Science Teacher | Middle School | BTWA MS
Hamden, CT - USA
Job Summary
Position Title: Building Substitute / Resident Teacher (Middle School)
Location: Hamden / New Haven CT
Reports To: School Principal
Employment Type: Full-time Exempt
Start Date: SY26-27
Salary Range: $43000 - $50000 commensurate with experience
ABOUT BOOKER T. WASHINGTON ACADEMY
Booker T. Washington Academies (BTWA) in New Haven CT serves K4 scholars at its Elementary campus and grades 58 at its Middle School campus. Founded in 2014 around Booker T. Washingtons credoExcellence is doing common things in uncommon waysBTWA balances a rigorous academic program with the cultivation of morals character self-discipline responsibility for ones actions lifestyle work ethic and educational uplift.
Scholars develop proficiency in reading writing critical thinking discussion and problem-solving to meet college and career goals while embracing and demonstrating the morals character self-discipline and work ethic to be leaders in life and community.
Recognized as a Connecticut School of Distinction in 2018 (Category 1) and again in 2024 (Category 2)the only New Haven public school honored that yearBTWA equips graduates to work hard harness the power of education elevate themselves and give back to their communities in a transformational way.
For more information about Booker T. Washington Academy please visit
BTWA Middle School is seeking a missiondriven highimpact Science Teacher who is ready to join a community built on Booker T. Washingtons credo: Excellence is doing common things in uncommon ways. As a member of our grades 58 team you will play a central role in delivering rigorous engaging science instruction while contributing to a school culture rooted in character discipline and educational uplift.
As a BTWA Middle School Science Teacher you will build a joyful structured and academically demanding classroom where scholars think critically collaborate productively and see themselves as capable scientists and problemsolvers. You will help students develop the habits of mind work ethic and personal responsibility that prepare them for high school college and leadership in their communities.
You will join a team that holds a high bar for instruction believes deeply in the potential of every scholar and is committed to creating a learning environment where students are known supported and challenged. Your work will directly contribute to BTWAs legacy as a Connecticut School of Distinction and to our ongoing commitment to excellence in both academics and character.
This opportunity is ideal for educators who bring strong instructional skill deep care for students and a commitment to helping young people grow into thoughtful responsible and resilient leaders.
As a Middle School Science Teacher BTWA MS you will be primarily responsible for:
Instructional Excellence
Plan rigorous science learning by intellectually preparing standardsaligned phenomenonbased lessons that build students scientific thinking and align with BTWAs academic model.
Deliver highquality instruction that develops core disciplinary skillsmodeling analyzing data constructing explanations and engaging in scientific argumentation.
Build strong affirming relationships that create a classroom where scholars feel safe taking intellectual risks asking questions and exploring scientific ideas.
Integrate culturally relevant and responsive practices to make science meaningful identityaffirming and connected to students lived experiences and communities.
Use data and ongoing assessment (exit tickets lab checks discourse formative tasks) to differentiate instruction and ensure every learner is known and supported.
Classroom Culture & School Community
Establish a structured joyful classroom grounded in mutual respect high expectations and consistent routines that support productive scientific discourse and collaboration.
Model and reinforce BTWAs valuesexcellence character selfdiscipline responsibilityto help scholars grow as leaders in school and community.
Partner with families to build trust share progress and ensure shared ownership of student growth.
Contribute to school life by supporting events leading a club or enrichment experience (STEMrelated or otherwise) and helping sustain BTWAs traditions and community culture.
Collaboration & Professional Learning
Engage in weekly professional learning including coaching coplanning department work and gradelevel collaboration focused on strong science instruction and deeper learning.
Collaborate with colleagues to build a positive highperforming adult culture centered on continuous improvement and shared responsibility for student success.
Give and receive feedback to refine instructional practice strengthen lab and classroom routines and improve student outcomesdemonstrating adaptability openness and a growthoriented mindset as part of your professional practice.
Leadership & Contribution Beyond the Classroom
Support common school routines (arrival dismissal lunch recess transitions) to ensure safety consistency and a positive school culture.
