Science Specialist Teacher

Beginning the 2025-2026 Academic Year
Exempt 1.0 FTE
Reports to: Division Head

All UCDS employees are expected to embody the school’s mission to design a culture of inquiry essential to meaningful learning; cultivate reflective, collaborative, skillful thinkers who ignite positive change in their communities; and engage diverse perspectives in an ongoing effort to shape and share our innovative education model.

Overview

University Child Development School (UCDS) located in Seattle, Washington is an independent school serving 390+ Infant-Toddler, Early Elementary (Preschool, Pre-Kindergarten, and Kindergarten) and Elementary (1st through 5th grade) students. In addition, the UCDS education institution comprises the UCDS Graduate School of Education. UCDS uniquely serves to prepare teachers, educate children, and develop innovations in curriculum and teaching. UCDS’s unique design as a place where both teachers and children learn, where early-career teachers develop their practice, and where experienced teachers research and design curriculum, gives rise to its innovation. The Master of Education program is the evolution of UCDS’ deep history of developing and supporting exceptional educators.

Position Summary

The Science Specialist teacher works as part of the Specialist Team alongside Specialists in Art, Library, Music, Physical Education, Design & Tech, and Spanish. In addition to their weekly team meetings, Specialists meet with faculty once a week to discuss students’ progress. The Science Specialist teacher inspires curiosity and fosters a love of learning in young scientists, grades Preschool through 5th, by designing and implementing hands-on, inquiry-based science lessons that emphasize critical thinking, collaboration, and real-world connections. The Science Specialist teacher is responsible for creating an engaging and inclusive classroom environment that supports students’ intellectual, social-emotional, and ethical development.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Instruction & Curriculum Design

• Develop and implement a progressive, inquiry-based science curriculum aligning with the school’s mission, values, and national science standards.
• Create hands-on, project-based learning experiences encouraging experimentation, problem-solving, and creativity.
• Integrate cross-disciplinary themes, such as environmental stewardship, technology, social responsibility, and school theme, into science instruction.
• Incorporates the Social Justice Standards into curriculum design and implementation.
• Use data and assessments to inform and differentiate instruction, ensuring each child is appropriately challenged and supported.

Classroom Environment

• Foster a classroom culture encouraging collaboration, respect, and a growth mindset.
• Support the development of students’ critical thinking and communication skills through discussions, group work, and presentations.
• Provide opportunities for students to reflect on their learning and connect science concepts to everyday life.

Community Engagement

• Collaborate with colleagues, families, and the broader school community to support the whole child and promote a love of learning.
• Coordinate and collaborate curriculum plans and design with classroom teachers. 
• Participate actively in school life, including faculty meetings, professional development, and community events.
• Explore and engage students in local and global scientific initiatives, including outdoor education, sustainability projects, or community science programs.

Professional Growth

• Stay informed about best practices and research in early elementary and elementary science education and progressive pedagogy.
• Pursue professional development opportunities and contribute to the school’s culture of learning and innovation.
• Maintain a spirit of innovation by continuously building, implementing, evaluating, and revising programs. 

Supervisory Responsibilities

• The Science Teacher has no direct reports. 

How to Apply

If you are interested in applying for this position, click the “apply now” button to submit a resume and cover letter.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging

UCDS aspires to be a welcoming learning community with a deep commitment and appreciation for diversity in all forms. Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are central values at UCDS. From our youngest to our oldest students, we strive to help them develop a worldview that identifies, understands, and values diversity in race, ethnicity, gender, religion, ability, and more. We weave opportunities for these meaningful conversations, experiences, and learning throughout students’ days. Over the past few years, UCDS has continued to refine our approach and review our DEIB programming to continue to improve the ways we support students, parents, and employees by bringing an equity lens to academic and operational systems across the school.

We encourage members of marginalized communities, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, as well as members of other underrepresented groups, to apply and potentially become a part of our commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive educational environment.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Statement

UCDS is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to qualified individuals with disabilities. We will provide reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job unless doing so would cause an undue hardship. Physical requirements and job duties listed in this posting are essential to the role. If you believe you need an accommodation to perform these functions, we encourage you to apply and discuss potential accommodations with our team. If you require accommodation during the application or hiring process, please contact Dr. Lauryn Mascareñaz, Director of Organizational Development & Personnel, at laurynm@ucds.org. 

Notice of Nondiscrimination

UCDS strives to provide equal opportunity to all employees. The school’s policy is not to discriminate in employment based on race, color, sex (including pregnancy), religion, creed, age, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender, veteran or military status or any other status protected under applicable local, state or federal law. UCDS is committed to administering employment decisions, including hiring, promotions, compensation benefits, transfers, layoffs, return from layoffs, terminations, training, sabbaticals, tuition assistance, and other programs, without regard to an employee’s protected status.

All applicants for UCDS employment, both paid and volunteer positions, are subject to criminal background checks.