US Biology Teacher

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Upper School Biology Teacher engages students in meaningful, inquiry-driven science instruction that fosters curiosity, critical thinking, and a lifelong love of learning. Teaching within a collaborative, supportive environment, the Biology Teacher inspires students to understand the complexities of the natural world through experiential learning, research opportunities, and interdisciplinary integration. The ideal candidate is both a passionate educator and a reflective practitioner committed to the intellectual and personal development of adolescents.

Supervisor: Head of Upper School

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

Position Status:  Salaried, Exempt, Full-time, 10-month

Work Hours: Typical hours are 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Some weekend and evening work may be required. 

REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS

The requirements below represent the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for a successful candidate.

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology or a closely related field. Professional or practical experience in a scientific field and an advanced degree are preferred
• Prior experience teaching science at the secondary level, including laboratory instruction
• Strong collaboration skills and a commitment to working as part of a team
• Ability to develop and deliver engaging, student-centered instruction
• Proficiency with instructional technology and a willingness to integrate digital tools into teaching practice.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills

Preferred

• Master’s degree in Biology, Science Education, or a related discipline
• Two or more years of teaching Biological Sciences in independent schools or similar academic settings
• Ability to teach across multiple scientific disciplines.
• Familiarity with interdisciplinary and experiential curriculum design.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Teaching and Instruction

• Teaches three sections of Upper School Biology, including laboratory-based instruction designed to engage students in hands-on scientific inquiry
• Co-teaches a three-week immersive, interdisciplinary course during Westminster’s JanTerm, fostering deeper learning through project-based and experiential education
• Designs and implements lessons and assessments that promote active learning, scientific reasoning, and student engagement
• Integrates current scientific research, ethical discussions, and global issues into the curriculum
• Utilizes lab experiences and field-based inquiry to complement classroom instruction, making full use of campus and regional resources
• Demonstrate flexibility and a willingness to support instruction across other science disciplines, such as Environmental Science, Chemistry, or Physics, as needed

Collaborative and Professional Engagement

• Participates in a grade-level team and the Upper School science department’s Professional Learning Community (PLC) to design curriculum, share pedagogical best practices, assess student learning, and reflect on student growth
• Serves as an academic advisor to a small group of students, providing guidance and support throughout the school year
• Attends department, division, and full-faculty meetings; engages in ongoing professional development
• Collaborates with colleagues on interdisciplinary initiatives and cross-divisional programs

Advisory and Student Support

• Contributes to the broader life of the school community through chaperoning, club sponsorship, service learning, or other activities aligned with student interests and institutional priorities
• Demonstrates a commitment to Westminster’s core values of inclusivity, integrity, excellence, and service
• Supports students’ social-emotional development by maintaining a responsive and inclusive classroom culture
• Serves as an advisor to a group of Upper School students, providing academic guidance and contributing to their personal and social development through the advisory program

Community Engagement

• Support the life of the School beyond the classroom by sponsoring student clubs, participating in extracurricular programming, or coaching athletic teams
• Engage fully in the Westminster community by attending faculty meetings, school functions, and professional development opportunities

Other Duties

• Fulfill additional responsibilities as assigned to support the mission and operations of the School

Additionally, successful candidates will demonstrate:

• a love of working with Upper School students
• an engaging teaching style
• the ability to build partnerships with parents and colleagues
• the ability to create and promote an inclusive learning environment
• enthusiasm, flexibility, and a cooperative spirit

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is required to sit; stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, and feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch and crawl; talk and hear; engage in moderately strenuous physical activity both indoors and out. The employee may occasionally lift or move up to 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. The ability to become certified in CPR, AED, and First Aid is required.

While performing the duties of this position, the employee may occasionally be exposed to outside weather conditions and frequently walk on slippery or uneven surfaces.  The noise level in the work environment is often loud.

Westminster is a drug-free, smoke/vape-free campus.

TRAVEL

Travel is primarily local during the regular business day.  Overnight and out-of-area travel may also be required and is associated mainly with planned events, conferences, and professional development opportunities.

Driving a Westminster vehicle may be required for this position.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT

Westminster is committed to the principle of equal opportunity in employment.  It is Westminster’s policy to provide equal employment opportunities and administer terms and conditions of employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran under applicable federal, state and local laws.  EOE/M/F/D/V