K/1st Science Specialty Teacher

Harlem Link Charter
2007-2008 SCIENCE SPECIALTY TEACHER

JOB DESCRIPTION
Position Summary: The Science Specialty Teacher is a full time teacher who reports to the Co-Director for Instruction.  At Harlem Link, our mission is to graduate articulate scholars and active citizens who explore and question the world around them. Our students explore the wonders of nature and its inner workings through the scientific method and hands on exploration. We also expect our students to discuss and write about their findings to share with their classmates and the Harlem Link community. Using the FOSS science system and under the guidance of an experienced science staff developer, the Science Specialty Teacher will teach science Kindergarten through first grade.

 

Responsibilities:

Curriculum and Instruction

· Provide Science instruction in kindergarten and first grade

· Plan 12 week Units of Study in each classroom that have clear overarching goals and 
objectives, following the Harlem Link Scope and Sequence and FOSS timeline

· Plan and facilitate trips for each Unit of Study for each grade

· Hold high expectations for students’ science discoveries

· Provide an inviting, exciting, and innovative, learning environment to bring science alive 
 through inquiry and problem solving

· Use materials effectively and keep lessons focused on objectives

· Keep students on task and give feedback about performance

· Plan trips that align to the science units

· Coordinate and plan trips for the US Forestry partnership



Assessment

· Observe student behaviors and record notes during classroom sessions

· Create or use pre-made checklists to monitor each student’s progress towards unit goals

· Use pre-and post-tests in upper grades

· Evaluate student work samples for the school wide portfolio system


Management

· Always use a positive tone with children and adults

· Set and teach routines for all parts of the day

· Pay close attention to pacing

· Carefully balance teacher directed instruction with independent student work

· Continually preview activities for children to build independence

· Reinforce the Harlem Link Culture of Conduct and Ladder of Consequence with students 
 and refuse to tolerate classroom disruptions

· Establish, reinforce and enforce clear expectations

· Establish logical consequences

· Create individual behavior plans when needed


Collaboration

· Attend all staff meetings

· Participate in Child Study Teams as need

· Attend all professional development sessions

· Work with Science staff developer bi-weekly

 

Additional Responsibilities

· Teach gym to each classroom one period per week

· Teach arts related activities to Collaborative Team teaching classrooms once a week

· Assist Dean with Lunch and Recess supervision

 

Qualifications

· Appropriate New York State teaching certification

· Masters degree or higher in Education

· Strong classroom and behavior management

· Background in teaching a hands-on science program strongly preferred

· Experience with expeditionary, integrated social studies instruction strongly preferred

· Experience with curriculum planning strongly preferred

· Experience using interim assessments like conferencing notes, rubrics, and checklists

· Demonstrated results with data driven instruction

· Strong desire to collaborate

· Must be a team player and problem-solver: participate in meetings, flexibility with the 
 number of meetings required to keep everyone on the same page, complete and follow up 
on all tasks necessary to keep collaboration healthy

· Demonstrated success working with academically at-risk students

· Strive to meet the Harlem Link Staff Qualities of Leadership, Entrepreneurial Spirit, 
 Collaboration, Constant Learning, Community Building, Communication, Critical Thinking