Upper School Math and Science Teacher

Job Summary

As a Middle School Science & Math Specialist at Hydrostone Academy, you will foster curiosity, analytical thinking, and scientific inquiry in young adolescents. Our academic year is anchored by five foundational pillars: Mindfulness, Outdoor Education, Integrated Arts, Community, and Culturally Sustaining Academics.

In this role, you will deliver hands-on, inquiry-based math and science instruction aligned with the Nova Scotia curriculum while actively contributing to our transition toward the International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme (MYP) framework. You will guide students to see real-world connections in STEM subjects, build resilience in problem-solving, and embrace global citizenship.

Key Responsibilities

Instruction & Curriculum Development

• Inquiry-Based Teaching: Design and deliver engaging, hands-on Science and Math curricula for Grades 6–8 using Universal Design for Learning (UDL), restorative practices, and decolonizing pedagogical approaches.
• IB MYP Alignment: Support Hydrostone Academy's submission for IB candidacy by aligning math and science units with IB MYP objectives, interdisciplinary learning, global contexts, and the IB Learner Profile attributes.
• Field & Experiential Learning: Integrate outdoor education into STEM lessons, utilizing local environment resources and participating fully in multi-day outdoor trips (e.g., Fall and Spring camping trips or expeditions to Fleming Park).
• Mindfulness Integration: Build brief mindfulness practices into daily classroom routines to support adolescent self-reflection, stress management, and emotional resilience.

Student Assessment & Success Planning

• Comprehensive Progress Reporting: Prepare detailed, strengths-based report cards three times a year, highlighting academic mastery, problem-solving skills, and character growth.
• Individualized Success Plans: Review incoming student files, update success plans with specific learning goals and accommodations, and collaborate with families during parent-teacher meetings to monitor ongoing growth.

School Community & Operations

• Campus Presence: Maintain a consistent presence on campus by arriving at least 30 minutes before class and staying 30 minutes after class to assist with dismissals, extracurricular transitions, and colleague collaboration.
• Extracurricular Leadership: Actively lead or supervise at least one student club, committee, or extracurricular activity (e.g., Robotics, Mathletes, Science Fair, or Environmental Club).
• Administrative Systems: Utilize DreamClass daily for attendance, incident tracking, and documenting direct family communications.
• Collaboration & Growth: Participate in weekly 90-minute staff meetings, engage in team planning, and pursue continuous professional development (including IB training and Nova Scotia curriculum updates).

Qualifications & Requirements

• Education & Certification: Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) with a specialization or proven experience in Middle School Mathematics and Natural Sciences; valid provincial teaching certification required.
• Experience: Direct experience teaching STEM subjects to middle school students (Grades 6–8).
• Curriculum Familiarity: Strong understanding of the Nova Scotia Science and Math curricula; familiarity with (or commitment to training in) the IB MYP framework.
• Outdoor & Experiential Readiness: Capability and enthusiasm to participate in outdoor education experiences and overnight camping trips.
• Communication & Tech Skills: Excellent interpersonal skills, proactive family communication habits, and proficiency with school management software (e.g., DreamClass).
• Mindfulness & Inclusion: Demonstrated alignment with mindfulness practices and culturally sustaining, equity-focused teaching approaches.