HS Teacher - Science

High School Science Teacher

As a leading education management organization, Meridian Charter Schools is committed to transforming the lives of students in culturally and linguistically diverse communities by providing students access to high-quality educational opportunities that elevate their identities as an asset and foster equitable and inclusive learning environments. Meridian Charter Schools is a school management organization (SMO) in Chicago, IL that operates three campuses of Chicago International Charter School: CICS Ralph Ellison High School, CICS Northtown Academy High School, and CICS Wrightwood Elementary School. We believe through collective effort, we will have collective impact.

Informed by the school's mission, teachers will ensure that all students acquire the knowledge and skills required for academic progress and achievement, as defined by curricular and instructional objectives and overarching school goals. Teachers are responsible to reflect the mission and guiding principles of the school, uphold the rules and standards of the Student Code of Conduct, build positive and collaborative relationships with students, staff, parents, and other Meridian stakeholders with transparency and accountability that best ensures student academic and personal achievement.

Instructors will teach the appropriate content and skills by utilizing curriculum material adopted by the school, as well as appropriate supplemental and teacher-made materials; develop appropriate lesson plans that accommodate the range of learning styles and specialized needs of students in the classroom; create a learning environment that encourages positive social interaction, active engagement, and self-motivation; and, actively participate with colleagues in school improvement activities, curriculum development, teaming, student support meetings and collaboration.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are generally representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Duties and Responsibilities

Mission, Vision, Core Values: Facilitate a rigorous, research-based curriculum designed to promote student academic progress and achievement that aligns with the organization's mission and values. Collaborate with colleagues and school leaders to integrate learning opportunities that meet the needs of all students and promotes a student-centered approach to academic success. Demonstrate respect and regard for students, colleagues, and parents.

Ethics and Professional Norms: Engage in structured lesson planning that provides differentiated options for multiple skill levels that are objective based using the standards and curriculum identified by the school Instructional Leadership Team. Produce and share lesson plans in accordance with the procedures established by the school. Maintain accurate and daily attendance records. Maintain a current and accurate gradebook in accordance with the procedures established by the school. Prepare required reports on students and activities. Assign and grade class work, assignments, projects, and assessments and update all necessary records accurately and completely as required by laws, in accordance with network policies and school protocols. Build positive and respectful relationships with staff, students, families, and community partners.

Equity and Cultural Responsiveness: Demonstrate preparation and skill in working with students from diverse cultural, economic and ability backgrounds. Support the creation of inclusive, identity-affirming spaces for students Implement professional practice and responsibilities, demonstrating cultural competence. Implement D.E.I principles in interactions with members of the school community.

Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment: Facilitate a rigorous, research-based curriculum designed to promote student academic progress and achievement, in line with school and network initiatives. Plan, prepare and deliver standards-aligned lesson plans and instructional materials that facilitate active learning. Establish clear and positive learning standards and expectations for all students by which to evaluate academic progress. Develop schemes of work, lesson plans and activities that are in accordance with established procedures. Use relevant technology to support and differentiate instruction. Encourage and monitor the progress of individual students and use information to adjust teaching strategies. Establish and communicate clear objectives for all learning activities. Use a variety of learning materials and resources for use in educational activities. Ensure the academic success of every scholar by using formative assessments to adjust learning plans and summative assessments to measure objective attainment. Provide opportunity for re-assessment to encourage skill mastery. Develop assessments that are in accordance with established procedures. Provide frequent, specific feedback on work that advances learning.

Community of Care and Support for Students: Cultivate positive relationships and address the social and emotional needs of scholars using research-based methods as identified by school leaders. Integrate students into curricular planning and assessment development. Attend school events to better understand student interest and personalities outside of the regular classroom.

Professional Capacity of School Personnel: Collaborate with the school faculty and administration in the development and implementation of program instruction. Engage actively, positively, and productively in the instructional coaching process. Accept and apply coaching feedback.

Professional Community for Teachers and Staff: Participate positively and productively in department, school, network, and parent meetings. Work collaboratively with teachers to implement UDL or differentiated instruction and assessment to promote student access to the curriculum, growth, and achievement.

Meaningful Engagement of Families and Communities: Encourage parent and community involvement; obtain information for parents when requested. Initiate appropriate conferences with parents, guardians, administrators, etc. in accordance with school procedures. Effectively, respectfully, and professionally communicate with parents or guardians and students on matters related to student's academic progress, attendance, and conduct. Communicate necessary information regularly to students, colleagues and parents regarding student progress, intervention outcomes, and student needs.

School Improvement: Attend school and network professional learning and collaboration days to improve skills, give and receive feedback, and be open to coaching, mentoring, partnerships. Actively participate in discussions and programs to improve student performance, experience, attendance, conduct. Actively participate in the development and implementation of new teaching techniques and approaches to assessment.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Certification: An active Professional Education License (PEL) in grades 6-12 or 9-12 or a current, comparable out-of-state licensure. Endorsements in Science or comparable endorsements are required. An ELL Endorsement is preferred.
• Education Level: A Bachelor's Degree is required in a content area or aligned content area. A Master's Degree in a content area or aligned content area is preferred.
• Experience: Planning and teaching in a high school setting is strongly preferred. Experience working in an urban high school setting is strongly preferred.
• Leadership Skills: Ability to work effectively and professionally with students, parents and/or guardians, staff members, and community representatives.
• Strategic Vision: Substantial knowledge of subject matter consistent with state certification requirements, academic content, contemporary principles and practices of teaching, assessment, and classroom and behavior management techniques. Ability to modify instruction as necessary to meet student needs.
• Communication and Collaboration: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with various leaders in the school and community. Bilingual in Spanish/English; Arabic/English; Urdu/English is strongly preferred.
• Results-Oriented: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to use data to drive decision-making.
• Change Management: Demonstrate ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and adapt to changing priorities. Capacity to be flexible in approaches to instruction, assessment, and relationship building.
• Educational Ethics: Passion for education and a commitment to promoting equity and inclusivity in the learning environment. Passionate about promoting equity and inclusion in education, with a commitment to dismantling systemic barriers.

This position is a Full-Time position.

Physical Job Requirements:

The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, and or pulling; some kneeling, crouching, and significant finger dexterity. Generally the job requires 10% sitting, 10% walking and 80% standing. This job is performed in a generally clean and climate controlled environment.

Note: This job description is intended to provide a general overview of the responsibilities and qualifications. Specific duties and responsibilities may evolve as per the organization's needs and growth. This job description will aid in the reviewing of key performance indicators alongside individual feedback cycles.

Join Meridian Charter Schools and contribute to our mission of providing exceptional education and support to all students. This position is an opportunity to make a significant impact on the lives of students and their families. You are a dedicated and visionary leader with a passion for inclusive education.

Meridian Charter Schools is an equal opportunity employer, committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workforce. We encourage qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply for this pivotal leadership role.

Compensation: Meridian Charter Schools provides a highly competitive salary and benefits package which includes health, dental, vision, and life insurance as well as retirement planning and PTO. We are also committed to supporting professional growth and membership in local, state and national educational organizations. This position qualifies as a union member position and aligns to the compensation established by the most updated collective bargaining agreement, based upon certification, education, and years of service.