Middle School Science Teacher (2025-2026 SY)

To qualify for the Middle School Science Teacher position at Valor Collegiate Academies, candidates must have an active Tennessee teaching license with an endorsement in Middle Grades 6-8 or Secondary Science. Alternatively, individuals must be enrolled in an approved job-embedded educator preparation program, with the expected requirement of having their TN license in place by August 1, 2025.

Valor Collegiate Academies offers a competitive salary for Middle School Science Teachers, ranging from $55,000 to $77,000 for certified teachers based on their years of K-12 teaching experience. Pre-licensure candidates can expect to start at $44,520, which provides an excellent opportunity to grow professionally while being fairly compensated.

As a Middle School Science Teacher at Valor Collegiate Academies, your key responsibilities will include planning and leading science classes for either 6th or 8th grade, creating lesson plans that align with TN State Standards, and actively engaging in weekly coaching sessions for professional development. Additionally, you will participate in school duties, foster student social-emotional development through mentorship, and maintain accurate academic records.

Valor Collegiate Academies is dedicated to the professional growth of our educators. Middle School Science Teachers can expect more than 100 hours of professional development annually, including personalized coaching and faculty training sessions. Teachers are also encouraged to participate in ongoing training to enhance their skills and effectiveness in the classroom.

Valor Collegiate Academies is committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment where students and staff can thrive. We actively seek applicants from various backgrounds to ensure our community reflects diverse perspectives and experiences. Our commitment to equity and inclusion is embedded in our mission to empower every student to succeed.

When preparing daily lessons for middle school science, it’s crucial to align your lessons with state standards while considering the diverse learning styles of your students. Start by identifying clear objectives for each lesson and use engaging materials to illustrate concepts. Utilizing hands-on experiments and technology can enhance understanding and keep students engaged. Be prepared to adjust your plans based on student feedback and reflect on what works well for future improvements.

Effective classroom management begins with establishing clear expectations and routines. Use positive reinforcement to encourage desirable behaviors and address any disruptions consistently and kindly. Building strong relationships with your students helps create a supportive environment and deter misbehavior. Always have a plan for engaging students and being proactive about addressing conflicts before they escalate.

Incorporating social-emotional learning (SEL) involves recognizing the importance of students’ emotional well-being as part of their educational journey. I have experience leading lessons that focus on empathy, self-awareness, and relationship skills. This can be facilitated through group activities, discussions, and reflections that encourage students to express their feelings and experiences, ultimately fostering a stronger classroom community.

Assessment can be both formative and summative, involving informal checks for understanding during lessons, quizzes, and more comprehensive tests at the end of units. I utilize various methods, including observations, peer assessments, and class discussions, to gauge student understanding. It's essential to provide timely feedback and adjust instruction based on assessment results to facilitate learning and mastery of content.

Collaboration is key in an educational setting. I actively seek opportunities to work with fellow teachers to share resources and strategies that enhance student learning. Regular communication through team meetings and collaborative planning sessions fosters a supportive environment where we can address challenges together and celebrate our successes, thereby benefiting our students as a whole.

Integrating technology into science lessons can enhance engagement and deepen understanding. I use various tools such as simulations, interactive software, and online resources to enrich my curriculum. It’s essential to select technologies that complement learning goals and are accessible to all students. Additionally, I teach students how to use technology responsibly and effectively to support their learning.

In my previous role, I worked closely with a student who struggled with science concepts. By establishing a trusting relationship, I identified their learning style and tailored my teaching accordingly. I offered extra help during lunch hours and provided engaging, relevant projects. Over time, the student’s confidence grew, leading to improved grades and a newfound enthusiasm for science.

Valor Collegiate Academies stands out due to its commitment to academic rigor combined with social-emotional development. The supportive community and focus on personalized professional growth for teachers create an inspiring atmosphere. The emphasis on fostering diversity and cultural relevance among students enriches the educational experience, making it a fulfilling environment for educators and learners alike.

When addressing conflicts between students, it’s important to remain calm and facilitate a constructive conversation. I would first separate the students to allow them some time to cool down before bringing them together to discuss the issue. Encouraging them to express their feelings and viewpoints fosters empathy and understanding. I’d guide them towards a resolution that emphasizes accountability and respect for one another.

Keeping parents engaged is crucial for student success. I utilize regular communication through newsletters, emails, and parent-teacher conferences, providing updates on student progress, upcoming assignments, and ways parents can support learning at home. I encourage parents to participate in school events, highlighting the importance of their involvement in creating a thriving educational community for their children.