The Branch School

Middle School Science Teacher (Grades 5-8)
Reports to Head of School
Subject to change based on school needs

At Branch, we believe in the power of loving to learn, learning to lead, and leading with love.  These guiding principles shape our community and mission.

As a school that serves Pre-K, elementary, and middle school students, we encourage a love of learning, foster leadership skills, and promote leading with compassion and integrity.  A Branch teacher should be energetic, creative, kind, and have a passion for working with children. They should also embrace a strong commitment to differentiated instruction, student-centered teaching, and collaboration with colleagues and families.  We ask all our educators to foster a classroom environment that supports academic excellence, social-emotional development, and a lifelong love of learning.

All Branch employees are expected to uphold the campus mission, which is love to learn, learn to lead, and lead with love. In addition, all team members must demonstrate and support our core values:

Unlimited Potential: Grounded in our Christian Science roots, we believe that every child is whole and capable, with unlimited potential for growth.

Belonging: Belonging means more than fitting in. It means being truly seen and values as your authentic self within a nurturing and connected community.

Kindness: Kindness is the heartbeat of our school and shapes the way we act, speak, listen, learn, and grow together, both inside and outside the classroom.

Students First: Recognizing that every child is unique, we make thoughtful, child-centered decisions that prioritize what is best for each individual academically, emotionally, and socially.

Embracing Diversity: We are committed to cultivating a community that is diverse and just, where all are valued. We don’t simply promote diversity, it is who we are.

Academic Excellence: We are committed to high standards in teaching, learning, and achievement. Collectively, as students, faculty, and staff, we strive for excellence in all aspect of The Branch School.

Core Responsibilities

Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment

• Plan and implement engaging, developmentally appropriate lessons aligned with the school’s mission and curriculum.
• Design and teach lessons that incorporate school-approved accommodations to address diverse student learning styles.
• Follow the school's instructional philosophy and create lesson plans that meet the curriculum requirements, providing written documentation of preparation as required.
• Foster critical thinking and problem-solving through an inquiry-based approach for all students.
• Regularly assess, both formally and informally, student understanding and adjust instruction accordingly.
• Prepare and distribute student progress reports and report cards in a timely and accurate manner.
• Collaborate with staff to establish instructional goals, objectives, and methods aligned with school and curriculum guidelines.
• Plan and oversee the work of teacher aides and volunteers, when appropriate.
• Leverage technology to enhance the teaching and learning process.
• Plan and organize field trips aligned with the curriculum and standards, ensuring all school guidelines are followed. Obtain Head of School approval for all field trips in advance.

Classroom Management & Student Support

• Create a safe, respectful, and nurturing classroom environment.
• Encourage student responsibility, independence, and collaborative behaviors.
• Set and model clear behavioral expectations, aligned with the school’s Standards of Conduct.
• Respond constructively to students’ needs, attitudes, and behaviors.
• Promote the development of positive peer relationships and a sense of classroom community.
• Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities. Assist in selecting books, equipment, and other instructional resources when requested.
• Consistently supervise and keep track of the students under your responsibility throughout the school day and at school-sponsored events.

Professional Development & Collaboration

• Participate in faculty meetings, committees, and school events.
• Engage in ongoing professional growth through workshops, courses, and conferences.
• Collaborate with colleagues to support curriculum development and student success.
• Engage in professional development activities to strengthen job-related skills. Stay informed of and adhere to all state, federal, and school policies and regulations for classroom teachers.

School Community & Communication

• Build strong, supportive relationships with students, parents, and colleagues.
• Communicate regularly and effectively with families about student progress and classroom activities.
• Foster and maintain open communication through conferences with parents, students, administrators, and fellow teachers. Build and sustain professional relationships with colleagues, students, parents, administrators, and members of the community.

• Communicate information clearly and accurately using effective communication skills.
• Record all significant parent communication using the school-approved system.

• Represent the school positively in both internal and external communications.
• Participate in school-wide activities and public relations events as needed.
• Take responsibility for assigned extracurricular activities and oversee approved off-campus events under the direction of the Head of School.
• Conduct parent-teacher conferences and maintain ongoing communication with families.
• Distribute weekly At-a-Glance updates to parents and students through the school-approved student information system, making updates as necessary
• Take part in school events throughout the year, including those held during and after the school day, as well as some weekends. Examples: Open Houses, parent meetings, and community-building activities.

• Welcome and accommodate prospective families who wish to observe the classroom throughout the school year.
• Assist with school-wide initiatives, duties, and special projects as assigned by administration.

Classroom Environment & Operations

• Maintain an organized, welcoming, and stimulating classroom space.
• Share responsibility for the cleanliness and upkeep of shared learning environments.
• Contribute to a collegial and professional school atmosphere.

Other Duties as Assigned

• Perform other duties as assigned

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those required to perform the essential functions of this position, with or without reasonable accommodation:

• Prolonged standing, walking, and occasional sitting
• Frequent bending, kneeling, crouching, and reaching
• Ability to lift and carry up to 25–30 pounds
• Use of hands for writing, typing, and handling materials
• Ability to supervise and move quickly in response to student needs
• Clear verbal and auditory communication in a classroom setting
• Ability to work indoors and outdoors in varying conditions
• Visual and auditory awareness to maintain a safe environment

Job Start date:  August 1, 2026

10 month position

Salary and Benefits:

Salary is commensurate with experience and education.

• Salary Range- $54,000 to $64,000

The Branch School offers a generous benefits package including:

• Medical
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Dental
• Vision
• Life/AD&D
• Supplemental Insurance
• 401K plan with match
• PTO and Vacation

How to Apply:

• A cover letter explaining your interest in the position, including your educational
• An updated resume
• Contact information for three professional

Please send cover letter, resume and references to Robbin Mills, External Engagement Coordinator, HR Liaison, millsr@thebranchschool.org.

The Branch School is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Education, or Science related field preferred
• Must be certified to teach; Science certification preferred
• Ability to teach multiple science modalities at middle school level, including earth science, life science, physical science and aquatic science
• A strong understanding of childhood development and age-appropriate practices.
• Prior experience working in a middle school classroom setting preferred.
• Ability to take direction and initiative while working in a team environment.
• Professional, reliable, and nurturing demeanor.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and/or Google Suite is a plus.

About The Branch School

The mission of The Branch School is to inspire every child to love, learn, and lead in an atmosphere of genuine acceptance and support. Because Branch students feel secure socially and emotionally, they also blossom intellectually and academically. We see each child’s potential as unlimited. Across our preschool-8th grade continuum, we instill a drive toward discovery, intellectual resilience, and leadership ability. All our students experience project-based, hands-on learning with a Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Math (STEAM) focus. We offer challenging academics and collaborative learning opportunities and help each student develop critical-thinking capacities, creative problem-solving skills, and a lifelong love of learning. Our students learn that great leadership begins with good listening and with respect for the ideas and feelings of those around you. At Branch, our philosophical approach and programming encourage thoughtful character development, support a strong sense of citizenship and stewardship, and teach important peacemaking skills.

Connections working at The Branch School