Biology Teacher (SY26-27, High School)

The Role: What You’ll Do

As the 9th grade Biology Teacher at Veritas Prep High School you’ll provide engaging and rigorous instruction in science and specifically biology that will prepare students for college-level work. You’ll teach biology through meaningful phenomena, case studies and projects that are relevant to students’ lives and build Scientific Practices as defined by NGSS. You’ll work with a team to create a community where students of all identities feel safe, seen, and included, centering students in the classroom and fostering student-led discourse, critical thinking, and leadership skills. You’ll collaborate with content and grade level colleagues and our higher education partners for coherence and alignment in our work and efficiency in preparing students for the next level.

You’ll also:

• Teach all 9th grade Biology classes, aligning with English around cross-cutting literacy skills. You’ll provide targeted supports to students where appropriate
• Teach a 9th grade Seminar course focused on college, career and life readiness, using the Naviance platform and a curriculum aligned with our college partners.
• Utilize and continually strengthen your deep content knowledge to prepare high-quality, effective lessons
• Learn, contribute to and use school-wide routines and systems that help our school run smoothly and keep the focus on teaching and learning
• Use data to make decisions and to support the growth of our students in the classroom
• Support the development of valuable college and career readiness skills and embed this skill-building into your lessons and daily interactions
• Build deep relationships and actively partner and communicate with parents, families, and community partners
• Engage in learning about and supporting anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion in education
• Support a school-wide student-centered culture, providing opportunities for student feedback and leadership
• Actively engage in professional development

Requirements

Candidates should apply if they align with our values of:

• Students First: We make decisions with our students in mind and know our actions model the way.
• Grow Together: We are role models of growth mindset, teamwork, and collaboration.
• One Team, One Mission: We cheer for, lean on, and support each other as we play unique roles in support of the same mission.

Qualifications:

• Demonstrates an unwavering belief that all students can meet and exceed grade-level academic standards.
• Exhibits a commitment to continuous professional growth and reflective practice as an educator.
• Builds and sustains positive, collaborative, and effective working relationships with colleagues and stakeholders.
• Communicates clearly and effectively in both oral and written contexts.
• Maintains consistent, reliable, and punctual attendance.
• Bachelor’s degree required.
• One to three years of teaching experience preferred.
• Massachusetts DESE Elementary Licensure Preferred, or eligibility to achieve Highly Qualified status within one year of employment, demonstrated by:
• a passing score on the Communications and Literacy Skills (Reading and Writing) MTEL, and
• a passing score on the Biology MTEL (or equivalent), and
• Sheltered English Immersion (SEI) endorsement.
• Authorized to work in the United States, with valid work authorization in place by the first day of employment.

Veritas Prep is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against employees or qualified job applicants on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran or military status, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity or expression, or any other status or condition protected by applicable law. This policy extends to, but is not limited to, recruitment, selection, compensation, benefits, promotion, training, and termination

Benefits

Veritas Prep offers competitive salaries and comprehensive benefit packages that include the following:

• Salary Range for this position is $58,000-$100,000 exclusive of fringe benefits.
• If hired, your final base salary will be determined based on factors such as skills, education, and/or experience.
• In addition to those factors, we believe in the importance of pay equity and consider internal equity of our current team members as part of any final offer.
• Keep in mind, the above range is the full base salary range for this position. Hiring at the maximum of the range would not be typical in order to allow for future and continued salary growth.
• We also offer a generous benefits package for full-time staff that includes, but not limited to the following:
• Health, Vision and Dental Insurance Plans
• Paid Family/Medical Leave Insurance (private and meets state requirements)
• Long-Term Disability and Life Insurance (100% employer paid)
• Enrollment in Massachusetts Teachers' Retirement System (teacher pension program)
• Employee Assistance Program (100% employer paid)
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), Health Reimbursement Account (HRA), and more...

About Veritas Prep

Veritas Prep is a public, tuition-free school in Springfield that prepares students in grades 5 through 12 to compete, achieve, and succeed in college and beyond. Veritas Prep accelerates every student’s path to college and career by helping them set a strong academic foundation in middle school and guaranteeing access to college classes and college prep support in our wall-to-wall Early College high school. 

At Veritas Prep, we are not only breaking down barriers to college access but also providing the tools students need to persist through college and prepare for a successful career. Our middle school program has been serving students in Springfield since 2012 and our scholars are supported by skilled, dedicated, and diverse teachers. Scholars learn important academic habits and are challenged to achieve at high levels academically, socially, and emotionally, setting them up for success as they enter our high school. 

Our Early College high school program, in partnership with STCC and Worcester State University, prepares students to earn high-impact college degrees, saving students up to two years’ time in college and thousands of dollars. Students can earn up to an associate degree for free, and the general studies associate degree from STCC means students enter as JUNIORS at any Massachusetts public college or university after high school graduation.

Students at Veritas Prep benefit from high academic standards and robust support, an exceptional learning environment, a diverse staff of high-quality educators, a strong commitment to social/emotional and practical skill development, and an inclusive, anti-racist community that values the identities and backgrounds of all students.