Middle School 6th Grade Science Teacher - Long-Term Substitute

The Fessenden School, West Newton, MA 02465 · Temporary, full-time, exempt position · Monday–Friday, 7:30 am–4:30 pm, January 4 – June 11 2027

About the school

The Fessenden School is an all-boys independent day and boarding school serving 540 students in Pre‑Kindergarten through Grade 9. For over 100 years the school has offered state‑of‑the‑art facilities, a dynamic curriculum, and programs designed to meet the educational and developmental needs of boys. Its mission is to cultivate each boy’s talents and develop in balance his character, mind, and body in an inclusive and joyful community.

About the role

The 6th Grade Science Teacher is a passionate, innovative, and collaborative educator who engages boys through dynamic, student‑centered teaching. The teacher will join a dedicated team to inspire students to think critically about scientific principles and their real‑world applications, fostering an inclusive and equitable classroom that reflects the school’s core values of honesty, compassion, and respect. The role involves teaching four classes of 12–15 boys, collaborating with the 6th grade team, and advising a small group of students. The curriculum emphasizes conducting experiments, analyzing data, and project‑based learning (PBL) to deepen scientific understanding and critical thinking.

Responsibilities

• Teach and Inspire: Design and implement engaging science lessons that bring scientific concepts to life, fostering curiosity and a love for discovery. Teach Earth and Environmental Science, Physical Science, or Biology while leveraging hands‑on experiments to enhance understanding. Foster a dynamic classroom environment where students feel challenged and supported.
• Build Relationships: Build meaningful connections with students, inspiring confidence, curiosity, and perseverance in scientific exploration. Create a supportive environment where all students feel valued.
• Integrate Core Values: Actively teach and model the school’s core values of honesty, compassion, and respect to nurture students’ academic and character development.
• Differentiated Instruction: Utilize various modes of instruction and assessments to meet diverse learning needs. Use formative and summative assessments to guide instruction and evaluate progress. Design assignments and projects that accommodate a range of abilities and interests.
• Innovate and Collaborate: Incorporate project‑based learning rich with laboratory investigations, educational technology, and cross‑curricular connections. Collaborate with colleagues to strengthen program offerings.
• Promote Inclusion: Integrate diverse perspectives, cultural competency, and inclusive practices into lessons, ensuring all students feel valued and represented.
• Mentor and Advise: Serve as an advisor to a small group of students, supporting their social‑emotional growth, goal‑setting, and academic progress throughout their time in the Upper School.
• Contribute to Community: Actively participate in the life of the school by attending meetings, grade‑level activities, and school events. Support extracurricular programs such as coaching sports, facilitating clubs, or leading grade trips.
• Professional Development: Pursue professional development opportunities provided by the school and beyond, staying abreast of best practices in science education and teaching methodologies.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree
• Ability to create a student‑centered classroom that fosters academic rigor, engagement, and positive relationships
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to connect with boys and collaborate with families and colleagues
• Demonstrated commitment to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in teaching practices
• Ability to provide various instructional practices to meet the learning needs of diverse learners
• Successful criminal background check

Preferred qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in education, science, or related field
• Master’s degree in education, science, or related field
• 2+ years of teaching experience with middle school students or an equivalent age group
• Experience with project‑based learning and educational technology integration
• Prior experience working in an all‑boys school or understanding of boys’ developmental needs

Schedule

January 4, 2027 – June 11, 2027; Monday through Friday, 7:30 am to 4:30 pm. Full‑time, exempt.

Pay

Salary range: $36,506 – $50,085 based on qualifications and experience. An additional stipend may be provided for coaching.

Benefits

• A supportive, inclusive, and mission‑driven community that encourages creative teaching methods
• Robust professional development budget for school support, professional growth, and collaboration opportunities
• Focus on educating the whole boy—academically, socially, emotionally, and physically—through dynamic programming and character development
• Access to state‑of‑the‑art facilities: Pallotta Athletic Center, Sacerdote Science Center, Congoli Center for Innovation, and the Elfers Center for the Arts
• Daily hot lunch and assorted salad bar options
• Class sizes of 12–15 students
• Diverse representation in senior leadership positions