Job Information
Garfield County Scho Teacher- Middle School Science in Parachute, Colorado
*Job Title: Middle School Science Teacher (Grades 6, 7, 8) *
Department/Location: Grand Valley Middle School
*Job Family: Certified Licensed *
*FLSA Status: Full-Time, Exempt *
Work Calendar: Teacher
Pay Range: T Salary Schedule: $45,000.00 - $84,112.00
Reports To: Building Principal
Supervises: Students
Job ID#: 1494
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Middle School Science Teacher is responsible for planning, delivering, and assessing high-quality science instruction aligned to district-adopted curriculum and the Colorado Academic Standards for Science (CAS). This position provides instruction in the major science disciplines taught at the middle school level in Colorado, including life science, physical science, earth and space science, and science and engineering practices (engineering design). The teacher supports the academic, social, emotional, and behavioral development of students in grades 6--8 by creating a safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environment that promotes scientific inquiry, critical thinking, problem-solving, responsible citizenship, and student achievement.
POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:
Instruction and Student Learning
- Deliver standards-based instruction aligned to the Colorado Academic Standards for Science (CAS), including disciplinary core ideas, science and engineering practices, and crosscutting concepts.
- Plan and implement coherent units of study in life science, physical science, and earth and space science appropriate for grades 6--8.
- Design and facilitate inquiry-based, laboratory learning experiences that require students to ask questions, analyze data, construct explanations, and engage in evidence-based argumentation.
- Integrate engineering design challenges and real-world problem-solving opportunities aligned to grade-level expectations.
- Develop daily lesson plans and learning targets aligned to district pacing guides and state standards.
- Differentiate instruction to meet the needs of diverse learners, including advanced students and students requiring academic intervention.
- Utilize adopted instructional materials, lab equipment, digital tools, and supplemental resources to enhance conceptual understanding.
- Administer formative and summative assessments aligned to CAS performance expectations.
- Use student performance data to adjust instruction and provide timely, actionable feedback.
Implement Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), 504 Plans, and behavior support plans as required.
Laboratory and Safety Responsibilities
- Maintain a safe and organized science classroom and laboratory environment.
- Provide explicit instruction in laboratory safety procedures and enforce safety expectations consistently.
- Ensure proper handling, storage, and disposal of chemicals, materials, and equipment in accordance with district and safety guidelines.
Supervise students during labs, investigations, and field-based learning experiences to ensure adherence to safety protocols.
Classroom Environment, Safety and Student Well-Being
- Establish and maintain a respectful, inclusive classroom culture that supports collaboration and productive scientific discourse.
- Promote curiosity, perseverance, and responsible academic habits.
- Implement proactive classroom management strategies aligned with district expectations.
- Supervise students at all times to ensure safety, including during classroom activities, transitions, lunch, field trips, and transportation loading and unloading.
Report suspected child abuse or neglect as required by law.
Collaboration and Communication
- Collaborate with grade-level teams, science colleagues, and instructional staff to ensure vertical and horizontal alignment of science curriculum and assessments.
- Participate in Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) focused on st dent data, instructional improvement, and standards alignment.
- Communicate effectively and professionally with parents/guardians regarding student progress and academic performance.
- Participate in conferences, MTSS meetings, and IEP/504 meetings as required.
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Professional Responsibilities and Compliance
- Demonstrate professionalism, integrity, and ethical conduct.
- Maintain confidentiality of student, family, and staff information.
- Comply with all applicable federal and Colorado laws, Board of Education policies, and district procedures.
- Maintain accurate records of grades, attendance, and required documentation.
- Demonstrate consistent, punctual attendance and fulfill contractual obligations.
- Utilize district technology systems appropriately and in accordance with policy.
- Protect and maintain district property, instructional resources, and laboratory equipment.
Perform other duties as assigned by the Principal or designee.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
- Knowledge of the Colorado Academic Standards for Science (CAS) and laboratory science instruction.
- Knowledge of middle school life science, physical science, and earth and space science content.
- Knowledge of safe laboratory practices and science classroom management.
- Ability to design standards-aligned units and assessments.
- Ability to facilitate inquiry-based instruction and evidence-based reasoning.
- Ability to analyze student assessment data to guide instructional decisions.
- Ability to differentiate instruction for students with diverse academic and social-emotional needs.
- Strong organizational, communication, and collaboration skills.
Ability to manage materials, lab procedures, and multiple instructional tasks safely and effectively.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with completion of an approved teacher licensure program.
Valid Colorado Teaching License with an appropriate middle school science endorsement (or equivalent science endorsement for grades 6--8).
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Previous teaching experience in a middle school setting.
- Experience implementing science instruction with laboratory experiences aligned to CAS.
- Experience leading laboratory investigations and engineering design projects.
- Experience using data to inform instruction within a PLC or MTSS framework.
- Experience working with students with diverse learning needs, including IEP and 504 populations.
Multilingual skills.
WORKING ENVIRONMENT:
- Physical ability to perform essential job functions, including standing, walking, sitting, bending, and occasional lifting of materials or equipment.
- Supervision of students in classrooms, laboratories, outdoor environments, and field-based learning settings.
- Regular use of laboratory equipment and materials requiring adherence to established safety procedures.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not exhaustive and may change as needed. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change by the district.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY:
In compliance with Titles VI & VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008, and Colorado law, Garfield County School District No.16 does not unlawfully discriminate against otherwise qualified students, employees, applicants for employment, or members of the public on the basis of disability, race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, national origin, religion,