QUALIFICATIONS - Valid Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) with:
- Middle School General Science endorsement
- Multiple endorsements preferred (not required)
OBJECTIVES
To teach courses in science to middle school students, using the course of study adopted by the Board of Education, and other appropriate learning activities
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Develops lesson plans and appropriate instructional aids stressing discovery and laboratory learning
methods.
2. Teaches skills, knowledge, and scientific attitudes through courses in general science, earth science,
biology, chemistry, physics,, physiology, or science problems to secondary students, using the course
of study adopted by the Board of Education and other appropriate learning activities.
3. Instructs students in citizenship and basic subject matter specified in state law and administrative
regulations and procedures of the school district.
4. Plans a science program involving demonstrations, lectures, discussions, and student experiments;
organizes laboratory activities for optimal learning.
5. Demonstrates scientific concepts by use of scientific apparatus, experiments, and standard or teacher-
prepared charts, sketches, and other instructional aids.
6. Provides individual or small-group instruction to adapt the curriculum to the needs of students and to
accommodate circumstances where a variety of projects and experiments are being worked on
simultaneously.
7. Instructs students in proper use, care, and safe handling of chemicals, science equipment. and plant and
animal life.
8. Provides for safe storage and proper use of materials, equipment, and tools. Makes minor adjustments
and requests repairs and equipment as required.
9. Establishes and maintains standards of student behavior for a productive learning environment during
class sessions, laboratory sessions, and field trips.
10. Evaluates each student’s growth in knowledge and skills in course being taught.
11. Selects and requests books, instructional aids, science equipment, chemicals, and supplies, and
maintains required inventory records.
12. Provides individual and small-group instruction to adapt the curriculum to the needs of students with
varying intellectual abilities, attitudes, and cultural backgrounds.
13. Maintains standards of student behavior to provide an orderly, productive classroom environment.
14. Maintains professional competence through in-service education.
15. Communicates with parents and school counselors on student’s progress.
16. Identifies student needs and cooperates with other professional staff members in assessing and helping
students solve health, attitude, and learning problems.
17. Supervises students in and out-of-classroom activities as assigned.
18. Participates in curriculum and other developmental programs.
19. Participates in faculty committees and sponsorship of student activities.
20. Other related duties as assigned.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger handle, or feel: reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand and walk. The employee must frequently lift and/or move from 10 to 20 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds with assistance. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
