Middle School Science Teacher

Job Description

Job Description

Middle School Science Teacher

About Orton Academy

At Orton Academy, we believe in unlocking every student's potential by providing structured, research-based interventions tailored to the needs of students with dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, ADHD, and executive functioning challenges.

Orton Academy is a groundbreaking 2-8 charter school authorized by D11 in Colorado Springs, CO. We are a regional leader in dyslexia education, utilizing research-based instruction to create personalized learning experiences that enable students to overcome learning challenges. Our curriculum is rooted in the science of reading and structured literacy, ensuring that students receive the targeted support they need to succeed.

At Orton Academy, we don't just teach-we empower. Our students develop the skills, confidence, and strategies to navigate their academic journeys and beyond. Through individualized instruction, small class sizes, and a supportive learning environment, we are redefining what's possible for students with dyslexia.

Learn more about our unique approach at https://ortonk8.org

Philosophy and Vision Alignment

Our Why:

• We exist to ensure that students with dyslexia have access to high-quality, research-based instruction tailored to their unique learning needs.
• We believe that every student deserves the opportunity to develop confidence in their abilities and achieve their full potential.
• We are committed to instilling hope, igniting purpose, and empowering students to succeed academically and personally.

Our How:

• By implementing evidence-based instructional methods that prioritize the science of reading.
• By fostering an inclusive, nurturing, and student-centered learning environment.
• By equipping students with self-advocacy skills and strategies that empower them for lifelong success.

Our What:

• We are a community of educators, students, and families committed to breaking down learning barriers and championing student success.
• We provide specialized instruction tailored to the needs of students with dyslexia, ensuring they develop essential literacy and academic skills.
• We ensure that every graduate leaves Orton Academy with the skills, confidence, and knowledge to excel in their future pursuits.

Position Summary

The Middle School Science Teacher is responsible for delivering engaging, standards-based science instruction while supporting the academic needs of diverse learners. The teacher will create a structured, supportive learning environment that promotes inquiry, critical thinking, and scientific exploration.

As part of a collaborative middle school team, the teacher will work within a cross-curricular instructional model, partnering with colleagues across subject areas to support integrated learning experiences and reinforce key academic skills.

At our school, which specializes in supporting students with dyslexia and language-based learning differences, the Middle School Science Teacher plays an important role in ensuring science instruction is accessible through clear structure, explicit instruction, and the use of supportive literacy strategies.

Essential Responsibilities

Instruction & Curriculum

• Plan and deliver engaging, standards-aligned science instruction for middle school students.
• Implement and effectively utilize the Core Knowledge Language Arts (CKLA) curriculum to support knowledge-building and literacy development within science instruction.
• Develop lessons that promote inquiry, experimentation, and critical thinking in scientific concepts.
• Use a variety of instructional strategies to support diverse learning styles and abilities.
• Break down complex scientific vocabulary and concepts into accessible and structured learning experiences.
• Utilize visual support, hands-on learning, and explicit instruction to support students with language-based learning differences.

Cross-Curricular Collaboration

• Work closely with middle school teaching teams to support cross-curricular connections and reinforce shared learning goals.
• Collaborate with colleagues to integrate reading, writing, and critical thinking skills into science instruction.
• Partner with literacy and special education staff to support the knowledge-building approach emphasized within the CKLA curriculum.
• Participate in interdisciplinary planning and team meetings to support a cohesive learning experience for students.

Supporting Dyslexic Learners

• Implement instructional practices that support students with dyslexia and other language-based learning differences.
• Provide structured support for scientific reading, vocabulary development, and written responses.
• Pre-teach and reinforce academic and scientific vocabulary to support comprehension and retention.
• Collaborate with special education staff to implement accommodation and supports for students with IEPs and 504 Plans.

Student Engagement & Classroom Culture

• Create a classroom environment that promotes curiosity, respect, and academic confidence.
• Encourage students to ask questions, explore ideas, and develop problem-solving skills.
• Support a cohesive learning culture that values collaboration, persistence, and growth.

Assessment & Progress Monitoring

• Use formative and summative assessments to measure student understanding and guide instruction.
• Provide meaningful feedback to students and families regarding academic progress.
• Use student data to adjust instruction and support student growth.

Collaboration & School Culture

• Work collaboratively with colleagues to support a cohesive middle school learning environment.
• Embrace a philosophy of shared ownership for all learners, recognizing that student success is a collective responsibility across the school community.
• Participate actively in team meetings, professional development, and school initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Science, Education, or related field.
• Valid state teaching license (Science or Middle School Education preferred).
• Experience teaching middle school students preferred.
• Familiarity with Core Knowledge Language Arts (CKLA) or willingness to implement a knowledge-building curriculum.
• Understanding of dyslexia and language-based learning differences preferred.
• Ability to collaborate effectively within a team-based instructional model.

Key Skills

• Strong classroom management and student engagement skills
• Ability to simplify and structure complex scientific concepts
• Collaboration and cross-curricular planning
• Data-driven instruction
• Effective communication with students, families, and colleagues

Professional Expectations

• Demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning and professional growth.
• Maintain professionalism, confidentiality, and ethical standards in all interactions.
• Contribute positively to a collaborative and solutions-oriented school culture.

Salary, Benefits, and Terms

• Salary $46,750 - 65,192.73 / Annual Salary
• 5 days per week, Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 4:00 pm (During a school year, August - May)
• Work year and hours shall be those established by Orton Academy.
• Performance evaluations will be conducted in accordance with school policy

Equal Employment Opportunity

Orton Academy seeks to comply with applicable laws prohibiting discrimination in employment based on race, religion, creed, color, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, or disability.

The Board of Directors at Orton Academy has contracted with Minga Education Group (MEG) to provide employment services for all staff who work at Orton Academy. Through this partnership, MEG provides OA with employment services, a personnel system for human resources, benefits, payroll services, and access to a 401(k) plan. For naming purposes, Minga Education Group is the employer.