Middle School Science Teacher
Denver Language School (DLS) is a public, tuition-free language immersion charter school located in East Denver. DLS provides an innovative academic program to reach the highest levels of student achievement through comprehensive language immersion education in French, Spanish and Mandarin Chinese. DLS offers traditional learning activities in the target language, making the language both the medium and the object of instruction.Middle School Science TeacherGilpin Campus2949 California St. Denver, CO 80205$57,120 to $63,036 1.0 FTE189 DaysOverview of position:The Middle School Science Teacher supports the academic growth of students through the implementation of DLS pedagogy, comprehensive classroom management, implementing effective engagement strategies, and building authentic teacher/student relationships. This role is responsible for effective instruction and management of a classroom of middle-schoolers.The Middle School Science Teacher works closely with campus principals, instructional leaders, parents/families, and students to ensure measurable positive student outcomes.This vacancy will be posted until 05/15/2026 or until filled by a highly qualified candidate. We encourage individuals to apply even if the above date has passed.The anticipated start date for this position is 08/04/2026.The selected candidate will report to the Gilpin Middle School Principal. This role is eligible for J1 visa sponsorship.Pay and Benefits:Employees at DLS are compensated in accordance with other Denver-area charter schools. The annual salary of $57,120 to $63,036.8 days of PTO with an option to roll days to the following school year.Health, vision, and dental insurance subsidized by the school.Employee assistance program and online mental health support paid by the school.Early student release each Friday to offer opportunities for professional development and collaboration.Discounted rates for after-school Fun Clubs and out-of-state travel of employees' children.Individualized coaching and support, as well as school-funded professional development.Employees' children get priority in student enrollment, but there is no guarantee of enrollment due to seat availability.Short term disability insurance, term life insurance paid fully by the school.Essential Functions and Objectives Ability to Effectively Instruct Using the Given CurriculumImplements the school's adopted Science curriculum with fidelity, consistency, and purposeDraws on strong content knowledge to bring curriculum materials to life in engaging and meaningful waysPartners with colleagues and leadership to ensure aligned, high-quality delivery across grade levels Ability to Supplement and Differentiate CurriculumThoughtfully supplements core curriculum materials to address gaps, extend learning, and reflect student interests and identitiesAdapts pacing, content, and delivery to meet the needs of diverse learners without sacrificing rigorCurates and develops supplemental resources that deepen engagement and support individualized learning paths Can Build Authentic Teacher/Student RelationshipsInvests in knowing each student as an individual, fostering a classroom culture grounded in trust and belongingCreates space for student voice and agency as a foundation for academic engagement and growthMaintains high expectations while demonstrating genuine care - embodying the role of a warm demander Consistently Implements Effective Engagement StrategiesEmploys a varied toolkit of research-based engagement strategies to sustain student motivation and participationDesigns lessons that are culturally responsive, relevant, and interactive for middle school learnersContinuously reflects on and refines instructional practice to maximize student engagement and ownership Understanding of Language Development and AcquisitionApplies knowledge of language development to support all learners, including English Language Learners and students with diverse linguistic backgroundsDesigns instruction that builds academic vocabulary, syntax, and language fluency across reading and writing contextsRecognizes and honors students' home languages and dialects as assets in the literacy classroom Utilizes Best PracticesGrounds instructional decisions in current, research-based best practices in literacy education and adolescent learningStays current with professional developments in Science pedagogy and applies new learning meaningfully in the classroomReflects regularly on practice and seeks feedback to continuously improve student outcomes Uses Restorative Justice and Liberatory Design to Manage Classroom EnvironmentCreates a classroom culture of reciprocal respect using restorative justice practices that prioritize accountability, repair, and communityApplies liberatory design principles to center student identities, experiences, and voices in the learning environmentLeads with the presence of a warm demander - holding high expectations while building the relational trust that middle schoolers need to thrive Works with Parents, Colleagues, and Community Members to Deepen LearningBuilds genuine, collaborative relationships with families - including those who are highly engaged or have historically raised concerns - through consistent, transparent communicationPartners with colleagues across disciplines to create cohesive, connected learning experiences for studentsSeeks out and leverages community partnerships to bring real-world relevance and enrichment to the ELA classroom Can Communicate with a Wide Range of Students While Providing ScaffoldingFlexes communication style to meet students where they are, ensuring all learners feel seen, understood, and supportedProvides intentional scaffolding - including visual, verbal, and written supports - to ensure equitable access to grade-level contentBuilds student independence over time by gradually releasing responsibility as skills and confidence grow Utilizes Formative and Summative Assessments to Determine Student Pacing and NeedsRegularly administers and analyzes formative assessments to make real-time instructional adjustmentsUses summative data to evaluate unit and semester-level growth and inform future planningCommunicates assessment results clearly to students, families, and school leadership in a timely and meaningful way Additional Tasks and/or Assignments to Further the Mission and Vision of the SchoolSkillsCurriculum DevelopmentDesigns rigorous, standards-aligned ELA curriculum for grades 6-8 that reflects the diverse Denver communityThoughtfully builds on and evolves an established, well-regarded programCollaborates with colleagues to ensure vertical alignment across grade levels Effective Time Management Balances instructional planning, grading, and family communication with consistencyResponds to competing priorities in a fast-paced charter school environmentMaintains professionalism and follow-through in a high-expectation community Instructional DesignCreates scaffolded, research-based literacy lessons for a range of learnersDesigns engaging reading and writing experiences that challenge all skill levelsBrings fresh instructional approaches while honoring an established program Classroom ManagementBuilds a structured, inclusive middle school environment rooted in mutual respectSets clear expectations that support student confidence and risk-takingMaintains a positive, consistent classroom culture aligned with school values Analysis of Student OutcomesUses formative and summative data to drive instructional decisionsCommunicates student progress transparently to families and leadershipIdentifies and responds to learning gaps with targeted intervention strategies LeadershipContributes to school-wide initiatives and collaborative curriculum planningModels professionalism and earns trust with staff, students, and familiesApproaches a high-visibility role with humility and a growth mindset CommunicationCommunicates proactively and clearly with students, families, and colleaguesNavigates sensitive parent conversations with empathy and solution-focusBuilds trust through consistent, transparent, and respectful dialogue Effective PlanningDevelops cohesive short- and long-term instructional plans with clear pacingBalances structure and flexibility to meet evolving student needsEnsures continuity and coherence across the 6th - 8th grade Science experience Denver Language School is committed to providing an environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based on race, age, creed, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or pregnancy and will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant . click apply for full job details