High School Science Teacher - Physical Science

Location: West Salem

High School Science Teacher - Physical Science

Position Title:

High School Science Teacher - Physical Science
Building:
Northwestern High School
Employment Status:
Full-Time

Reports To:

Building Principal

Position Summary
The High School Physical Science Teacher is responsible for delivering high-quality, standards-based instruction in Physical Science, including foundational concepts in physics and chemistry. Instruction is aligned with Ohio's Learning Standards for Science and emphasizes scientific inquiry, quantitative reasoning, problem-solving, and real-world application of physical principles. The teacher supports student academic achievement and scientific literacy through effective instructional practices, laboratory investigations, data analysis, and collaboration with stakeholders.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Provide instruction in High School Physical Science courses, including core concepts such as motion and forces, energy, waves, electricity and magnetism, matter and its interactions, chemical reactions, and the structure and properties of matter, in alignment with Ohio's Learning Standards and district curriculum.
Design and implement engaging, inquiry-based lessons and laboratory investigations that incorporate scientific and engineering practices, mathematical modeling, data analysis, and real-world applications of physical science principles.
Differentiate instruction to meet the diverse academic, social, and developmental needs of students.
Establish and maintain a positive, orderly, and safe classroom and laboratory learning environment.
Implement and enforce laboratory safety procedures, including chemical handling, equipment usage, and safety compliance standards; ensure proper use and care of scientific equipment and materials.
Develop and administer formative and summative assessments; analyze student performance data to guide instruction, intervention, and enrichment.
Maintain accurate and timely records of student attendance, academic progress, laboratory activities, and behavior in accordance with district policies.
Integrate instructional technology, laboratory equipment, simulations, data-collection tools, and district-approved digital resources to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes.
Communicate effectively with students, parents/guardians, colleagues, and administrators regarding curriculum expectations, laboratory safety, and student progress.
Collaborate with science department members, mathematics teachers, intervention specialists, and support staff to promote cross-curricular connections and student success.
Participate in professional development, curriculum planning, staff meetings, vertical alignment efforts, and school-related activities.
Perform other duties as assigned by the building principal or designee.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Education, Physical Science, Physics, Chemistry, or a related field.
Valid Ohio teaching license in Secondary (7-12) Physical Science, Integrated Science, Chemistry, Physics, or eligibility to obtain appropriate licensure.
Strong knowledge of high school physical science content, laboratory safety procedures, quantitative reasoning, and effective instructional and assessment strategies.
Strong classroom management, organizational, and communication skills.
Ability to work effectively with students, staff, parents, and community members.

Preferred Qualifications

Master's degree in Education, Physical Science, Physics, Chemistry, or a related field.
Physical Science, Chemistry, or Physics licensure preferred.
High school teaching experience in Physical Science, Chemistry, or Physics courses.
College Credit Plus teaching experience or eligibility.

Experience with data-driven instruction, interdisciplinary STEM integration, and differentiated learning strategies.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

Work is performed in classroom and laboratory settings.
Requires standing, walking, bending, lifting laboratory materials and equipment, and active supervision of students during laboratory investigations.
Requires strict adherence to laboratory safety protocols and the ability to maintain a safe, structured, and inclusive learning environment.

Terms of Employment
Salary and work year are established by the Northwestern Local Schools Board of Education in accordance with the negotiated agreement.

Equal Employment Opportunity
Northwestern Local Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, disability, veteran status, marital status, or any other status protected by law.

Note:

This job description is intended to provide a general overview of the position and required qualifications. It is not exhaustive and may be subject to change as state regulations, district policies, or operational needs evolve.