6th & 7th Grade Science Teacher

Job Description - 6th & 7th Grade Science Teacher

Company Overview

The Fund for Advancement of Minorities through Education (FAME) is a non-profit organization making a large impact on the lives of students of color in the Greater Pittsburgh area. FAME was established over 30 years ago to provide need-based scholarships to bright and talented African American students, making a high-quality independent school education possible.

FAME Academy Overview

The FAME Academy honors the comprehensive needs of talented African American student by offering a proven template of preparatory activities designed to cultivate success at an independent private high school and ultimately prepare them for college. FAME Academy programs foster a smooth, informed, and well-matched transition for its participants into FAME’s participating high schools. With our eyes on that goal, FAME Academy provides students an exceptional preparation for success in the high school of their choice.

Position Overview

FAME is seeking an experienced and enthusiastic teacher to serve as a 6th & 7th Grade Science Teacher (2 classes-6th Grade General Science & 7th Grade Biology). This position will support FAME as it continues to prepare middle school students to fully realize their educational opportunities through the FAME Academy program. A successful candidate will be able to demonstrate knowledge of content and pedagogy, knowledge of Pennsylvania's academic standards and a sound understanding of how to prepare, direct and guide instruction. Candidates with the skillset and interest in teaching another class or subject (for example, 8th Grade Chemistry or 9th Grade Physics) will be considered. The maximum number of classes per teacher will be 4 classes. Select candidates will be given the opportunity to supervise and mentor teaching fellows (student teachers) as a Cooperating Teacher, based on interest and skillset.

Essential Duties

The 6th & 7th Grade Science Teacher will be responsible for planning and delivering a rigorous Science curriculum that is comparable to that which students would see in an independent school. The responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

• Plan, prepare, and deliver lesson plans for 6th Grade General Science & 7th Grade Biology.
  
  


• Apply contemporary principles of learning theory and teaching methodology.
  
  


• Ensure lessons are rigorous, clear, and measurable.

• Facilitate active learning by teaching, guiding, and mentoring students.
  
  


• Encourage active exploration of scientific concepts, incorporate hands on learning, scientific experimentation/lab work, and inquiry-based science lessons while guiding students through the scientific method.
  
  


•  Develop and use assessments that measure student progress toward the lesson plan.
  
  


• Model and teach leadership skills.
  
  


• Maintain an organized classroom environment that facilitates learning.
  
  


• Maintain and communicate high academic and personal expectations for all students.
  
  


• Follow FAME’s policies and procedures for student conduct.
  
  


• Communicate effectively with students, parents, and colleagues.
  
  

Class Schedule

• This is a contract position for the Summer of 2025 (six weeks from June 23, 2025, through August 1, 2025) requiring some preparation and orientation time during the month of June.

• This position will teach 2 classes; interested candidates may teach up to

 4 classes total.

• The hours for teaching 2 science classes are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 8:15 am to 10:45 am.

• Instructional periods are 1 hour per class on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday
   


• The final program week will have extended hours and possibly have some overnight stays during the final week.
  
  

Compensation

• The total compensation for this position will be $1,250 per class over the summer. ($2500 total for 2 classes).
  
  


• The overnight stay opportunity is included in the total compensation.

Experience/Education Requirement

• A bachelor’s degree or higher in education and/or the subject area you will be teaching is preferred, and/or equivalent work experience in an academic setting or in a youth development environment

•  A minimum of 2 to 3 years of experience with students from underserved communities.

•  Pennsylvania teaching certification is preferred.
  
  


• Previous teaching experience, and strong knowledge in the area(s) of specialization.
  
  


• Must have current clearances valid within the last 24 months or willingness to obtain the clearances; expenses paid by the contractor.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to be a culturally responsive educator who knows how to leverage students' unique skills, interests, and learning styles to create a learning experience that includes and empowers students.
  
  


• Knowledge of academic content, college-prep curriculum, and ability to produce and achieve program outcomes.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  
  


•  Self-motivated, proactive, and able to troubleshoot and efficiently solve problems.

• Comfortable working independently as well as collaboratively as a member of a team.
  
  


• Able to multitask, forge strong relationships and thrive in a fast-paced environment.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office
  
  


• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs.
  
  

Location

4060 Allequippa St.

Pittsburgh, PA 15261

Department

FAME Academy

Employment Type

Contractor

Minimum Experience

Mid-level

Compensation

$1250 per class