Upper School Biology Teacher

Reports to: Director of Upper School                                      

FT/PT/R/T:  Full-Time, Regular, Academic Year

University Prep (UPrep) is seeking a talented, engaging, and compassionate Upper School Biology Teacher. We look for staff and faculty who share our belief that a culturally rich and inclusive school community provides students with the best possible environment for a quality education. We need a leader who has passion for English and thrives on working independently as well as part of a team. If that sounds like you, we’d like to hear from you.

Who We Are:

UPrep is a 6–12 independent school in northeast Seattle, WA, one of the country’s most dynamic cities. We offer an intellectually rich education that fosters deep inquiry and critical thinking that is powered by student engagement. Our students graduate prepared for college and life. UPrep is a strong and vibrant community of students, families, faculty, staff, and alumni that joins together to support our students in becoming caring and productive adults. UPrep is a place where all students and families have equitable access to all the school has to offer, and we aspire for all community members to feel like they belong. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are embodied in all facets of our school culture. We believe that our shared values of integrity, respect, and responsibility are essential to accomplish our mission to develop each student’s potential to become an intellectually courageous, socially responsible citizen of the world.

Job Summary:

Under minimal supervision, and on a full-time basis, teaches Upper School Biology courses and semester electives and/or Intensives. Works collaboratively and cooperatively with other members of the faculty and staff. Serves as an advisor and actively participates in the life of the school outside of classroom teaching responsibilities. For highly qualified candidates, there may be an opportunity to take on the role of Department Chair (see full description at https://qrco.de/deptchair). This leadership position includes additional responsibilities such as curricular and programmatic leadership and supporting and evaluating faculty. Candidates with strong leadership experience are encouraged to express interest in their cover letter. This position comes with a course reduction and stipend.  

Specific Responsibilities:

• Teaches four sections of Upper School Biology, with the possibility of teaching semester electives and/or Intensives as required
• Uses formative teaching and assessment methods
• Engages in ongoing collaboration with colleagues on lesson planning, grading, assessments and other department-based work to enhance student learning and department culture
• Communicates consistently and in a timely manner with students, colleagues and families, including maintaining an online presence via our learning management system
• Maintains organized and timely system for creation of lessons and assessments and for grading
• Serves as a grade-level advisor for a grade-level team for 10 to 12 students
• Actively participates in the life of the school outside the classroom as a coach or club advisor
• Vigorously engages in their own professional development
• Is familiar with and complies with all policies and regulations as put forth in the school’s documents
• Since safety and security are everyone’s responsibility, takes all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, faculty, staff, equipment, materials and facilities
• Participate in school-related functions (e.g., Back to School Night, Commencement, etc.) as determined by the Head of School
• Attends faculty and division-appropriate meetings, in-service programs and staffings
• Conducts co-curricular activities as assigned by the Division Directors, according to the needs of the school
• Participates fully in the admissions process, including but not limited to attending Open House evenings, interviewing prospective students, and/or teaching mock classes
• Chaperones school events outside of normal school hours (e.g., dances, service outings, or social events) as determined by the Division Directors
• Performs other duties as assigned

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university in Biology, Chemistry, or related field
• Ability to teach various Biology electives preferred
• Teaching certificate preferred
• Master’s degree preferred
• 3+ years’ teaching experience preferred

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Competence in the content area and pedagogy specific to the developmental needs of High School-aged students
• An understanding of and commitment to the school’s mission
• A talent for teaching as an art
• A commitment to student-centered education and inclusive classroom practices
• Demonstrates a growth mindset and openness to feedback 
• Flexibility and adaptability to meet the needs of the students and program
• Ability to create an active learning environment that supports understanding, passion, and creativity
• Demonstrates knowledge and skill to work with students from diverse background
• Demonstrates knowledge and skill in preparing lesson to appeal to a variety of learning styles, needs, and accommodations
• Demonstrates skill to use appropriate formative and summative assessments and strategies in the classroom
• Commitment to teaching the whole child
• A working understanding of Universal Design for Learning and Understanding by Design concepts
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with all constituents in the school community
• Ability to maintain confidential information
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusivity
• Flexibility, maturity, and a sense of humor
• Ability and flexibility to use Microsoft Office Suite, Google Suites, learning management systems, online meeting and conferencing applications, and operating Audio/Visual equipment
• Interest in coaching sports and/or working in our outdoor program is preferable

Compensation & Benefits:

Salary range is $64,157 - $116,644 based on education and years of experience. UPrep offers a comprehensive and generous benefits package intended to support and promote the health and well-being, work/life balance, and financial security of our faculty, staff, and their families. Benefits are listed on our careers page and include: Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance, Employer-Seeded Health Savings Account or Health Reimbursement Account, Flexible Spending Accounts, Employer-Paid Long-Term Disability Insurance, Employee Assistance Program, Employer-Paid Life Insurance, Voluntary Life Insurance, 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with employer contribution and match after one year of service, Paid Time Off, Paid Parental Leave after one year of service, and Professional Development opportunities.

Complete our online employment application and upload your résumé and a cover letter telling us why you are interested in and qualified for this position.

Position open until filled. No phone calls or drop-ins please.

University Prep does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, caste, national or ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran’s status, disability, use of a trained service animal, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to admissions and administration of all its programs, as well as to all areas of employment.

www.universityprep.org