Upper School Science Teacher, Grade 8

To Apply

● Submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional
references by email to Science@peckschool.org.

● Reference the job title in the subject line of your email. No phone calls, please.

About the Position
The Peck School, a coed, K-8, independent school in Morristown, NJ, seeks a full-time 8th
grade science teacher (Upper School) for the upcoming school year. This position is an
excellent opportunity for a science educator to join a school committed to the belief that
students thrive in classrooms and communities where they are known, celebrated, and
inspired to grow as students, learners, and citizens.

The 8th grade science teacher will be a core member of a highly collaborative department
that works with students to build critical thinking and problem-solving skills through inquiry
and investigation. The Science Department at The Peck School engages students in a
challenging program that gives them a strong foundation in the basic principles and skills
of the core sciences. Students gain significant experience with laboratory procedures and
the scientific process, and they are provided with varied avenues to express their learning
and hone their analytical skills, including lab reports, presentations, design challenges, and
investigations.

Overview of Responsibilities

● Classroom Instruction: 

    ○ Teach 8th grade science (four sections). Continue to grow and build the 8th grade science curriculum within the scope and sequence of Peck’s K-8 science program. 

    ○ As part of 8th grade science and the Health and Wellness Themes strand, teach foundational health and wellness topics, including adolescence, nutrition, fitness, and mental health, through engaging, age-appropriate lessons. 

● Connections: Upper School (grades 5-8) faculty are part of a grade-level team and
serve as Advisors to a small group of students. This is an opportunity to create a
sense of belonging for students and guide them and their families as they navigate
middle school. In the science lab, foster a culture of curiosity, experimentation, and
creativity among all students. For those needing review or extra support, connect
with students during Academic Support or before school.

● Duties: Perform duties as assigned. Duties include but are not limited to overseeing
student safety and wellness during recess, arrival and dismissal duties, and lunch.
Peck’s family-style dining provides a point of connection. Each faculty member
receives their own duty schedule. Coaching and/or facilitating an activity can be duty
opportunities.

● Meetings & Professional Development: Participate in all required professional
development activities and meetings, including department, division, and
grade-level meetings, scheduled collaboration times, professional development
days, and beginning and end-of-year meetings.

Qualifications/Experience
● A bachelor’s degree in science or a STEM-related field is required. Experience with
robotics and programming is a plus.
● 2+ years of teaching experience.
● Proficiency in creating and implementing engaging, student-centered, and
age-appropriate lessons that promote critical thinking and creativity.
● Experience using formative and summative assessments to monitor student
progress and adjust instruction to support academic growth.
● Interest in developing students’ “think like a scientist” mindset.

Competencies
● Content Knowledge: Possess excitement about science and interest in staying
current with curricular best practices. Lead students through hands-on
investigations to explore and understand topics such as the fundamentals of
chemistry and Newtonian physics. Possess a familiarity with the Next Generation
Science Standards and the integration of engineering into science courses. Plan
developmentally appropriate lessons that incorporate and teach the design thinking
process.

● Classroom Management: Encourage positive student behavior and classroom
community through strong classroom management skills.

● Communication Skills: Use excellent oral and written communication skills to
maintain open communication channels with peers, administrators, faculty,
students, and parents. Provide updates on student progress, understanding of skills,
and classroom activities while cultivating strong home-school partnerships. Have
the ability to work with students in a supportive and productive manner.

● Collaboration Skills: Consistent, positive collaboration with a team of talented
faculty and supportive administrators. Excellent time management skills and an
understanding of how timeliness and responsibility affect the whole.

● Community Engagement: Engage in and support a positive, healthy faculty culture.
Engagement at Peck looks like investing in the whole life of our school, from
attending interscholastic sports games or the musical to participating in committees
and task forces designed to further school initiatives and embrace community-wide
events throughout the year.

● Cultural Awareness: Demonstrate the ability and desire to understand, appreciate,
and interact with people from other cultures or belief systems. Dedication to
supporting students’ academic, social, and emotional well-being.

● Technology Skills: Ability to navigate the Google Suite of applications (Gmail,
Google Calendar, Google Drive, Google Slides, etc.). Comfort using or learning
technology as part of Peck’s systemic workflow (Zoom, Apple AirPlay, Google
Classroom, printers, copiers, etc.).

A Peck Teacher
A Peck Teacher is passionate about teaching and learning, is professional, and
demonstrates excellence in teaching. Peck Teachers plan and deliver engaging lessons that
inspire student success and promote consideration of others. They know each student well,
build relationships, and facilitate a safe, respectful, and inclusive learning environment.
Peck Teachers effectively communicate with members of the school community and
partner with Peck families to guide and enrich a student’s development. They demonstrate
comprehensive content knowledge, and, as lifelong learners, they expand their teaching
skills repertoire. Peck Teachers are respected community members who engage actively
with the Peck community.

The Peck School seeks to create a culture of belonging. We welcome the unique
contributions of individuals from diverse backgrounds. Qualified applicants are offered
top-tier pay, exceptionally strong benefits, and a robust professional development
program.

To learn more about The Peck School and working at Peck, please visit us online.