Science Teacher

State of Connecticut • Cheshire, CT

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Connecticut Department of Correction Unified School District #1 is seeking a Science Teacher to provide educational programming to incarcerated individuals. The district follows a 12-month school calendar, and this is a full-time, 35-hour-per-week position on a first shift, Monday through Friday. An example schedule is 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. with a 30-minute unpaid lunch. Selected candidates must attend a 14-week training program at the CTDOC Training Academy. A lesson plan presentation in front of students at a correctional facility may be part of the interview process.

The teacher delivers appropriate curricula in a state institution, facility, or region within the state unified school district. USD #1 offers academic, vocational, and life-skills programs in a positive environment for incarcerated learners, including K-12 and high school programs, Adult Basic Education, GED, Credit Diploma, English language instruction, and career-technical education.

Candidates must hold an active Initial, Provisional, or Professional Connecticut teaching endorsement appropriate to the assignment; short- and long-term permits and DSAP certifications are not accepted. The posting states that selected candidates have six months from their hire date to obtain the applicable endorsement. A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university is required. Candidates new to state service start at Step One, in the pay tier corresponding to their highest education level. Listed annual salaries are $72,275 for a bachelor’s degree, $75,900 for a master’s degree, and $81,208 for a sixth-year degree.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• Valid Connecticut State Board of Education teaching certificate appropriate to the teaching assignment; endorsements must be active Initial, Provisional, or Professional. DSAP certifications and other short- or long-term permits are not accepted.
• Candidates teaching science must hold one of these Connecticut endorsements: Biology, Grades 4–12 (030); Chemistry, Grades 4–12 (031); Earth Science, Grades 4–12 (033); General Science, Grades 4–12 (034); or Physics, Grades 4–12 (032).
• Incumbents must meet State Board of Education requirements for an initial educator certificate for External Diploma Program/Noncredited Mandated Programs (107). Secondary-certified candidates must also meet requirements for an initial educator certificate for High School Credit Diploma Program (106).
• Selected candidates must obtain the applicable endorsement within six months of their hire date.
• Knowledge of education and teaching philosophies and methods, including practices for special-needs populations, student program needs, and goal setting.
• Ability to motivate students, communicate at an appropriate level, establish cooperative relationships, and prepare written reports.
• Ability to understand different student learning styles and teach to students’ ability levels.
• Ability to work with different disciplines and knowledge of classroom routines and discipline.
• Strong personal and interpersonal skills.
• A current Connecticut motor vehicle operator’s license may be required.
• Candidates must undergo a background investigation before appointment.

Nice To Haves

• Experience teaching a diverse group of people.
• Experience working in a correctional institution setting.
• Experience teaching groups with differing levels of education.
• A Connecticut endorsement in Biology, Grades 4–12 (030); Chemistry, Grades 4–12 (031); Earth Science, Grades 4–12 (033); General Science, Grades 4–12 (034); or Physics, Grades 4–12 (032).

Responsibilities

• Teach early intervention, elementary, secondary, special-subject, and/or special-education curricula, including science courses.
• Develop educational plans for individuals and groups, matching material to students’ ability levels.
• Set short- and long-term goals and evaluate student progress.
• Participate in planning-team meetings and case-review conferences to assess student behavior.
• Hold conferences with parents or officials concerned with student performance, as needed.
• Relate to professionals in ancillary educational roles and work with a variety of disciplines.
• Maintain student records and write reports.
• Model positive teaching practices.
• Prioritize safety and security for staff, victims, citizens, and offenders.
• Follow the class schedule provided by school administration, understanding that it may change unexpectedly.

Benefits

• Option to maintain the State of Connecticut Teacher Retirement Plan or enroll in the State Employee Retirement System.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Potential eligibility for Federal Student Loan Forgiveness after 10 years of service, subject to program requirements.
• Variety of medical and dental plans.
• Hybrid retirement plan that may include retiree health insurance.
• Sick and personal leave.
• Five weeks of scheduled vacation time.
• Annual $1,000 lump-sum payment.
• Meaningful work, opportunities, diversity, and emphasis on work/life balance.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level