Headroyce1mo ago

USD 75000–125000/yr

Lower School Science and Garden Teacher

OaklandFull-timemid

OtherTeacherEducation & Training

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Quick Summary

Overview

Head-Royce School seeks a dynamic, creative educator to serve as our K–2 Science and Garden Teacher in the Lower School, beginning August 2026.

Technical Tools

OtherTeacherEducation & Training

Head-Royce School seeks a dynamic, creative educator to serve as our K–2 Science and Garden Teacher in the Lower School, beginning August 2026. This position is an exciting opportunity to cultivate scientific curiosity and environmental stewardship in our youngest learners through hands-on investigation, outdoor exploration, gardening, and project-based learning.

The K–2 Science and Garden Teacher leads engaging science instruction aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and helps steward the Lower School’s garden as a living laboratory for inquiry and discovery. Working closely with classroom teachers and the 3-6 science teacher, this educator designs developmentally appropriate experiences that nurture curiosity, observation, and a deep appreciation for the natural world. Head-Royce values educators who bring warmth, intellectual curiosity, cultural competence, and a collaborative spirit to their work with students and colleagues.

Science Instruction

Teach weekly science classes for students in Kindergarten through 2nd grade.

Design and implement hands-on, inquiry-based science lessons aligned with NGSS.

Develop units grounded in life science concepts

Foster curiosity through experiments, observation, data collection, and discussion.

Use project-based learning and design challenges to deepen student engagement.

Garden and Outdoor Learning

Integrate the Lower School garden into science instruction as a hands-on learning space.

Guide students in seasonal garden activities, including planting, harvesting, composting, and ecological observation.

Maintain the garden as a learning environment in collaboration with colleagues and facilities staff.

Help students develop a sense of environmental stewardship and connection to nature.

Collaboration and Curriculum Development

Collaborate closely with K–2 classroom teachers to integrate science with literacy, math, and social studies.

Participate in grade-level and Lower School meetings to support curricular alignment and student learning.

Contribute to the ongoing development of a coherent K–5 science program.

Assessment and Communication

Use a variety of formative and summative assessments to monitor student growth.

Communicate clearly and proactively with students, families, and colleagues.

Support students’ development of scientific thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.

Community Engagement

Help foster a classroom culture rooted in belonging, curiosity, and respect.

Support Head-Royce’s commitment to equity, inclusion, and culturally responsive teaching.

Participate in the broader life of the school through Lower School events and activities.

A genuine love for working with young children

Enthusiasm for hands-on, experiential science learning

Strong organization and program management skills

Cultural competence and a commitment to inclusive teaching practices

A collaborative mindset and willingness to partner with colleagues

A growth mindset and curiosity as a lifelong learner

Possession of excellent skills for the Scientific process

Flexible attitude and willingness to teach at all levels, from introductory to our most advanced

Flexible in pedagogical approach, using multiple modalities to deliver a concept.

Clear desire to experiment with a variety of teaching approaches in order to reach different student populations and adapt to better serve their learning styles and needs

Demonstrated understanding of curriculum design, pedagogical approaches, and developmental appropriateness in order to deliver engaging, active, student-centered lessons, practice, and assessment

Familiar with and uses different kinds of assessment (formative and summative) as well as different types

Strong collaborator and willing to partner with colleagues to design curriculum, projects, activities, and experiences

Uses technology to enhance the learning experience

Bachelor’s degree in Science, Education, Environmental Studies, or a related field

Experience teaching elementary science (K–5 preferred)

Knowledge of Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)

Experience with project-based and inquiry-based learning

Strong collaboration and communication skills

Excellent organizational and executive functioning skills

Expertise or strong background in life sciences

Experience with garden education, outdoor learning, or environmental education

Experience integrating science with interdisciplinary projects