Science Teacher - Human Anatomy & Physiology/Biology

gogunn.org  |  Washington, CT

The Frederick Gunn School, founded in 1850, is a co-ed boarding and day school for students in grades 9-12 as well as a post-graduate year. Mr. Gunn had a deep appreciation for the natural world, believing that in nature students understand themselves as humans and their place in the world. He took a principled stand against slavery and spurred students (and the town at large) to examine their beliefs. In addition to the habits and skills students will need in college and life beyond, we teach them to follow Mr. Gunn’s example: to cultivate wisdom, to be trailblazers, to act with conviction, and to value character as highly as intellect and achievement. 

Our continuous focus on moral character development intentionally engages all members of our school in the work of creating an inclusive and equitable living and learning ecosystem.  Community and citizenship are at the heart of our aspiration to both social justice and academic excellence, with individual diversity integral to the strength of that community. When we embrace difference and pursue school life with respect, equity, and compassion, we build a foundation for engaged citizens.

In keeping with the tenets of our founder Frederick Gunn, who was himself a prominent abolitionist and progressive educator, The Frederick Gunn School seeks to provide a pluralistic learning environment for all inclusive of (but not limited to): culture, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, national origin, learning differences, physical difference, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic differences.  

We invite applicants who resonate with our mission and who will foster an environment of cultural and intellectual richness and an active participant in advancing equity and inclusion.

Summary

The Frederick Gunn School is seeking candidates for a full-time science teacher position to teach during our 24/25 School Year(specifically Human Anatomy & Physiology and Biology - having flexibility teaching and instilling scientific skills is prioritized). Applicants must enjoy working with high school students of all ages, both in and outside the classroom, must understand and embrace the values of a boarding school community, and must bring passion and energy to the classroom. Further, they should have a devoted interest in the study of science and using the various disciplines of science as vehicles to increase the scientific literacy of their students and of the community as a whole.  Regardless of which courses they teach, at The Frederick Gunn School, all science teachers share commonality in the skills we seek to instill and strengthen in our students through laboratory work, activities, observations, and content.  Candidates should also prioritize student safety in the lab and be prepared to manage frequent lab activities in a way that advances the students’ ability to engage in a scientific process.  Lastly, the Science Department works closely with the Director of the IDEAS program and evolving this collaboration is a departmental priority.  This position also serves as a coach, a dorm parent, and an adviser to a group of students. 

Responsibilities

The general responsibilities of a full-time science teacher at The Frederick Gunn School include: 

• Engage students enthusiastically in the science being taught. Aim to encourage, inspire, increase literacy and appreciation of science topics and analytical skills.  Manage a classroom that facilitates student learning.
• Teach up to four courses with primary responsibility being in one section of Biology and two sections of Human Anatomy and Physiology. Ability/willingness to teach disciplines is preferred. 
• Assist in managing the organization of the lab spaces and equipment utilized by the teacher in cooperation with the other teachers assigned to that space.
• Prepare course materials such as syllabi, quizzes, tests, and handouts.
• Provide guidance to students, including extra help and review sessions, that promotes their educational development and personal growth.
• Assess the progress of students on a regular basis and provide written reports as required.
• Work with the other science faculty as well as the Director of the IDEAS program as a team seeking ways to reflect on our program and various ways in which scientific literacy may be enhanced through our various courses, clubs, and other aspects of community life.  
• Cooperate with and participate in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of the science program at The Frederick Gunn School.  
• Strive to remain up to date with current science news/events and seeks to guide students in being savvy consumers of science news.  
• Use various pedagogical approaches in the classroom.
• Communicate effectively with both students and adults.

Faculty Philosophy 

As members of a boarding school community, FGS faculty members are actively involved in all aspects of campus life, as teachers, coaches, dorm parents, mentors, and extra-curricular advisors. What this means for students is important – faculty members are accessible, we take learning seriously and support student explorations of many paths. It takes a community of individuals dedicated to becoming their best selves to chart the way. In 1870, founder Frederick Gunn wrote, “There is an unconscious influence, a mysterious, silent emanation going out from the personality of every teacher which is one of the strong forces of nature. Silent as the force of gravity, more powerful than the will of man, this influence works like the unnoticed electricity of the atmosphere, and makes it certain that every teacher will actually teach that which he is.” Joining our faculty means joining a rich history and an embedded philosophy that we all serve as positive influences on the lives of our students. 

Job Details 

Immediate opening for the 24/25 school year. Offer of employment will be contingent upon a successful background check. 

Compensation 

The Frederick Gunn School offers an attractive compensation package that includes a salary commensurate with experience.

To Apply 

Please submit the following materials in PDF format to lyonj@frederickgunn.org.

• Resume 
• Cover letter 
• Transcript(s) 
• Two to four letters of recommendation

The Frederick Gunn School is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Except in cases of a bona fide occupational qualification or need, or except as otherwise permitted or required by law, The Frederick Gunn School does not discriminate against applicants for employment on the basis of race, color, religious creed, age, sex, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, present or past history of mental disorder, intellectual disability, learning disability or physical disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, victims of domestic violence  or any other protected class status under applicable law with respect to hiring, compensation, promotion, discharge from employment or other terms and conditions of employment. Position announcements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to the job title and the education and skills required. Descriptions are not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties and skills that are required or may be required in the future. 

BACKGROUND SCREENING: The Frederick Gunn School conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer, which includes using a third-party administrator to conduct the checks.

Core Values 

Integrated Humans 

Thriving people learn to integrate the intellectual, the physical, the spiritual, and the emotional through an examination of the place of each, discernment about their relative role, and a commitment to balance and flourishing. 

Hopeful Faculty 

We prize faculty who believe resiliently, optimistically and with good humor in the students’ and faculty’s collective ability to grow and learn; know their discipline and practice, and understand character development. A faculty oriented around these principles will earn the confidence of students and create a place of purpose and fun where faculty and students want to be. 

Learning Ecosystem 

Thriving communities recognize the interdependent nature of their parts. Therefore, The Frederick Gunn School is a school that champions the interdisciplinary and inter-experiential nature of life and learning - one that incorporates the outdoors, athletics, and arts, as well as academics, into everyday life. 

Moral Character Development 

We are a school that nurtures Mr. Gunn’s belief in character as the driving force in a life well-lived, and that character emerges through the intentional pursuit—in knowledge and practice—of what is good, right, true, sustainable, and beautiful. 

Engaged Citizens 

The Frederick Gunn School is a school that, despite growing cultural apathy, cynicism, consumerism and distraction, produces people who care deeply - who become wise, engaged, active citizens.

About The Frederick Gunn School

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