High School Science Teacher

About the Employer

Science Teacher - High School (Colorado Springs School District 11)

Position Summary

Teachers at Colorado Springs School District 11 are professional educators who ensure that every student has access to rigorous, engaging, and equitable learning opportunities. They embody the district's values of innovation, inclusion, collaboration, and excellence, and are key contributors to creating a thriving school culture that supports academic and social-emotional success.

Core Expectations

Design and implement standards-aligned instruction, maintaining an inclusive learning environment, integrating technology effectively, using data to inform teaching, collaborating with colleagues, and engaging families as partners in education. Teachers also serve as reflective practitioners who continuously seek to improve through professional learning and feedback.

Essential Job Functions

Plan and Deliver Instruction

Design and Implement Engaging Lessons

Design and implement engaging, standards-based lessons aligned with Colorado Academic Standards and District 11's instructional vision. Utilize a variety of instructional strategies, technologies, and resources to promote student engagement, critical thinking, and creativity.

Adapt Teaching Methods

Adapt teaching methods and materials to accommodate diverse learning styles, abilities, and cultural backgrounds. Provide appropriate interventions and supports to ensure all students have equitable access to learning opportunities.

Assess and Monitor Student Learning

Use Multiple Assessment Tools

Use multiple assessment tools and data sources to evaluate student progress and inform instruction. Maintain accurate and timely student records, grades, and documentation in accordance with district policies.

Differentiate Instruction

Differentiate instruction to accommodate diverse learning styles, abilities, and cultural backgrounds.

Create and Maintain a Positive Learning Environment

Establish Classroom Culture

Establish and maintain a classroom culture that fosters respect, collaboration, and high academic expectations. Implement effective classroom management strategies to ensure a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment.

Foster Inclusivity

Foster an inclusive and respectful classroom culture that supports academic and social-emotional growth.

Collaborate and Communicate Effectively

Work with Colleagues

Work collaboratively with colleagues, administrators, and support staff as part of professional learning communities. Communicate regularly with students, families, and caregivers to share progress, celebrate success, and address challenges.

Engage Families

Engage families as partners in education through regular communication and collaboration.

Engage in Professional Growth and School Improvement

Participate in Professional Development

Participate in professional development, reflective practice, and continuous learning to enhance instructional effectiveness. Contribute to school and district initiatives focused on improving teaching, learning, and student outcomes.

Reflect on Practice

Reflect on professional practice and seek continuous improvement through feedback and professional learning.

Model Professionalism and Ethical Practice

Uphold Standards

Uphold ethical standards, confidentiality, and equitable practices in all aspects of professional work. Demonstrate reliability, cultural competence, and commitment to the district's mission of inspiring every mind.

Maintain Confidentiality

Maintain confidentiality and uphold ethical standards in all professional interactions.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge

Colorado Academic Standards

Knowledge of Colorado Academic Standards, curriculum design, and effective instructional practices. Principles of differentiated instruction and strategies to support diverse learners, including English language learners and students with disabilities. Assessment methods, data analysis, and progress monitoring to inform instructional decisions. Classroom management techniques that promote positive behavior and student engagement. Current educational technology tools and digital learning platforms that enhance teaching and learning. District policies, ethical standards, and legal requirements related to public education.

Instructional Strategies

Knowledge of designing and delivering engaging, student-centered lessons that promote critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving. Effective integration of technology and digital resources into classroom instruction. Use of formative and summative assessment data to guide instruction and improve student outcomes.

Skills

Designing Lessons

Skills in designing and delivering engaging, student-centered lessons that promote critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving. Effective integration of technology and digital resources into classroom instruction. Use of formative and summative assessment data to guide instruction and improve student outcomes.

Communication

Skills in communicating clearly and professionally with students, families, and colleagues. Managing time, priorities, and documentation with accuracy and attention to detail. Collaborating in professional learning communities to share best practices and support school improvement.

Abilities

Fostering Inclusivity

Ability to foster an inclusive and respectful classroom culture that supports academic and social-emotional growth. Adapt instruction and materials to meet the needs of students with varying learning styles, backgrounds, and abilities. Build and maintain positive relationships with students, families, and staff. Reflect on professional practice and seek continuous improvement through feedback and professional learning.

Building Relationships

Ability to build and maintain positive relationships with students, families, and staff. Demonstrate reliability, flexibility, and a commitment to the district's mission to inspire every mind through innovative and inclusive education.

Qualifications

Education

Bachelor's degree in Education or related field. Valid Colorado teaching license appropriate for assigned subject/grade level.

Preferred Qualifications

Preferred qualifications include a Master's degree, prior K-12 teaching experience, and/or bilingual proficiency (English/Spanish or other district-identified languages).

Experience

Demonstrated knowledge of effective instructional practices, assessment, and classroom management.

Hard-to-Fill Positions

Additional 10% to base pay for the following hard-to-fill positions: OT, PT, School Nurses, Audiologists, & School Psychologists. Additional 15% to base pay for the following hard-to-fill position(s): SLP.

Salary Setting

Employment, assignment, and salary placement is in accordance with job description requirements. A work history is required to demonstrate job title, job duties, and time worked in the position. Reference the linked 'How Your Compensation is Determined' for more details.

New Hires

Any newly-employed teacher/Special Service Provider (SSP) will be placed on the appropriate lane for their educational background (BA, MA, etc.). According to the official transcripts that are provided. They will be placed at the appropriate step for experience listed on the resume. Teachers will receive credit for a maximum of 14 years for any applicable teaching experience (provided that the experience occurred in the last 15 years).

Rehires

Returning employees who have previously resigned or separated from the district will be rehired at the same step they were on at the time of resignation/separation plus any new experience gained in the same job, provided step increases were approved by the board during the years in question.

Employee Handbook

See employee handbook (located on the D11 website) for information on salary setting for rehires (after retirement), promotions, and lateral transfers.

Equal Employment Opportunity

School District 11 is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination in relation to disability, need for special education services (whether actual or perceived), race, creed, color, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, religion, ancestry, age, genetic information, or protected activity in its programs and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. Any harassment/discrimination of students and/or staff, based on the aforementioned protected areas, will not be tolerated and must be brought to the immediate attention of the school principal, D11 administrator/supervisor, or D11 nondiscrimination compliance/grievance coordinator.

Nondiscrimination Compliance

The Office of Equal Opportunity Programs and Ombudservices has been designated to coordinate compliance with: Equal Pay Act of 1963, Civil Rights Act of 1964 (as amended), Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, Title IX Education Amendments Act of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978, and Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. For additional information, please contact the District 11 Office of Equal Opportunity Programs & Ombudservices at 1115 North El Paso Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80903-2599, phone: 719-520-2288, fax: 719-520-2442

Board Policies

The following board policies address nondiscrimination in District 11: AC, AC-R, GBA, GBAA, JBB, JBB-R