Lead a homeroom/advisory that builds community fosters authentic relationships and supports scholars socialemotional development.
Help design and strengthen school-wide systems rituals and traditions including exhibitions performances and public demonstrations of learning that reinforce BTWAs identity and celebrate scholar voice.
Take ownership of school-wide initiatives and special projects that advance BTWAs mission and support scholars academic and character development.
While no one candidate will embody all the qualifications enumerated below the ideal candidate will possess many of the following professional and personal abilities attributes and experiences:
Required Qualifications
Bachelors degree or higher
Valid teaching certification or eligibility to obtain required CT certification through reciprocity
23 years of successful teaching experience with a demonstrated track record of strong student achievement
Ability to build a safe structured and intellectually challenging classroom where scholars feel supported known and pushed to engage deeply in meaningful work
Reflective practice and personal accountability for student growth achievement and overall experience
Commitment to BTWAs mission and values including excellence character selfdiscipline responsibility and educational uplift
Demonstrated commitment to educational equity youth development socialemotional learning restorative practices and culturally responsive pedagogy
Experience differentiating instruction for diverse learners including multilingual learners (ELs) and students with IEPs
Belief in the potential of every scholar to learn grow and achieve at a high level
Preferred Qualifications
35 years of teaching experience with a strong record of student achievement
Experience in an urban highexpectations or charter school setting
Experience teaching middlegrade learners ideally in a valuesdriven school community
Experience integrating handson inquirybased or labbased science instruction is a plus
Mindsets We Value
Our team is passionately committed to the vision and values of Elevate Charter Schools and Booker T. Washington Academy. The ideal candidate will have a positive mindset a very strong work ethic an inner drive for excellence and will thrive working in an entrepreneurial and results-driven environment
Additionally we deeply value and are actively seeking candidates who demonstrate the following mindsets and beliefs:
Mission-Driven: In addition to deeply aligning and embodying the mission and values of ECS and BTWA you believe in the brilliance and promise of all students particularly students of color and want to be part of their success story.
Growth-Oriented: You welcome feedback are deeply reflective on your personal practices and are constantly seeking to improve your craft.
Entrepreneurial: You are flexible solutions-focused and energized by the opportunity to build something from the ground up.
Collaborative: You thrive in a team-based culture and believe that collective effort drives school success.
Commitment to Excellence: You hold yourself and others to the highest of standards and have a student-centric whatever it takes mentality to create a learning community where all students and stakeholders can grow and thrive.
Compensation and Benefits
At Elevate Charter Schools we are committed to ensuring fair and equitable compensation based on the skills and qualifications required for the role. Our salaries are set through a lens of equity and based on an individuals skills education and years of experience relevant to the role.
The salary range for the Middle School Science Teacher position is $50500 to $90000 commensurate with experience and qualification and reflective of the responsibilities and expertise needed to succeed in this position. Final salary may be adjusted based on experience and qualifications.
In addition to competitive compensation Elevate offers a range of comprehensive benefits packages to all regular full-time employees at a competitive value.
Elevate Charter Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Elevate is a non-profit charter management organization serving charter schools in Connecticuts inner cities. Our scholars are 99% Black and brown and Elevate greatly values inclusion and diversity in our staff.
Elevate Charter Schools is committed to fostering a diverse inclusive and equitable environment for all stakeholders. We encourage individuals of all backgrounds and experiences to apply especially those who share a similar background to the communities we serve.
Elevate Charter Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Elevate is a nonprofit charter management organization serving public charter schools in Connecticuts urban communities. Our scholars are 99% Black and Brown and Elevate deeply values inclusion representation and diversity across our staff.
Elevate Charter Schools is committed to fostering a diverse inclusive and equitable environment for all stakeholders. We encourage individuals of all backgrounds and experiences to apply especially those who share a similar background to the communities we serve.
If you have questions about the application process experience any challenges or need support completing your application please reach out to our talent team at We are committed to ensuring an accessible and welcoming experience for all candidates.
Required Experience:
IC