Science Teacher - Grade 7 to 12

We are seeking an individual who is inspired by our mission and whose beliefs align with our core values of integrity, compassion, inquiry and courage, and reflects our core competencies to join our Upper School faculty as a Science Teacher. This is a full-time, one year contract position starting in September 2024.                    

Why Teach with Us 

At Havergal College, we believe that our strength lies in the collective efforts, talents and accomplishments of our faculty and staff. Together, we can make a positive and lasting impact in the lives of our students. 

We offer a highly competitive compensation package for teachers, including: a faculty teaching grid that is well above the major urban school boards; contributions to and participation in the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan and/or Group RRSP; generous holidays that allow employees to recharge; comprehensive health and dental benefits; support for professional development including support for graduate work, additional qualifications (AQs), faculty-wide and individual professional development in teaching and learning, wellbeing, equity and inclusion, assessment, and experiential education; and teaching on a beautiful 22-acre campus with excellent facilities.

Why Havergal is the Place to Be

Founded in 1894 and located on a beautiful 22-acre campus in midtown Toronto, Canada, Havergal College is one of Canada’s pre-eminent independent schools for girls from Junior Kindergarten through Grade 12.
At Havergal College, we believe that great schools are made up of great people. With a rich history spanning over 125 years, we are committed to offering a contemporary liberal arts education, which is rooted in the Anglican tradition. Our mission is to prepare young women to make a difference. Through our outstanding academic and cocurricular programs, and a cohesive and collegial team of faculty and administration staff, we nurture a culture of capability that fosters self-confidence, leadership, critical thinking and global-mindedness within our students.

We take pride in attracting and retaining highly-qualified faculty and administration staff to ensure that our school remains at the forefront of educational excellence. Join us in this transformative journey of education, working together to empower young women to make a positive difference in our world.

We are committed to building a diverse workforce and an inclusive workplace. We believe that an inclusive environment fosters a culture of mutual respect, creativity and innovation, collaboration and accountability. To this end, we encourage applications from all qualified candidates with a diverse range of experiences and perspectives, including women, BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Colour) peoples, LGBTQ2S+, and persons with disabilities to join our thriving team.  We seek candidates who are committed to nurturing a community where integrity, compassion, inquiry and courage thrive. 

The Position: 

The Upper School program at Havergal College is distinguished by opportunities for students to develop and learning in an environment that is diverse, stimulating and supportive. Teaching facilities are well equipped and offer bright, technology-rich environments.

Intermediate/Senior Science teachers at Havergal College are confident in curriculum development and demonstrate an approach to teaching science that is reflective of the way in which girls learn and appropriate to the discipline. They support all learners with diverse strategies and approaches and are willing and able to use appropriate solutions to learning challenges experienced by students. Teachers optimize the use of the technology to support student learning. Classes are engaging and dynamic and teachers genuinely enjoy what they are doing and are approachable, available, knowledgeable, genuine and supportive. 

As members of the Upper School faculty, teachers engage in the work of the Upper School in a collegial and supportive manner. They demonstrate an understanding of the importance of parents as partners in their daughter’s education by maintaining open and collaborative relationships with parents. As life-long learners, they demonstrate a commitment to actively seeking professional development. Teachers are expected, as part of their role, to participate actively in the life of the school beyond the classroom including contributions as coaches and facilitators in the arts, athletics, clubs, community life and experiential and global education programs.

Specific Accountabilities:

Planning and Preparation of Learning

• Understand how to use knowledge of student developmental stages and current educational research to make appropriate and thoughtful instructional decisions related to science instruction; 
• Work in collaboration with the Upper School Department Head of Science to develop content knowledge and to deliver a consistent, aligned and rigorous program of study; 
• Develop effective long range, unit and lesson plans that demonstrate the principles of a teaching for understanding framework and reflect the Ontario curriculum expectations;
• Demonstrate an understanding of assessment principles reflective of current assessment practices; 
• Work in collaboration with other faculty to develop integrated units of study; 
• Model best practices with using technology in the classroom to help support the curriculum and the developmental stages of students;

Setting the Learning Environment

• Demonstrate compassion, acceptance, insight and interest in developing students’ potential and capacity;
• Model the school’s values through actions and words when dealing with students, parents, and other adults in the school; 
• Demonstrate an understanding that students learn through active intellectual engagement;
• Create a trusting learning environment for students by acting consistently, fairly, openly and honestly and having clear expectations for all students;
• Ensure appropriate behaviour in the classroom and on school property; 
• Create a learning environment where student thinking is visible, valued and part of their everyday experiences; 
• Create a safe and engaging learning space reflective of the developmental needs of students; 

Instructional Practices

• Ensure instructional practices are reflective of advanced planning and preparation; 
• Ensure questions and instructional strategies help to promote student thinking and serve to extend their understanding, knowledge and skills; 
• Use relevant pedagogy, assessment and evaluation, along with resources and technology in the planning for and responding to the individual needs of students; 
• Ensure student learning is appropriately documented and reported; 

Professional Responsibilities

• Uphold the professional and ethical standards of practice as defined by the Ontario College of Teachers
• Actively participate in professional growth activities (membership in professional learning communities, completing professional reading, setting professional learning goals); 
• Maintain consistent, professional, supporting and encouraging relationships with colleagues; 
• Ensure compliance with all school policies and practices and maintain all required documentation; 
• Maintain an open line of communication with parents and work with them as partners in their daughter’s educational journey;
• Actively participate in the life of the school outside of the classroom, notably in the extensive co-curricular program offered at the school

Qualifications, Knowledge and Experience

• Relevant university qualifications at the Bachelor level (e.g. Bachelor of Science) including a Bachelor of Education/Master of Teaching degree with Intermediate/Senior qualifications in Science
• Certification from the Ontario College of Teachers and be a member in ‘Good Standing’; or its equivalent
• Relevant teaching experience within a classroom setting; 
• An Honours Specialist in at least one area of science teaching is an asset; 
• Graduate degree in education is an asset; 
• A comprehensive understanding of current educational practices in the area of curriculum planning and implementation; assessment and instructional strategies; 
• Understanding of how to apply the current research on girls and learning; 
• Knowledge of differing learning needs and strategies for supporting all kinds of learners;
• A commitment toward continued professional development and growth; and
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, time-management and communication skills;
• Self-starter, able to work in a self-directed manner appropriate to changing needs;
• A proven commitment to working successfully in collaborative environments;
• Experience in an independent school is an asset;
• Energy, commitment and a readiness to participate in the co-curricular program the diverse life of the school community.
• Demonstrated ability and commitment to the Core Competencies of;
  • Inclusive Excellence
  • Collaboration & Teamwork
  • Integrity & Trust
  • Learning Agility
  • Communication
  • Growth Mindset

How to Apply

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply and express their interest to HC Careers no later than March 25, 2024.

Havergal College thanks all applicants in advance. Only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. Havergal College is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to an inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection process, and work environment in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). We will be happy to work with applicants requesting accommodation at any stage of the hiring process. If you require accommodations, please contact Cathy LeBlanc at 416-483-3519 ext. 6526 or by email at accessibility@havergal.on.ca.