Upper School Science Teacher

About the Role

Bennett Day School is a progressive independent day school seeking a full-time lead Project-Based Science teacher for the Upper School. In this role, you’ll implement the core characteristics of our progressive, project- and competency-based curriculum, act as an advisor to a cohort of students, and design and team-teach courses in Project-Based Learning (PBL) environments. Reporting to the Director of Middle and Upper School, you’ll collaborate with a small team to shape the school’s pedagogical and curricular decisions while fostering meaningful relationships with students, families, and colleagues.

The Opportunity

As part of our growing school, you’ll contribute to major pedagogical and curricular decisions and develop your skills in a grade-free, project-based environment. You’ll mentor students as an advisor, collaborate closely with colleagues during weekly professional development, and help design innovative, interdisciplinary learning experiences. This role is ideal for educators who thrive on building close connections with students, families, and peers in a dynamic, startup-like culture.

Your First Year

• Within One Month:
  • Learn about the Upper School’s mission, vision, and competency-based education model
  • Plan your advisory role with mentor teachers and the school counselor
  • Collaborate with the Upper School PBL team to design your first project-based learning experience
  • Meet your advisees and their families in introductory conferences
• Within Three Months:
  • Co-teach your first cross-curricular PBL course with Social Studies and Engineering teachers
  • Submit regular student progress reports and participate in weekly professional development
  • Lead family conferences and assess student competencies in PBL courses
  • Attend admissions and marketing events to represent the school
• Within Six Months:
  • Co-teach a second PBL course and write narrative student assessments
  • Help students develop learning portfolios
  • Participate in admissions events and prospective family info sessions
  • Attend targeted professional development to deepen expertise in the school’s pedagogical model
  • Serve as a content-area expert in your field(s)
• Within One Year:
  • Teach PBL courses during Trimester 3
  • Contribute to hiring processes for additional faculty
  • Provide input on the 2027-2028 curriculum

Responsibilities

• Act as an advisor and mentor to a cohort of students, guiding them through all aspects of the school experience
• Design and team-teach project-based science courses in an interdisciplinary, competency-based environment
• Create hands-on, experiential learning activities for students
• Assess student progress through competencies and narrative evaluations (no traditional grades)
• Collaborate with colleagues on curriculum development, pedagogy, and student support
• Participate in admissions events, family conferences, and professional development
• Contribute to the school’s growth as a content-area expert and thought leader
• Perform other duties as assigned

Requirements

• 3+ years of experience working with adolescents in a science-focused educational setting
• Experience designing and teaching project-based learning experiences for upper school students
• Ability to create hands-on, engaging activities for students
• Success in or deep interest in competency-based learning programs
• Interdisciplinary and/or team teaching experience
• Experience mentoring or advising adolescents in an academic setting
• Commitment to cultural competence and ongoing professional development
• Physical ability to independently lift 15-20 lbs
• Fluency in written and oral English
• Ability to ensure the safety of children in and out of the classroom

Preferred Qualifications

• Comfort in a startup culture
• Experience or passion for multiple content areas beyond traditional silos
• Interest in the Science of the Adolescent Brain or Learning Science