Eighth Grade Science Teacher- Starting August 2026

Description

The Middle School (grades 6-8) is seeking an 8th-grade science teacher to join a collaborative, student-centered program. We are looking for an educator passionate about working with eighth-grade students who can cultivate curiosity, confidence, and a strong foundation in scientific thinking.

This is a one-year assignment.

The 8th grade science program builds on students’ prior experiences to deepen their understanding of the chemical and physical world. Students construct meaning by exploring and testing their ideas, making new discoveries, and presenting their thinking to peers for discussion.

Science at Menlo is active and inquiry-driven. Students question, test, build, analyze, debate, and investigate as they develop the skills and mindset of scientists. Middle School Science emphasizes curiosity, creativity, and the development of scientific thinking. Students engage in hands-on investigations and collaborative problem-solving as they learn to think, communicate, and see themselves as scientists who can make sense of the world around them.

Responsibilities

• Teach four sections of 8th grade science, including units in chemistry, forces and motion, and waves

• Design and facilitate hands-on, inquiry-based lessons that prioritize student thinking and sense-making

• Support students in developing core scientific practices, including:

• Designing and conducting investigations

• Analyzing and interpreting data

• Constructing and revising models

• Writing and communicating evidence-based explanations (CER)

• Create opportunities for students to share, challenge, and refine ideas through discussion and collaboration

• Provide clear feedback that helps students grow in both scientific reasoning and communication

• Serve as an advocate, supporting students’ academic, social, and emotional development in a group of about ten students

• Collaborate closely with grade-level teams and the science department to design a cohesive and developmentally appropriate curriculum

• Communicate regularly with families to support student growth

We look for educators who:

• Contribute to the school community by actively participating in extracurricular activities, faculty committees, and school initiatives

• Demonstrate a commitment to inclusion and belonging through both classroom instruction and broader school community engagement

• Manage frequent, ongoing, and prompt verbal and written communications with students, parents, and colleagues

• Work collaboratively with other faculty members towards common goals through active listening, sharing, and reflecting

• Commit to ongoing professional growth and reflection

• Model high ethical and moral standards

We offer:

• An exceptional work environment and caring community

• Highly competitive salary

• A comprehensive benefits package, including generous contributions to a retirement plan for eligible employees and their families. Learn more here.

To be considered for this position, please submit your resume and a brief cover letter outlining your interest and relevant experience through our application portal.

We thank all applicants in advance for their interest and will reach out only to those most closely aligned with the position's needs.

We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa for this position.

We look forward to hearing from you!

About us:

Menlo School is an independent, coeducational, college-preparatory school for students in grades six through twelve. Located in the heart of Silicon Valley and founded in 1915, the School is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and is a member of the National and California Associations of Independent Schools.

Menlo is dedicated to providing a joyful, transformative education that empowers students to explore broadly, think critically, act responsibly, and navigate the complexities of an evolving world. Our relevant and engaging academic program—complemented by outstanding arts and athletics—sparks wonder, fosters a love of learning, and inspires students to reach their full potential as they grow in competence, confidence, and curiosity. Student care and the supportive relationships students build with teachers, coaches, and peers are at the heart of all we do as we uphold the highest ethical standards, develop character, and pursue a shared commitment to purposes larger than ourselves.

At Menlo, belonging is essential to who we are as a school. We embrace the growth and well-being of every member of our community by cultivating a culture rooted in kindness, trust, and belonging—one where everyone feels welcomed, included, and valued, and where our diverse backgrounds, identities, and ideas are honored with curiosity, care, and compassion.

Learn more about the Menlo School here.

Our equal opportunity employment policy:

Menlo School is committed to a policy of non-discrimination and equal opportunity for all employees and qualified applicants. We administer all personnel practices without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status or domestic partnership status, disability, protected veteran status or military status, genetic information, or any other category protected under applicable law.

Pay range:

In the spirit of pay transparency, we share the base salary range for this position for the 2026-2027 academic year. Our Faculty have a wide range of experience. We have teachers who are relatively new to the profession and those who have expertly taught for over 30 years. The full pay range, which encompasses all experience levels, is $97,000-$182,000. Within this broad range, we pay each Faculty member in accordance with what is reasonably expected given an individual's experience level. Base salary is exclusive of fringe benefits, employer contributions to retirement plans, and potential stipends (for eligible employees). Pay ranges at Menlo are reasonable estimates of what the School anticipates paying for a role, but are not guaranteed. If hired at Menlo School, your final base salary will be determined by factors such as skills, education, experience, job level, part-time status, and the number of months worked per academic year. In addition to those factors, we believe in the importance of pay equity and consider internal equity with our current employees as a part of any final offer. Please note that the generous range mentioned above is the full base salary range for the role. Hiring at the top of the range is not typical at Menlo School to allow for future and continued salary growth.

Job ID: 384