The middle school science teacher is responsible for the education of the students entrusted to his/her care through both delivery of the instructional program and modeling of appropriate skills, attitudes, and behaviors. It is the teacher who motivates, encourages, and inspires students to excel in all their endeavors and who sets goals and expectations that challenge students to meet and expand their potentials. The success of each student hinges on the success and vigilance of the teacher. There is no greater relationship in the school than that between the teacher and student. A Teacher is one who: 1. Is passionate about meeting the educational and welfare needs of young people, especially the poor. He/she is one who practices the profession through the values of love, compassion, justice and belief in the human dignity of each person. 2. Regularly participates in self-reflection and understands that he/she is a critical member of a community of professionals who share of best practices, collaborate actively for the sake of children, and do what needs to be done in the classroom to ensure all students learn. 3. Sees parents as fundamental partners in the education of their children and works tirelessly to communicate with and engage parents in appropriate and positive ways. 4. Understands the golden rule and character development as essential components for an education for life. 5. Maintains an excitement about and passion for the daily work of a classroom teacher. Position Roles and Responsibilities: Qualifications, Experience, and Expectations Required: Bachelor's Degree Current, valid Illinois Professional Educator License Endorsement in middle school science Preferred: Experience science curriculums, trainings and STEM initiatives. Uses data and research as a tool for driving educational practice. Possesses the classroom management skills and techniques that support a culture of calm, discipline, structure, and the golden rule. Teach as a member of a grade level or departmental SCIENCE team, those classes assigned by the principal; design and implement curriculum; keep a written record of unit and daily lesson plans and a written record of student evaluation, both of which remain the property of the school. Adhere to and support all school policies as set forth in the staff and student handbooks. Actively participate in all staff orientations, meetings, in-services, grade or department level team meetings, parent meetings, student conferences or staff mission days. Actively participate in robust teacher formation and evaluation program. Reflect critically on teaching practice and implement improvement strategies as needed. Implement with high fidelity all components of the school's education programs, which include: Web based programs/curriculum, interim assessment implementation and data analysis, and differentiated instructional strategies. Engage in personal and professional development, goal setting, establishment of classroom and school-wide performance standards and assessment of progress against those standards.. Maintain a classroom that demonstrates discipline, order and rigor. Experience in Kagan Cooperative Learning strategies and Kagan Win-Win Discipline preferred and highly desirable. Values being observed, coached, mentored, and evaluated as a best practice and route to ongoing growth'