatomy & Physiology (11th/12th grade), and either Marine Biology (11th/12th grade) or another elective science class. Candidates should have high school and/or middle school teaching experience and deep knowledge in their subject areas. At Kehillah, we are committed to excellence in education, inclusivity, and the celebration of diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and perspectives. Our students thrive in a supportive and inclusive environment that encourages intellectual curiosity, personal growth, and self-discovery. Join our collaborative and dedicated teaching community, contribute to our tradition of academic excellence and character development, and make a lasting impact on the lives of our students. All classes are taught in person on our Palo Alto campus. Key Responsibilities Curriculum Development and Instruction: Develop and implement engaging lesson plans that align with curricular standards and facilitate active learning; develop and maintain scope and sequence. Create clear objectives and utilize relevant technology to support and differentiate instruction, adapting teaching strategies to meet the unique needs of each student. Assessment and Reporting: Assign and evaluate classwork and exams, providing timely feedback to students and communicate progress to parents and colleagues. Maintain accurate records of student attendance, grades, and other required documentation using platforms such as Veracross and Schoology. Collaboration and Professional Development: Collaborate with colleagues to evaluate and revise curricula, course content, and materials. Contribute to departmental, faculty, task force meetings, and initiatives. Provide detailed lesson plans when absent from school that includes homework assignments, and support colleagues by substitute teaching when needed. Actively participate in a year-long professional growth plan to continue refining your teaching practice, and attend professional development opportunities over the summer months, if applicable. Be flexible if sharing a classroom. Classroom Management: Utilize effective classroom management techniques, both in-person and in virtual settings, that fosters respect, collaboration, and student engagement. Create a conducive learning atmosphere that promotes academic achievement, personal responsibility, and individuality in all students, guiding their behavior towards success. Service as an Advisor: Co-lead a small cross-grade advisory group, helping students navigate high school, meet academic and other responsibilities, and find their footing in our school. Requirements Desired Skills & Experience Must be able to provide verification of ability to work in the U.S. without the need for sponsorship and reside in the State of California at the time of hire. Education: Bachelor's degree in Biology or related science area; Master's degree preferred. Experience: Minimum of two years teaching experience, preferably in high school biology; middle school science teaching experience also an asset. Instructional Design and Delivery: Incorporates creative technologies and pedagogical approaches. Student Differentiation: Meets students diverse needs through differentiated instruction and support. Technology: Highly proficient with technology tools such as Google Docs, Google Slides, etc. Classroom Management: Skilled at effective classroom management strategies. Teamwork: Collaborative with colleagues to align curriculum, share best practices, and engage in departmental initiatives. Ethics and Integrity: Upholds high ethical standards and models professionalism at all times. Physical Demands and Work Environment The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be required to: Utilize close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception, including the ability to adjust focus. Work at a desk and computer screen for extended periods of time. Work in a traditional climate-controlled environment, occasionally outdoors, and remotely as determined by the School. Navigate a wide variety of challenges, deadlines, and diverse contacts which may at times be stressful. Occasionally lift up to 10 lbs. Have dexterity of hands and fingers to operate all office equipment including, but not limited to, computers, copy machines, and telephones. Travel safely and comfortably across a two-story, 50,000 sq. ft. campus several times in a workday. Sit and/or stand for extended periods of time. Turn, bend, kneel, crouch, or reach overhead to retrieve materials and may occasionally use a ladder. Why Join The Kehillah School? The Kehillah School is a progressive, inclusive, and innovative independent high school that values creativity, intellectual curiosity, and community engagement. We provide a supportive teaching environment where educators are empowered to bring their expertise and passion into the classroom. Diversity And Belonging We believe our strength lies in our diversity and our commitment to creating spaces of belonging for all who join us. Through belonging, our students and faculty find themselves and others, recognizing the unique contributions each person can make to healing our world. Our belief in the interconnectedness and value of all human beings compels us to work individually and collectively towards equity and social justice. We are committed to building a society that appreciates and celebrates differences as well as a society that empathetically confronts the ways individuals, institutions, and systems have oppressed others based on gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, disability, and other aspects of identity. We believe that it is only by clearly understanding the past and the present of these dynamics that our community members will develop the capacity to help create a better future for all. We acknowledge that this work is ongoing and ever-evolving. Kehillah offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits, including health insurance, retirement contributions, and professional development opportunities. The Kehillah School is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and providing a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at Kehillah are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national, social, or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, ancestry, or any other status protected by Federal, State, or local laws or regulations. Kehillah will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics in the administration of its employment practices. #J-18808-Ljbffr