LOWER SCHOOL SCIENCE TEACHER (GRADES K-5)
Hawken School is committed to doing school differently and better. We seek to create an inclusive and accepting community where adults are empowered to design educational experiences for students that are deep and learner-centered. Hawken School seeks culturally competent teachers, administrators, and staff members who are committed to equity and social justice, who are comfortable taking risks, and who embrace a growth mindset. We are constantly looking for new ways to inspire student curiosity and agency while remaining dedicated to nurturing compassion and kindness in our students.
THE POSITION
Hawken School is seeking a dynamic and innovative individual committed to teaching the whole child. The ideal candidate will teach science to students in kindergarten through fifth grade, with dedicated time set aside for science as part of our special area classes. While the position includes independent teaching responsibilities, collaboration with classroom teaching teams is highly preferred to support interdisciplinary learning. Candidates should be eager to work in an innovative and collaborative team-based environment with thoughtful colleagues who are committed to doing school better. We are looking for educators who bring flexibility, adaptability, creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving skills to their work with students and the professional community.
Because Hawken believes in supporting teachers’ passions, deepening their expertise, and fueling their spirit of innovation, we provide substantive professional development opportunities that lead to the kinds of excellence that are a hallmark of our community.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES
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Create Engaging, Hands-On Learning Experiences – Design and implement daily inquiry-based science lessons for kindergarten through fifth-grade students that encourage curiosity, critical thinking, and problem-solving. Incorporate hands-on exploration, real-world connections, and interdisciplinary learning to make science meaningful and relevant.
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Foster a Culture of Scientific Thinking – Guide students in developing the habits of mind of scientists and engineers—asking questions, testing ideas, analyzing data, and reflecting on their learning. Use Hawken’s Innovation Lab, outdoor spaces, and classroom resources to deepen scientific inquiry and experimentation.
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Collaborate Across Disciplines – Work closely with classroom teachers, special area faculty, and the Innovation Lab team to integrate science with other areas of learning. Contribute to interdisciplinary projects and support a student-centered, problem-solving approach to education.
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Ensure an Inclusive and Equitable Learning Environment – Cultivate a classroom culture where all students see themselves as capable scientists. Differentiate instruction to meet diverse learning needs, incorporate multiple perspectives in science, and provide opportunities for every student to engage deeply with the subject.
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Engage in Continuous Learning and Growth – Stay current with best practices in science education, STEM, and problem-based learning. Participate in faculty collaboration, professional development, and initiatives that enhance teaching and learning across the school.
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Contribute to the Broader School Community – Support the school’s mission beyond the classroom by participating in community events, admissions efforts, and school-wide initiatives.
HAWKEN CANDIDATE COMPETENCIES
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Mission, Culture, and Philosophy Alignment – Successful candidates thrive at Hawken and are highly motivated by the school’s mission.
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Fair Play: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Justice – Successful candidates demonstrate a commitment to and experience with serving students and communities equitably.
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Relationship Building and Cultivation – Successful candidates demonstrate the ability to build relationships throughout the Hawken community.
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Content Knowledge – Successful candidates possess deep content knowledge and inspire students to a high level of excellence and challenge while taking a student-centered approach to all aspects of their work.
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Humility and Growth Mindset – Successful candidates are eager to learn new approaches and methods and collaborate effectively with others.
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Approach to Work – Successful candidates show initiative and agency with a commitment to feedback and flexible problem-solving.
THE SCHOOL
Founded on the ideal that “the better self shall prevail and each generation introduce its successor to a higher plane of life,” Hawken School is a coeducational independent day school with 1,600 students in toddler through grade 12. Our four campuses are located within 25 minutes of downtown Cleveland, and an urban extension center in the city’s museum district provides a demanding and integrated course of study in a diverse and dynamic environment.
To learn more about us, visit www.hawken.edu.
HOW TO APPLY
Please send a resume, references, and a cover letter to Molly Toussant, Director of the Lower School, at lowerschoolemployment@hawken.edu.
Hawken School is an equal-opportunity employer dedicated to promoting all forms of diversity in the workplace and in our student body. We strongly encourage all qualified individuals to apply.
An independent, coeducational, college preparatory day school, toddler through grade 12
Early Childhood, Lower, and Middle Schools, 5000 Clubside Rd, Lyndhurst, OH 44124
Birchwood School of Hawken, 4400 West 140th Street, Cleveland, OH 44135
Upper School, PO Box 8002 (12465 County Line Rd), Gates Mills, OH 44040
Mastery School of Hawken, 11025 Magnolia Dr, Cleveland, OH 44106
Gries Center, 10823 Magnolia Dr, Cleveland, OH 44106
Early Childhood, Lower, and Middle Schools, 5000 Clubside Rd, Lyndhurst, OH 44124
Birchwood School of Hawken, 4400 West 140th Street, Cleveland, OH 44135
Upper School, PO Box 8002 (12465 County Line Rd), Gates Mills, OH 44040
Mastery School of Hawken, 11025 Magnolia Dr, Cleveland, OH 44106
Gries Center, 10823 Magnolia Dr, Cleveland, OH 44106
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