Elementary Science Teacher

Job Description

Job DescriptionScience Teacher

Trinity School is an outstanding elementary day school serving preschool through Grade 5 students. Our school, both literally and figuratively, is in a unique position for an independent school. Across the street from Stanford University on Sand Hill Road and adjacent to downtown Menlo Park and Silicon Valley, we occupy 5.5 acres across two campuses. On our campuses, we sit at the crossroads of innovation and social consciousness. Trinity is a purposefully small school community and has partnered with parents since 1961 to grow children, one at a time, into motivated and capable problem solvers with big hearts.

Trinity School is deeply committed to fostering diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging within our learning community. We believe that embracing diverse perspectives enriches the educational experience for all students and prepares them to thrive in a multicultural world. Our curriculum reflects diverse cultures, histories, and perspectives, with an emphasis on promoting empathy, understanding, and respect for differences. We actively recruit and support a diverse faculty and staff to serve as role models and mentors for our students, and we provide ongoing professional development opportunities to support cultural competency, inclusive teaching, and belonging for all members of our community.

Trinity School is seeking an experienced Elementary Science Teacher for the 2026–2027 school year. This is an exciting opportunity for an educator who is passionate about inquiry-based, hands-on science instruction and fostering a deep love of scientific exploration in children. The Science Teacher is responsible for designing and implementing an engaging, developmentally appropriate, standards-aligned science curriculum based on the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS).

This position is ideal for an educator who values place-based education and is eager to incorporate outdoor learning, Trinity’s school garden, the natural campus environment, and overnight camping or outdoor education experiences into their teaching. The Science Teacher collaborates with classroom teachers and specialists to integrate science learning across disciplines and inspire students to think critically, solve problems creatively, ask thoughtful questions, and develop a lifelong appreciation for the natural world.

The Science Teacher will also spend part of the day supporting instruction in a homeroom classroom, working closely with the lead teacher to reinforce foundational math and literacy concepts, provide differentiated support, and help students build confidence and understanding.

The ideal candidate will have teaching experience in an elementary environment, a strong ability to collaborate with colleagues, and a commitment to creating a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and joyful learning community. Understanding the unique developmental needs of K–5 students is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; graduate degree or degree-in-progress related to education preferred.

• A minimum of three to five years of teaching experience in an elementary classroom or elementary science setting preferred.

• Experience designing and implementing inquiry-based, hands-on, standards-aligned science instruction.

• Familiarity with the Next Generation Science Standards preferred.

• Experience with differentiated instruction and small-group instruction.

• Appreciation for outdoor learning, place-based education, sustainability, garden-based learning, and experiential education.

• Strong understanding of the developmental and age characteristics of elementary-aged students.

• Demonstrated proficiency with educational technology and a thoughtful approach to technology integration.

• Ability to support Trinity School’s Episcopal identity, values, and traditions.

Personal Characteristics and Skills

• A growth mindset, active sense of humor, warm personality, and excellent organizational and communication skills.

• Demonstrated commitment to teaching and learning in a dynamic, student-centered school community.

• Appreciation for the developmental, social, emotional, and academic needs of elementary-aged students.

• Enthusiasm for Trinity’s mission and for working collaboratively with fellow faculty members.

• Warmth, optimism, flexibility, creativity, and a love of working with children.

• Positive team player with a “get it done” attitude, good judgment, and creative problem-solving skills.

• Commitment to the development of relevant professional knowledge, skills, and abilities.

• Ability to build strong relationships with students, families, and colleagues.

• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and culturally responsive teaching.

Primary Responsibilities

• Design and implement an engaging, hands-on, inquiry-based elementary science curriculum aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards.

• Foster a safe, joyful, inclusive, and respectful classroom environment where students feel valued, known, and supported.

• Encourage curiosity, observation, questioning, experimentation, critical thinking, and creative problem-solving.

• Use outdoor learning, Trinity’s school garden, and the natural campus environment to help students connect science concepts to the world around them.

• Incorporate sustainability, environmental science, stewardship, and appreciation for the natural world into the science program.

• Support day and overnight camping or outdoor education experiences when appropriate and connected to the science curriculum.

• Implement small-group instruction strategies to support students at varying levels of academic, social-emotional, and developmental readiness.

• Integrate social and emotional learning into lessons, activities, discussions, and classroom routines.

• Build strong relationships with students and families to better understand and support each child’s growth and well-being.

• Provide ongoing feedback and encouragement to students to promote a growth mindset, self-confidence, and perseverance.

• Incorporate diverse perspectives and experiences into the curriculum to promote cultural competence, empathy, and belonging.

• Continuously assess student progress and adjust instruction to help all students reach their full potential.

• Support math and literacy instruction for part of the day in a homeroom classroom, in partnership with the lead teacher.

• Reinforce foundational math and literacy concepts through small-group instruction, targeted practice, and differentiated support.

• Collaborate with classroom teachers to integrate science learning across disciplines.

• Collaborate with teacher assistants and other support staff to help maximize student learning and classroom engagement.

• Communicate professionally and thoughtfully with students, families, colleagues, and administrators.

• Engage in professional development to stay informed about best practices in education, especially around DEI, inquiry-based learning, SEL, science instruction, and elementary education.

General Responsibilities

• Uphold the mission of Trinity School.

• Uphold the NAIS and CAIS Principles of Good Practice.

• Be attuned to the culture of the school and its surrounding communities.

• Support and actively contribute to the school’s commitments to diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and sustainability.

• Actively engage in trainings, collaborations, meetings, duties, and school events as needed.

• Contribute positively to the life of the school and the faculty community.

Position Type/Status

This is a full-time, 10-month position with a salary range of $85,000 to $105,000 and a generous benefits package.