Physics Teacher

Norfolk Public School District•Norfolk, VA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Teaches skills, knowledge, and scientific attitudes through courses in general science, earth science, biology, chemistry, physics, environmental science, or oceanography (or other as assigned). This is specialized teaching work performed in a classroom. The teacher is directly responsible to the principal or his/her designee. Instructs pupils in course content matter specified by the Virginia Standards of Learning and adheres to policies and procedures of the school district. Plans a student-centered science program based on the inquiry approach to active learning, lively, interactive discussions, and organized laboratory investigations for optimum learning, to include 50% laboratory experience for students. Demonstrates scientific concepts by use of scientific apparatus, experiments, and technological tools and applications appropriate to the course content. Provides individual, cooperative, or small-group instruction to adapt the curriculum to pupils' individual needs and learning styles and to accommodate circumstances in which a variety of projects and experiments are being worked on simultaneously. Instructs pupils in proper use, care, and safe handling of chemicals, science and technology equipment, and plant and animal life. Provides for safe storage and proper use of materials and tools. Reports and requests repairs to equipment as required. Establishes and maintains high standards of pupil behavior for a productive learning environment during class sessions, laboratory sessions, and field trips. Provides a variety of assessment opportunities for students to demonstrate deep understanding/mastery of the coursework. Selects and requests science books, instructional aids, equipment, chemicals, and supplies, and maintains inventory records as required. Maintains professional competence through professional development opportunities provided by the district and/or self-selected professional growth activities. Identifies pupils’ diverse needs and cooperates with other professional staff members to help students maximize their individual learning potential. Participates in curriculum development, other programs, and professional organizations. Assists students in selection and development of individual and group scientific research projects. Cooperates with school administration in providing science displays and programs for the school and community, and in sponsoring science activities. Maintains ongoing communication with school guidance counselors and parents on pupil progress. Supervises pupils in out-of-classroom activities during the assigned workday. Participates in faculty committees and sponsors student activities. Participates cooperatively with the principal or designee in the evaluation process in conformance with district guidelines. In addition to instructional duties, he/she will stay current on scientific research findings, maintain professional standards, serve on committees to advise on non-academic affairs such as school discipline, honors, awards, assemblies, and participate in local and national science professional organizations.

Requirements

Baccalaureate degree with a Major or Minor in science area (Physics).
Eligible for, or in possession of, appropriate Virginia Teaching Certificate.
Tuberculin Skin Test certifying that the individual is free of contagious tuberculosis.
Above average amount of walking, bending, standing, stooping, lifting in a classroom environment and laboratories.
Work involves exposure to potentially dangerous chemicals, gases, and other solutions in laboratories and normal everyday risks in the classroom.
In-depth knowledge of the subject(s) to be taught.
Demonstrates knowledge of current principles and methodologies of effective pedagogy, including the latest scientific research techniques, technological instrumentation, and multi-media research tools used in the subject area.
Ability to deliver articulate oral presentations and written reports and effectively interact with pupils, colleagues, administrators, and classified employees.

Responsibilities

Teaches skills, knowledge, and scientific attitudes through courses in general science, earth science, biology, chemistry, physics, environmental science, or oceanography (or other as assigned).
Instructs pupils in course content matter specified by the Virginia Standards of Learning and adheres to policies and procedures of the school district.
Plans a student-centered science program based on the inquiry approach to active learning, lively, interactive discussions, and organized laboratory investigations for optimum learning, to include 50% laboratory experience for students.
Demonstrates scientific concepts by use of scientific apparatus, experiments, and technological tools and applications appropriate to the course content.
Provides individual, cooperative, or small-group instruction to adapt the curriculum to pupils' individual needs and learning styles and to accommodate circumstances in which a variety of projects and experiments are being worked on simultaneously.
Instructs pupils in proper use, care, and safe handling of chemicals, science and technology equipment, and plant and animal life.
Provides for safe storage and proper use of materials and tools.
Reports and requests repairs to equipment as required.
Establishes and maintains high standards of pupil behavior for a productive learning environment during class sessions, laboratory sessions, and field trips.
Provides a variety of assessment opportunities for students to demonstrate deep understanding/mastery of the coursework.
Selects and requests science books, instructional aids, equipment, chemicals, and supplies, and maintains inventory records as required.
Maintains professional competence through professional development opportunities provided by the district and/or self-selected professional growth activities.
Identifies pupils’ diverse needs and cooperates with other professional staff members to help students maximize their individual learning potential.
Participates in curriculum development, other programs, and professional organizations.
Assists students in selection and development of individual and group scientific research projects.
Cooperates with school administration in providing science displays and programs for the school and community, and in sponsoring science activities.
Maintains ongoing communication with school guidance counselors and parents on pupil progress.
Supervises pupils in out-of-classroom activities during the assigned workday.
Participates in faculty committees and sponsors student activities.
Participates cooperatively with the principal or designee in the evaluation process in conformance with district guidelines.
Stays current on scientific research findings.
Maintains professional standards.
Serves on committees to advise on non-academic affairs such as school discipline, honors, awards, assemblies.
Participates in local and national science professional organizations.