Job Description

DEPARTMENT: UPPER SCHOOL FACULTY

REPORTS TO: HEAD OF UPPER SCHOOL

STATUS: FULL-TIME, EXEMPT

SALARY RANGE: $83,000 – $96,000

Black Pine Circle School is a K–8 independent school in Berkeley, California. For over 50 years, we have inspired lifelong learners through an inquiry-based Socratic education that places equal emphasis on academics and the arts. Our Lower School (grades K–5) supports approximately 125 students, and our Upper School (grades 6–8) supports approximately 180 students. At Black Pine Circle School, our students love learning and engage in joyful intellectual exploration with their teachers. In a BPC classroom, curiosity, energy, and deep thinking define the student experience.

MISSION STATEMENT:

BPC’s mission is to create a learning community that encourages humanity, empathy, moral depth, cultural understanding, and freedom in intellectual pursuits. Socially, it is our goal to instill mutual respect, compassion, and a sense of belonging among all of our students.

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

The upper school science teacher is in an on-site, core-curricular role, responsible for designing and delivering hands-on, inquiry-based science instruction to 6th-grade students. The role includes planning labs and experiments, fostering scientific thinking, and connecting to real-world applications. BPC students thrive in Socratic discussions and love to ask questions about the world around them. Our science program encourages students to think critically, explore boldly, and reflect deeply.

The position includes 14 to 16 periods of teaching per week, occasional Friday evening science events, and participation in other school programming such as Science Week and Science Night. The science teacher will collaborate with colleagues across grade levels and disciplines to help ensure a coherent and engaging science experience. Additional responsibilities include serving as a student advisor and contributing to the broader life of the school through field trips, overnight trips, House activities, and school-wide events. Teachers must maintain a welcoming and inclusive classroom, uphold high academic standards, and build strong, respectful relationships with students and families.

SCHOOL-WIDE DUTIES:

• Participate on school committees as needed and appropriate
• Attend all school-wide mandatory events

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS:

• Experience in lesson planning and teaching
• Passion for science education and inquiry-based learning
• Effective communication and collaboration skills
• Ability to foster a nurturing, inclusive, and student-centered classroom
• Bachelor’s degree in science, education, or a related field (master’s degree preferred)
• Experience working with middle school students
• Familiarity with differentiated instruction and project-based learning
• Commitment to Socratic dialogue and cross-disciplinary thinking

COMPENSATION:

The anticipated base compensation the school reasonably expects to pay candidates for the position of Upper School Science Teacher is $83,000 to $96,000, depending on factors such as experience and education.

BPC’s board and administration are dedicated to offering competitive salaries and benefits, including medical benefits, retirement plan employer contributions, potential stipends, and professional development opportunities.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Sitting or standing for prolonged periods of time. Light to moderate lifting (up to 30 pounds). Reaching, stooping, pulling, pushing, bending, walking, writing, and keyboarding.

HOW TO APPLY:

Candidates interested in the following positions should submit their resume and cover letter to jobs@blackpinecircle.org , with the title of the position you are applying for in the subject line. The cover letter should include an introduction of yourself to the hiring committee, as well as why you are interested in joining the Black Pine Circle community. Resumes without a cover letter will not be reviewed.

Black Pine Circle School is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to a policy of equal employment opportunity for all applicants, employees, and volunteers, and the School makes decisions based on the merits of each candidate. We have an ongoing commitment to the creation of a workplace free of discrimination and harassment, and prohibit discrimination based on an individual’s culture, race, ethnicity, sex, religious beliefs, ancestry, sexual orientation, gender identity, reproductive health decisions, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, military and veteran status, citizenship status, marital status, genetic information, height, weight, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law. Black Pine Circle will afford equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants, employees, and volunteers as to all terms and conditions of employment, including, without limitation, compensation, hiring, training, promotion, transfer, discipline, and termination.

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