Middle School Science Teacher

Location: AIS Main Campus in New Cairo 

Reporting to: Middle School Principal and Assistant Principal

JOB DESCRIPTION 

The Middle School Science teacher is a dedicated and experienced teacher who is passionate about teaching science to students in grades 6-8 on various scientific concepts and encouraging curiosity and critical thinking. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Curriculum Development

• Design and implement science lessons aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), incorporating the three-dimensional learning model:
• • Disciplinary Core Ideas (DCIs), including Life Science, Earth and Space Science, Physical Science, and Engineering.
  • Science and Engineering Practices (SEPs), encouraging students to ask questions, plan investigations, analyze data, and construct evidence-based arguments.
  • Crosscutting Concepts (CCCs), helping students connect scientific ideas across disciplines such as patterns, cause and effect, energy and matter, and stability and change.
• Incorporate phenomena-based learning, allowing students to explore real-world problems and discover scientific concepts through inquiry and experimentation.

Instruction

• Utilize the 5E Instructional Model (Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, Evaluate) to structure lessons and promote active learning.
• Guide students through inquiry-based investigations that align with NGSS performance expectations, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Facilitate hands-on labs and collaborative experiments where students can develop and test hypotheses, gather data, and draw conclusions based on evidence.
• Use diverse instructional strategies, including small group work, project-based learning, and discussions to accommodate varied learning styles and levels.

Assessment

• Develop formative and summative assessments that measure student understanding of NGSS performance expectations.
• Utilize rubrics that align with NGSS criteria to evaluate student proficiency.
• Use a variety of assessment methods (quizzes, tests, performance tasks, presentations) to measure student progress in understanding key concepts and skills.
• Provide feedback that encourages students to revise and improve their work based on scientific reasoning and evidence.

Classroom and Laboratory Management

• Establish a classroom environment that fosters collaboration, scientific discourse, and respect for others’ ideas.
• Ensure a safe lab environment by teaching and enforcing proper lab safety protocols in accordance with school policies and NGSS guidelines.
• Organize and maintain laboratory equipment, ensuring it is in proper working order and available for experiments.
• Plan and supervise engineering design challenges where students can apply NGSS concepts to solve real-world problems using the engineering design process (defining problems, developing models, testing solutions, and optimizing designs).

Student Engagement and Differentiation

• Incorporate phenomena-driven lessons that connect science to real-world applications, sparking student curiosity.
• Differentiate instruction to meet diverse learning needs, including English Language Learners (ELL), students with disabilities, and gifted students.
• Use digital simulations, interactive tools, and multimedia resources to enhance students' understanding of complex scientific phenomena and concepts.
• Foster student engagement through project-based learning, where students work collaboratively on NGSS-aligned projects such as environmental impact studies, engineering challenges, and data analysis.

Collaboration and Professional Development

• Collaborate with fellow teachers to implement interdisciplinary lessons that incorporate NGSS crosscutting concepts, like connecting science with mathematics or technology.
• Engage in professional learning communities (PLCs) to share best practices and develop innovative NGSS-aligned instructional strategies.
• Participate in professional development related to the NGSS, inquiry-based instruction, and the integration of science and engineering practices.

Family Engagement

• Stay current with best practices in language teaching and participate in professional development opportunities to enhance teaching skills and knowledge.

Collaboration

• Communicate with parents and guardians about student progress and ways to support science learning at home.
• Organize science-related events, such as science fairs or field trips that engage students and families in NGSS-aligned activities.
• Encourage student participation in extracurricular activities related to science, such as science clubs, robotics teams, or environmental projects.

Communication

• Maintain open and effective communication with students, parents, and colleagues regarding student progress, curriculum updates, and any issues that may arise.

Cultural Education

• Integrate cultural elements into language instruction to provide students with a well-rounded understanding of Arabic-speaking cultures.

Other Duties

• Perform other instructional tasks and responsibilities as assigned by school leadership, such as supporting other Arabic language electives, proctoring assessments for students, and supporting student supervision when needed.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Bachelor's degree or equivalent in science or science education. Masters preferred. Valid U.S. teaching certification or license in the relevant field is required.

Experience: In-depth knowledge of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and how to integrate SEPs, DCIs, and CCCs into classroom practice. Experience with hands-on, inquiry-based learning, and the ability to foster a collaborative learning environment. Proficiency in the use of educational technology, science lab equipment, and software tools to enhance student learning.

Skills:

• Fluent in English (primary language of instruction at our school).
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, both written and verbal.
• Understanding of language acquisition theories and teaching methodologies.
• Cultural sensitivity and the ability to integrate cultural aspects into lessons.
• Strong ability to engage students in phenomena-based learning and guide them through the scientific method.
• Classroom management skills that promote a safe, respectful, and focused learning environment.
• Adaptability to differentiate instruction and assess students on multiple dimensions of NGSS-aligned learning.

SAFEGUARDING

AIS staff members are responsible for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children,young persons and all members of the AIS community for whom she /he is responsible, or with whom she/he comes into contact. All employees or volunteers will adhere to and ensure compliance with the School’s policies at all times. If in the course of carrying out the duties of  the job  holder becomes aware of any actual or potential risks to the safety or welfare of children or other community members  in the school, she /he must report any concerns to the Child Protection Officer (CPO) and School Director.

REVISION OF JOB DESCRIPTION 

According to the development and requirements of the School, Job Specifications may be reviewed and refined periodically based upon the needs of the school. 

AIS faculty and staff serve AIS students, who deserve excellence each day. Be a part of the team that promotes student growth, learning, and achievement.