Lower School Science Teacher

School Overview

Rowland Hall is an independent school in Salt Lake City serving over 1,030 students in preschool through twelfth grade. Driven by our vision of developing people the world needs, we believe in a transformational education that gives students agency and purpose, connects them to their global community, and empowers them to make the world a better place for all.

Rowland Hall sets the standard for teaching and learning excellence through our academic and co-curricular programs, including experiential learning opportunities, artistic self-expression, and a competitive athletic program that challenges students inside and outside the classroom. We foster curiosity, compassion, and joy throughout the learning process, and graduate young adults who know how to think critically.

Located near the base of the stunning Wasatch Mountain Range and adjacent to the University of Utah, a world-class research university and medical center, Rowland Hall attracts a diverse community of families. The school focuses on recruiting and retaining high-quality employees by offering extensive professional development opportunities, salaries that are competitive with local districts and market rates, and a close-knit, supportive community.

The Lower School

Guided by the mission of the school and Rowland Hall’s strategic priorities, the Lower School is a place of joyful learning. The Lower School faculty is composed of caring and knowledgeable teachers who are passionate about elementary education, skillful in creating a learning environment in which young students can thrive, and committed to continuous and collaborative professional growth. Lower School teachers, students, and families value the strong sense of community established in grades 1–5 and the unique learning experiences that the school provides each student, via the classroom curriculum, through our Specialties Program (science, art, music, PE, Spanish, library, computer science), and in our Ethical Education and Social-Emotional Learning Program.

Position Summary

The Lower School seeks an educator who will plan and implement science curriculum for grades 1–5 and work collaboratively with grade-level homeroom teachers throughout the Lower School. This teacher will also work closely with the Beginning School and Lower School computer science specialist and experiential learning specialist to create a rich, engaging and cohesive STEM program. In addition to teaching, this person will communicate regularly and proactively with students, their families, and colleagues and contribute positively to the overall school culture while fulfilling duties as assigned (recess and lunch supervision, field trips, etc.) and serving on all-school committees as needed.

Primary Job Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare, and implement curriculum that is thoughtfully coordinated with the work of Lower School homeroom and specialty classes, in collaboration with the student support team
• Evaluate and communicate student progress with students, families, and the student support team
• Serve as a resource to students and teachers regarding science topics
• Communicate with families effectively and proactively, independently and in collaboration with the student support team
• Co-create and sustain a positive learning environment for students
• Demonstrate knowledge of and a commitment to equitable and inclusive practices and behaviors, both in and outside of the classroom
• Engage in ongoing professional development, including collaborative curricular review, continued learning across a broad range of topics, but especially in science, in support of the school’s mission and strategic priorities
• Manage, maintain, and re-supply science lab materials
• Other duties as assigned

Skills and Requirements

• B.A. in Education or related field
• Successful experience teaching science to elementary-school-age students
• Demonstrated capacities for collaboration, self-reflection, cultural competence, flexibility, and curiosity
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Facility with Google suite, iOS, and a willingness to learn new technologies related to education
• The requirements listed below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to:
  • lift up to 35 pounds;
  • easily move around a classroom for demonstrations and to support students in their work;
  • exhibit sound judgment in maintaining appropriate interactions with students, colleagues, and caregivers;
  • exhibit classroom management skills that balance a fun, creative environment for students while maintaining a safe learning environment;
  • engage frequent in-person interactions with numerous interruptions in a fast-paced environment;
  • work as part of a collaborative team.

Additional Information

This is a full-time, exempt position, reporting to the Beginning School and Lower School assistant principal. The anticipated start date is August 1, 2023.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Rowland Hall is an equal opportunity employer, and as such, believes that each individual is entitled to equal opportunity without regard to sex, color, race, ancestry, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under federal or state anti-discrimination laws. Rowland Hall’s equal employment opportunity practices extend to recruitment, hiring, selection, compensation, benefits, transfer, promotion, training, discipline, and all other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment.