Description

The First Academy is a ministry of the First Baptist Church of Orlando and affirms the church’s doctrinal statements, including the Baptist Faith and Message 2000, as faithful expressions of historic evangelical Christianity.

Due to anticipated enrollment growth, The First Academy is seeking an innovative and mission-driven Upper School Science Teacher to inspire students through the study of God’s creation. The ideal candidate will be a versatile educator capable of leading high-rigor courses across the life and physical sciences, from foundational Biology and Chemistry to specialized electives such as Marine Science Honors and Agriscience Foundations. We are looking for a teacher who prioritizes hands-on laboratory investigation and scientific inquiry, whether they are guiding students through CPR certification in Anatomy & Physiology, exploring Newtonian mechanics in Physics, or analyzing global sustainability in AP Environmental Science. The successful candidate must be equipped to teach at both the College Prep and Advanced Placement levels, preparing students for university-level science through a curriculum that balances complex problem-solving with a profound appreciation for the interrelationships of the natural world.

Core Instructional Competencies
Scientific Inquiry & Lab Management: Designing and overseeing safe, high-rigor laboratory investigations that require students to move beyond "cookbook" experiments to true inquiry-based discovery.

Mathematical & Analytical Logic: Equipping students to master complex problem-solving in physical sciences, including the application of Newtonian laws in Physics and dimensional analysis in Chemistry.

Clinical Proficiency: Delivering specialized instruction in healthcare pathways, including the mastery of anatomical terminology, physiological processes, and industry-standard CPR/First Aid protocols.

Biblical Integration in Science: Guiding students to examine scientific theories and natural phenomena through the lens of an orderly, purposeful Creator, fostering an appreciation for the complexity of the universe.

AP & Honors Pedagogy: Implementing the pacing and depth required for Advanced Placement standards, specifically focusing on data analysis, statistical significance, and evidence-based argumentation.

Environmental Stewardship: Facilitating the study of global ecosystems and sustainability, encouraging students to apply scientific principles to the management of natural resources and agricultural systems.

Requirements

Required Education: Possess a Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. A Master's degree in Education or the specific subject area is preferred.

Subject Expertise: Degree emphasis in the area of instruction or a directly related field is strongly preferred.

Communication Skills: Possess solid, professional communication skills, both written and verbal, for effective interaction with students, parents, and colleagues. This includes the ability to present complex information clearly and engage in constructive dialogue.

Organizational Skills: Exhibit strong organizational skills, including efficient time management, meticulous record-keeping, and the ability to finish tasks in a timely manner and manage multiple classroom responsibilities simultaneously.

Collaboration: Proven ability to effectively partner and collaborate with colleagues, administration, and parents to support the holistic development of students.

Confidentiality: Absolute ability to maintain confidentiality pertaining to all sensitive school, student, and personnel matters, adhering to ethical and legal standards.

Work Ethic: Demonstrate a strong work ethic, professionalism, reliability, and punctuality.
Instructional Technology: Experience with and aptitude for using current educational technology to enhance classroom instruction, student engagement, and professional tasks.

Learning Management Systems (LMS): Such as Canvas or Google Classroom.

Productivity Suites: Including Google Suite for Education and/or Apple iWork Suite.

Hardware/Equipment: Expertise in operating devices such as MacBooks, iPads, and Interactive Whiteboards, or similar classroom presentation technologies.

Certification Requirement: Hold or be eligible to obtain a valid teaching certificate:
Licensure by a regional accreditation agency (e.g., ACSI) is highly preferred.
Valid/Professional State Teacher's Certification (e.g., Florida Teacher’s Certification) 
Eligibility for a Temporary State Certificate within 30 days of employment, with the expectation that a permanent certification is secured within three (3) years.

Teaching Experience: A minimum of three (3) years of successful classroom teaching experience in the subject area is recommended.

Demonstrated Ability: Possess demonstrated expertise and ability to manage, instruct, and motivate students, or provide equivalent proven subject expertise through related professional work experience.