Middle School - Science Teacher

LEAD Public Schools seeks Middle School Science teachers who possess an unwavering belief that all students can achieve at high levels and a strong commitment to going above and beyond to meet their students’ needs to prepare them for college and for life. Our ideal Science teacher is passionate about developing young scientists, loves working with students who need the most support, is flexible, is coachable, and wants to grow as a teacher.

About the Role

Our Science teachers work relentlessly with their teammates to ensure that all students not only use scientific methods of research and discovery to enhance their understanding of the natural environment but also meet the established Tennessee standards by the end of the year. This work is supported through coaching and administrative support, collaboration with colleagues, data analysis, and targeted efforts to help students who come in below grade level rise above the challenges they face.

What We're Looking For

Successful teachers at LEAD Public Schools are committed to putting in the extra effort to ensure our students have access to a high-quality education. Our teachers persevere through challenges, set ambitious goals for students, and continuously strive to improve their classroom practice to meet students' needs.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement rigorous unit plans and lessons that meet the needs of all students, with clear, standards-aligned objectives and assessments to gauge comprehension.
• Participate in bi-weekly coaching meetings to refine content delivery, teaching strategies, and classroom management.
• Engage in a collaborative learning environment through grade-level work, content teams, and professional development.
• Execute school-based duties, including student conferences, arrival/dismissal supervision, transitions, lunch duty, and other tasks assigned by leadership.

Qualifications

• Minimum of two years of teaching experience preferred, though not required.
• Previous experience with diverse student populations or in an urban setting preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Must hold or be on track to obtain one of the following:
  • A valid Tennessee teaching license with a Science endorsement.
  • A valid out-of-state license transferable to Tennessee within 90 days of employment.
  • Progress toward completing certification requirements in Tennessee.
• Belief in LEAD’s mission that all students are capable of success and prepared for college and life.
• Evidence of self-motivation and a willingness to be a team player.

Benefits

• Compensation: Innovative performance-based pay plan rewarding impact on students and schools, not tenure. Competitive base salary with potential signing bonus and up to 10% annual increase based on performance. Average annual increase of over 5% for qualifying teachers. Master Teacher program after 3 years, offering salaries up to $100,000 and a $1,500 professional development stipend.
• Health and Insurance: Robust benefits package including medical, dental, vision, disability, supplemental insurance, life insurance, and mental health benefits. Coverage begins the first of the month following employment.
• Retirement:
  • Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System (TCRS): Mandated for eligible staff (5% employee contribution, up to 6% employer match).
  • 401k: LEAD contributes 5% for eligible staff.
  • 403b: LEAD matches 50% of the first 6% of employee contributions. Additional annual contributions after one year based on budget performance.
• Time Off:
  • School-year employees (teachers, counselors, paraprofessionals): 30 paid days during the school year (including holidays, fall break, Thanksgiving, winter break, and spring break), plus summer break. Up to 10 accrued PTO days.
  • Calendar-year employees (central office, instructional managers, assistant principals): 32 paid days during the school year, plus up to 12 accrued PTO days.
• Parental Leave: 16 weeks of paid maternity leave and 6 weeks of paid parental leave (adoption, foster care).
• Laptop with internet/email access provided for job responsibilities.