Posted: Feb 19, 2025

Upper School Science Teacher - Grades 7 & 8

Ridgefield Academy - Ridgefield, CT
Full-time
Salary: $70,000.00 - $90,000.00 Annually
Application Deadline: Aug 1, 2025
Middle School
Overview 
At Ridgefield Academy, we are dedicated to fostering a vibrant learning community where students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Our educators embody the school’s mission, values, and commitment to ethical excellence, serving as role models and mentors who inspire curiosity, creativity, and character development. Guided by our Educator Excellence Indicators, our teaching practices emphasize deep content knowledge, inclusive classroom environments, innovative approaches, and reflective professionalism. 

Position Summary 
The Upper School Science Teacher will design and deliver a dynamic and engaging science curriculum for 7th and 8th grade students. This role requires a learning environment that encourages curiosity, critical thinking, and a passion for scientific inquiry. The Upper School Science Teacher is responsible for creating a flexible educational program and a class environment favorable to learning and personal growth, establishing effective rapport with students, motivating students to develop skills, attitudes and knowledge needed to provide a good foundation for middle and upper school education in accordance with each student’s ability; and for establishing good relationships with parents and other faculty and staff members. 
It is expected that the seventh and eighth grade science teacher will have the knowledge to teach students varied activities designed to develop science skills and concepts. Students will study topics in earth science, life science, physical science, and how science, technology and society interact. Seventh grade students will investigate topics in the area of Life Science, while eighth grade students study physical science. 

Primary Responsibilities 
Commitment to Mission and Values 
  • Integrate Ridgefield Academy’s mission and values into classroom practices, fostering a culture of respect, integrity, and kindness. 
  • Actively participate in school events, committees, and initiatives to strengthen the school community. 
  • Uphold the highest standards of ethics and professionalism in interactions with students, families, and colleagues. 
 
Instructional Excellence and Innovation 
  • Plan and deliver a hands-on, inquiry-based science curriculum covering a year of Life Sciences and a year of Physical Sciences. 
  • Employ diverse instructional strategies to meet the needs of all learners, including differentiation, formative assessments, and technology integration. 
  • Utilize diverse instructional strategies, including hands on experiments, technology integration, and interdisciplinary approaches, to meet the diverse needs and learning styles 
  • Assess and monitor student progress through formative and summative assessments, providing timely and constructive feedback 
  • Set high academic expectations while scaffolding learning to support student growth and foster critical thinking. 
  • Incorporate innovative teaching practices that prepare students for future challenges, encouraging creativity and problem-solving. 
Social-Emotional Learning and Classroom Environment 
  • Create a positive, inclusive, and safe classroom environment where all students feel valued and supported. 
  • Actively teach and model social-emotional skills, incorporating restorative practices to resolve conflicts and promote accountability. 
  • Implement consistent and fair classroom management strategies, cultivating a productive and collaborative atmosphere. 
  • Develop strong rapport and relationships with students in the 7th and 8th grade as an active Advisor partnering with other faculty and learners within the division. 
Collaboration and Community Engagement 
  • Partner with the Head of Middle and Upper School, Assistant Head for Academics, grade-level teams, learning specialists, and counselors to advocate for student well-being and success. 
  • Build strong partnerships with families, maintaining transparent and timely communication through conferences, progress reports, and classroom updates. 
  • Engage in school-wide professional learning communities, contributing to team initiatives and strategic priorities such as DEIB and SEL programming. 
Professional Growth and Reflective Practice 
  • Demonstrate a growth mindset by seeking out professional development opportunities and engaging in reflective practice to improve teaching effectiveness. 
  • Regularly assess and adapt teaching strategies based on student outcomes, feedback, and evolving educational standards. 
  • Serve as a mentor and collaborator, sharing expertise and supporting the professional development of colleagues. 
 
Key Qualifications 
  • Education: Bachelor’s degree in Education or a related field (Master’s preferred). 
  • Experience: Minimum of 5 years of teaching experience with upper elementary [Gr4-5] or middle school students [Gr 6-8], ideally in an independent school setting. 
  • Skills: 
    • Expertise in inquiry-based and constructivist teaching practices in Earth Science and Physical Science 
    • Strong knowledge of inquiry-based curriculum design, differentiation, and assessment strategies. 
    • Proven ability to cultivate an inclusive classroom environment that prioritizes student agency and growth. 
    • Ability to be nimble and flex into your growth zone for continuous learning and development 
    • Proficiency in integrating technology into teaching and learning. 
 
Ridgefield Academy’s Educator Excellence 
Our faculty embody the following attributes, aligned with our Educator Excellence Indicators framework: 
  • Pedagogical Expertise: Deep content knowledge and effective teaching strategies that foster student achievement. 
  • Student-Centered Approach: Prioritizing the diverse academic, social, and emotional needs of learners. 
  • Academic Rigor and Innovation: Challenging students to reach their potential while integrating creative and forward-thinking practices. 
  • Professionalism and Collaboration: Engaging in continuous growth, reflective practice, and meaningful partnerships with colleagues and families. 
  • Adaptability and Resilience: Demonstrating flexibility, perseverance, and emotional regulation in the face of challenges. 
 
Compensation and Benefits 
Salary range: $70,000 - $90,000, commensurate with experience. This is a 10-month, full-time position with comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, vision, retirement contributions, and professional development opportunities.

Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00am - 4:00pm.

Interested candidates should submit their cover letter and resume to Clinton Howarth, Head of Middle & Upper School, at [email protected]

Ridgefield Academy provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for
employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color,
religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation,
gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
How To Apply:

Interested candidates should submit their cover letter and resume to Clinton Howarth, Head of Middle & Upper School, at [email protected]