Science Teacher

Description

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ABOUT VERBUM DEI JESUIT HIGH SCHOOL

Verbum Dei Jesuit High School is a Jesuit, Catholic high school located in Watts with an enrollment of approximately 320 students. Part of the Cristo Rey Network (CRN), Verbum Dei Jesuit offers young men from supportive families of limited resources a rigorous college preparatory curriculum, integrated with a professional work-study experience, and faith formation that prepares them to graduate from college as men for others who serve their communities and pursue a more just and humane world for all.

As a Cristo Rey school, VDJHS adheres to a set of Mission Effectiveness Standards to protect the integrity of the model and articulate the shared mission.

POSITION SUMMARY

Verbum Dei Jesuit High School seeks a passionate, mission-driven teacher who is committed to working with young men from communities that have been historically underserved. The ideal candidate is an engaging classroom teacher, a reflective practitioner, and a caring adult who believes all students can achieve at high levels.

This teacher will design and deliver rigorous, culturally responsive instruction; collaborate with colleagues to support student learning and formation; and contribute to the vibrant life of the school community in alignment with our Jesuit, Catholic identity and Cristo Rey model.

POSITION SUMMARY

Instruction & Curriculum

• Teach five sections using standards-based, college-preparatory curriculum.
• Plan and deliver clear, engaging lessons that support diverse learners and align with departmental goals.
• Use a variety of instructional strategies, including discussion, collaborative learning, and technology integration.
• Regularly assess student learning (formative and summative) and use data to inform instruction and intervention.
• Maintain an organized, respectful, and safe learning environment that supports high expectations and deep learning.

Student Support & Formation

• Provide academic support through office hours, tutoring, and regular communication with students about their progress.
• Serve as an advisor/moderator to a group of students (e.g., advisory, club, or activity), fostering community and character formation.
• Collaborate with counselors, the administration, and families to ensure students’ academic, social, and emotional needs are addressed.
• Model and promote the values of Verbum Dei Jesuit—respect, responsibility, faith, brotherhood, and service.

Collaboration & Professional Learning

• Participate actively in department meetings, professional development, and school-wide initiatives.
• Work closely with colleagues to align curriculum, share best practices, and design common assessments.
• Support the integration of the Corporate Work Study Program by understanding students’ work commitments and helping them make connections between classroom learning and workplace experience.
• Contribute to school events, liturgies, retreats, assemblies, and community-building activities as appropriate.

Jesuit, Catholic Mission

• Support and uphold the Catholic and Jesuit identity of the school; participate in prayer and school liturgies.
• Embrace Ignatian pedagogy (context, experience, reflection, action, evaluation) as a framework for teaching and formation.
• Demonstrate a commitment to faith and justice in the classroom and broader school community.

Requirements

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in related field.
• Experience working with high school-age students (teaching, tutoring, coaching, or similar).
• Strong classroom management skills and the ability to build positive relationships with students.
• Commitment to the mission of Verbum Dei Jesuit High School and enthusiasm for working with students from communities historically under-resourced in education.
• Openness to growth, feedback, and ongoing professional learning.

Preferred

• Valid California Teaching Credential or equivalent, or willingness to pursue one.
• Master’s degree in related subjects.
• Project Lead the Way (PLTW) certified.
• Experience in urban education or mission-driven schools (Jesuit, Catholic, Cristo Rey, or similar).
• Comfort using data to inform instruction and interventions.
• Proficiency in educational technology and willingness to incorporate AI/technology tools to support learning.
• Spanish proficiency or openness to engaging with students and families whose primary language is Spanish.
• Practicing person of faith who can actively support the sacramental and spiritual life of the school (all qualified candidates, regardless of faith background, are encouraged to apply if they are supportive of the Catholic, Jesuit mission).

Wage Range
The rate of pay offered to the selected candidate is based on internal pay policy and budget. New hires are commonly paid at the minimum of the wage range or within the lower part of the range. We consider a number of factors when making compensation decisions including, but not limited to, skill sets, experience, training and other department needs.