Job Title: Lower School Science Teacher

Reports to: Assistant Head of School-Head of Lower School

Receive Guidance From: Science Department Chair, Assistant Head of School for Teaching and Learning, Head of Lower School, 

Collaborate Closely With: Science Department, Science Department Chair, Assistant Head of School for Teaching and Learning, Head of Lower School, Lower School Teachers, Director of the Institute for Innovation in STEM, Director of Teaching and Learning with Technology     

The Lower School Science teacher will support the mission and vision of University Liggett School through positive interaction with students and faculty.  Specifically, it is the teacher’s responsibility to ensure that the school’s mission, vision, and strategic plan are the center of all decisions and actions. The teacher will support an atmosphere of trust and openness among employees, students, and parents and will support an atmosphere that fosters the intellectual, social, physical, behavioral, and emotional growth of each student.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Teach Lower School Science to students in first through fifth grades
• Provide excellent, rigorous instruction that advances all students’ scientific thinking, fluency, critical thinking, and problem solving skills
• Create a class environment that is centered upon differentiated instruction, providing opportunities for every student to advance their skill growth in science, including exploration, discovery, critical thinking, analysis, problem solving, research and reporting
• Create classroom experiences that stretch student thinking and imagination as it relates to science and real world application
• Create an equitable and inclusive class environment that promotes community, integrity, respect, excellence, and empathy
• Lead the FLL Robotics program for students in first through fifth grade
• Develop and implement, in cooperation with the Director of the Institute for Innovation in STEM, comprehensive and cohesive STEM programming across the Lower School
• Implement cooperative instruction integrated with science curricula in conjunction with lower school teachers and classroom project approach work
• Collaborate with colleagues and engage in department discussions about pedagogy and other concerns
• Participate actively in advancing the science department’s curriculum and The Liggett Approach to education
• Communicate thoughtfully, professionally, and clearly with families
• Support the academic, social, and emotional growth of students
• Participate actively and positively in the life of the school through involvement in a co-curricular extra duty for the equivalent of one season.

Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree or higher in elementary education or science education is preferred
• Experience with First Lego League Robotics or willingness to train to lead the program
• Enthusiasm for Lower School students and an understanding of their developmental needs
• A thoughtful and engaging approach to teaching, learning, and assessment
• A growth mindset about teaching practices and an eagerness to work toward professional goals and development
• A keen desire to work in a collaborative, inclusive, and student-centered environment
• Ability to connect with students of diverse backgrounds to develop healthy, supportive, and responsive relationships
• Strong writer, reader, and speaker
• Enthusiasm for continued professional development in your discipline
• Eager willingness to support and to be present in the life of the school
• Facility with technology in the classroom

Work Environment:

This job operates in a professional school environment. 

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

9 month employee/ 7:45 am- 3:30 pm

Equal Employment Opportunity and Non-Discrimination

Liggett is an equal opportunity employer and educational institution.   It is the policy of the school to ensure equal employment opportunity without discrimination, harassment, or retaliation on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, disability, veteran status, military service, age, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), genetic information, height, weight, misdemeanor arrest record, marital or familial status or any other status specifically protected by federal or Michigan law. 

This policy governs all aspects of employment at Liggett including hiring, assignments, training, promotions, compensation, employee benefits, discipline, discharge, and all other terms and conditions of employment. This policy applies to all conduct on school premises, during school-sponsored activities on or off campus, and in connection with all school-related duties or functions. This policy also applies to all conduct and communication by vendors or other third parties while on school premises or in connection with providing services to the school.

Contact Person

University Liggett School in Grosse Pointe Woods, MI, has engaged DovetailED to lead a search for a Lower School Science Teacher beginning August 25, 2025. Interested candidates should review the position statement and submit a cover letter, resume, and list of references as a consolidated PDF to Victoria Jones, Recruiter at DovetailED Talent Sourcing, at victoria@dovetailedsourcing.com.           

University Liggett School Lower School Science Teacher Position Statement: https://bit.ly/41uoVjY

About University Liggett School

The oldest independent co-educational day school in Michigan, University Liggett School is among the preeminent PreK-12 institutions in the Midwest. Enrolling more than 600 students, University Liggett School offers a rigorous and innovative academic framework that allows students in every grade to find their passion and explore it in depth while developing creativity, critical thinking, teamwork and adaptability. This guiding philosophy is supported by a rich array of co-curricular programs and empowers students to drive their own academic experience, preparing graduates to flourish at some of the strongest colleges and universities in the country. Concentrated class sizes and challenging academics shape students, giving them a keen sense of self while simultaneously fostering lifelong appreciation for and an understanding of learning. The mission of University Liggett School is to empower students to develop intellectual curiosity, leadership and confidence to contribute to a complex and changing world. We challenge students to excel and to achieve their highest potential. We create opportunities for discovery and achievement by developing a faculty who foster the strengths o...f each student through the Curriculum for Understanding. We teach and practice the values of respect and responsibility in an emotionally and physically safe environment.

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Connections working at University Liggett School