1st-4th Grade Science

Friends Community School (FCS), founded in 1986, is a progressive, co-ed Quaker K-8 school serving a diverse student body from the greater Washington, D.C. area. FCS’s LEED-certified building is situated on 17 acres surrounded by Greenbelt National Park, nine minutes from the University of Maryland, College Park, and thirty minutes from Washington, D.C.

Educators at FCS nurture lifelong learners, courageous risk takers, and joyous peacemakers through the expression of our commitments to Quakerism, Progressive education, and diversity. Our curriculum engages students in the exploration of values rooted in our Quaker Heritage – equality, integrity, community, environmental stewardship, simplicity, and peaceful conflict resolution.--from a range of perspectives.

Job Summary

Friends Community School (FCS) seeks a dedicated and versatile individual to fill a dual role as a part-time 1st-4th Grade Science Teacher.

The qualified candidate will be a member of the Lower School faculty, possessing and demonstrating an understanding of child development and progressive pedagogy, with a strong appreciation and respect for children and their growth. We seek an individual knowledgeable and experienced in teaching science to lower elementary school students, capable of providing project-based and experiential learning. The science curriculum for 1st-4th Grades focuses on Physical, Earth, and Life Sciences. The ideal candidate will have strong classroom management skills and the ability to create a welcoming and supportive classroom environment using Responsive Classroom. Respect for and understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion are essential, and the candidate should incorporate these values into their practice and curriculum.

The 1st-4th Grade Science Teacher will teach 16-18 students within a team of six other teachers in a multidisciplinary program of Language Arts, Math, and Social Studies. Collaboration on, design, and creation of curriculum, including units of study and assessment tools, are expected.

Expectations and Responsibilities

• Demonstrate optimism toward teaching and student learning
• Assess student needs and implement effective lessons using anecdotal observations and formal assessments; evaluate, assess, and enhance curriculum and materials; and provide differentiated instruction and design project-based and experiential units of study
• Create and maintain a safe, respectful, and welcoming learning environment that reflects Quaker values, supports diverse learning styles, and is conducive to student engagement.
• Utilize conflict resolution, Responsive Classroom, and other developmentally appropriate methods of classroom management
• Seek professional development opportunities, funded by the school, to enhance teaching knowledge and practice
• Organize and facilitate classroom field trips related to the curriculum and school traditions
• Document curriculum annually using Rubicon Atlas (training provided)
• Supervise lunch and recess for students
• Communicate regularly with parents via email, telephone, or in-person; write detailed progress reports; and participate in two parent-teacher conferences each school year, as well as a Back-to-School Night presentation
• Multitask effectively

Qualifications Desired and/or Required

• Bachelor’s Degree or higher
• A minimum of 3 years of teaching experience
• Strong classroom management skills and some knowledge of Responsive Classroom
• Effective and strong oral and written communication skills
• Knowledge and skill using technology (such as Google Suite, Blackbaud)
• Ability to work effectively as a part of a team and independently
• Available to work from 10:15 AM to 2:30 PM, Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, and 10:15 AM to 1:45 PM and 2:30-4:00 PM on Wednesdays

Commitment to Diversity

FCS is committed to building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive educational community and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or a person's status as a qualified candidate with a disability in administration of its educational program, admission policies, financial aid program, staff hiring, and other school-administered programs.

In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals, we actively seek faculty and staff of varied backgrounds and encourage them to share their unique gifts to cultivate a rich educational experience. We strive to create a learning environment that exposes students to the value and breadth of differences, informs their perspective, and prepares them to shape the world.

Please send a cover letter, résumé, educational philosophy, and the names and contact information of three professional references to jobs@friendscommunityschool.org.