Teacher, Middle School Science

Position is for the 2026-2027 school year at Explore PK-8 in Thornton, CO.

About the School

Explore PreK-8 is an Expeditionary Learning (EL) school where students live and learn by the motto, "The world is our classroom." The school's unique placement on historic farmland encourages learning beyond the classroom walls. Learning comes to life through community-based expeditions—long-term, in-depth studies that offer real-world connections and inspire higher levels of academic achievement. Strong community partnerships help students become active learners and leaders in their community.

Pay

Licensed Salary Schedule, $63,301 - $128,842 annual salary.

Schedule

190-day calendar.

Benefits

Mapleton offers a comprehensive benefits package focused on choice, quality, and value. For details, visit the Mapleton Benefits page.

Qualifications

• Colorado teaching license with an appropriate Science endorsement required.
• Additional endorsement in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education preferred, or willingness to pursue endorsement or equivalent coursework.
• Aligned belief and commitment to teaching students for two years within the school’s looping structure.

Responsibilities

Curriculum

• Design and implement expeditions/investigations as the primary means of organizing curriculum, aligning with district and state standards and the school content map.
• Develop expedition documents including compelling topics, in-depth investigations, and detailed project plans, with integrated literacy instruction.
• Create and use rubrics to assess student work throughout the expedition.
• Support students in developing portfolios and preparing for student-led conferences and public exhibitions of work.

Instruction

• Utilize active and participatory pedagogy to engage students in taking an increasingly active role in their learning.
• Employ a range of effective instructional practices to support students in completing projects and meeting standards.
• Develop in-depth lesson plans ensuring well-paced instruction, engagement, and smooth classroom management.
• Use flexible groups based on ongoing assessment to confer with students and provide differentiated instruction.
• Collaborate with students to create assessment criteria connected to standards, portfolios, and passage requirements.
• Design lesson plans integrating literacy and math to support content understanding across all subject areas.

Leadership and School Improvement

• Use data to inform instructional decisions and assess personal performance, setting individual improvement goals.
• Participate in a shared decision-making model balancing administrative, leadership team, and whole-school input.
• Work with school leadership to evaluate and set school improvement goals.

Structures

• Collaborate with school leadership to revise calendars, schedules, and other school structures.
• Attend and engage in professional development opportunities at school, regional, state, and national levels.
• Establish effective classroom management and progress reporting structures aligned with school systems.

Culture and Character

• Prepare students for and fully participate in student-led conferences.
• Provide clear and instructive information about student progress in all reports.
• Choose instructional practices, topics, and projects promoting character development.
• Participate in adventure activities with students, including ropes courses, mountain, and camping excursions.
• Engage positively in a staff culture of reflection and pursuit of the school’s mission.
• Collaborate with peers on curriculum development and school structures.
• Give and receive peer support to improve teaching practices.
• Facilitate students in taking active roles in their learning and leadership in their community through service learning and leadership training.
• Manage classroom and school-wide structures promoting positive student behavior.
• Use effective community-building practices, including rituals and traditions fostering a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment.

Training

• Required participation in Mapleton’s Secondary Constructing Institute (course options provided throughout the year).
• Complete mandatory Title IX training within 30 days of hire, addressing harassment, discrimination, and bullying.