MS Science 6 Long-Term Substitute Teacher

Wildwood School is currently seeking a dynamic educator who is interested in and responsive to an evolving and innovative educational environment. Central to its K-12 program is our emphasis on student-centered inquiry that is hands-on, collaborative, discerning, and reflective. Students are expected to think critically in authentic ways about how to think (not what to think) and to develop a sense of intrinsic motivation as lifelong learners. Learning at Wildwood is rigorous and complex. Essential questions with a focus on transferable and enduring understanding provide students with footholds as they work to master the discipline-specific standards of their various courses. During their analysis of case studies, exploration in fieldwork, evidence-based argumentation in writing, hypothesis testing in lab work, and synthesis of perspectives on small group projects, Wildwood students gain an understanding of who they are, how they think, how they feel, what they can do, and why.

Position Description

Our current opening for a sixth-grade science teacher calls for an educator adept at introducing a variety of scientific skills to our sixth-grade students. Specifically, sixth-grade science focuses on proficiency in scientific writing, integrated use of technology, mathematical problem solving, and scientific investigation using laboratory skills in experiments.  A fuller course description is available in the Middle School Curriculum Guide.

This long-term substitute position will be responsible for units such as: Characteristic Properties of Matter, Physical vs. Chemical Changes, Thermal Energy, Particles, and Reaction Rate, and Kinetic Energy. This long-term substitute position will begin in October 2026 and conclude at the end of the first semester in December 2026.

A note about advisory: This comprehensive program is a hallmark of a Wildwood education from grades 5 through 12. Advisors serve on a team with other advisors at the same grade level and travel together as a cohort with the same group of single-aged advisees until 8th grade, when they present a Gateway. The advisory curriculum is anchored in core principles and program strands and is refined each year to ensure relevance and richness for students.

Key duties of Wildwood teachers include:

• Creating, planning, and delivering curricula that meet the goals of the K-12 scope and sequence


• Creating lesson plans and instructional materials for the classroom


• Guiding and supporting student learning, differentiating appropriately


• Consulting with school administrators to support the learning and growth of each student


• Collaborating with colleagues, maintaining healthy and respectful communication


• Regularly assessing the progress of each student to plan and support student growth and development


• Providing comprehensive feedback in narrative form at the end of the first semester in December.


• Maintaining professional and timely communication with both students and parents/guardians, particularly regarding students’ academic progress


• Writing clear and concise progress reports to communicate students’ progress and learning needs to parents/guardians and students


• Meeting administrative deadlines in a timely manner (e.g., narratives, emergency/first aid training, Child Abuse Reporting Acknowledgement, etc.)


• Keeping accurate records: attendance, accidents, expenses


• Attending all faculty meetings (divisional, K-12, department, committee, etc.) and other school events


• Purchasing, with the approval of the school director, relevant instructional materials that deepen learning


• Maintaining a clean and orderly classroom/laboratory


• Supporting social and emotional development of students through caring interactions and instruction, and, more formally, through advisory and DEIB programming


• Covering lunch and break supervision


• Chaperoning the middle school retreat (three days and two nights at an offsite location)


• Arriving to work on time and being present (on campus) during regular working hours unless absence is approved by a director

Wildwood teachers are active participants in the life of the school beyond their classrooms. Additional responsibilities of a long-term substitute Wildwood teacher are to:

• If assigned to cover advisory, provide support as an advisor, executing Wildwood’s advisory curriculum with an emphasis on social-emotional learning, multicultural skill building, and academic oversight 


• Contribute to the work of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging


• Attend overnight retreats and evening/weekend student events throughout the year


• Provide supervision for lunch, recess, and passing periods


• Maintain an up-to-date Learning Management System


• Write narrative feedback on the first semester of student work and complete Student Skills assessments.

Requirements

• Minimum of three years of teaching experience, preferably with middle school-aged students


• BA or higher in Science or Math fields, or a closely related field of study


• Experience facilitating or co-facilitating an advisory group


• Demonstrated passion for working with young people


• Record of commitment to professional development and growth


• Eagerness to contribute to the life of the school in and out of the classroom


• Experience in a school with a similar philosophy and approach to teaching and learning to those at Wildwood preferred

Professional Development

As lifelong learners, Wildwood teachers are encouraged to bring their skills and passions into the school’s collaborative and innovative curricular framework. Faculty and staff engage actively in task forces, work groups, and committees, fostering cross-divisional interactions and enhancing student learning through joint curriculum design and project development. From weekly meetings with topics ranging from academic to DEIB to SEL skill building, to and for teachers, to K-12 professional development days, to workshops and conferences both locally and nationally, Wildwood School prioritizes professional development with robust budgets and pathways for learning. Of particular note: Faculty interested in developing new or refining existing curriculum are encouraged to apply for funds for the Research Exploration and Advancement Program, which funds up to $10,000 in self-directed summer study anywhere in the world. Wildwood embraces faculty and staff who contribute to multicultural education, global citizenship, and a diverse, inclusive community.

School Location

Located on the Westside of Los Angeles, close to the 405 and 10 freeways, and within walking distance to the Expo/Bundy Station, Wildwood School’s Middle/Upper campus is near museums and natural landmarks, making it ideal for student fieldwork and learning outside the classroom. School employees live as close as a few blocks away or as far away as Pasadena or areas east of East Los Angeles.

Salary Range: $70,000 - $135,000. The higher end of the range is reserved for those with decades of experience and/or advanced degrees.

 Wildwood School is an urban, coed, college-preparatory, K-12 school in West Los Angeles recognized for its innovative practices, progressive pedagogy, and commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB)  programming. In operation for over 50 years, the school enrolls 740 students in three divisions on two campuses. Wildwood School’s deep commitment to ongoing professional development feeds a renowned Outreach Center that has provided programming for public and independent school teachers, administrators, and trustees in 16 states and eight countries. Wildwood is a founding member of the Mastery Transcript Consortium.

Wildwood School is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions based on merit. We aim to have the best available talent in every position.

Wildwood School policy prohibits unlawful discrimination based on race, color, creed, sex, gender identity, religion, marital status, registered domestic partner status, age, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, including genetic characteristics, sexual orientation, or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state, or local law or ordinance or regulation. Wildwood School also prohibits unlawful discrimination based on the perception that anyone has any of those characteristics or is associated with a person who has or is perceived as having any of those characteristics. All such discrimination is unlawful.