Overview

The Kew-Forest School, a PS-12 co-educational day school founded in 1918 in Forest Hills, NY, seeks an experienced Upper School Biology and Chemistry teacher. Kew-Forest is proud to enroll an astonishingly diverse student body representative of Queens and New York City, including approximately nine percent of whom are international students. The Kew-Forest School promotes diversity in its hiring process and is committed to supporting its inclusive community by hiring culturally diverse faculty to work with our equally diverse students and families. All Upper School students study Biology as part of their required science coursework. The Upper School Biology teacher will work with 9th grade students in standard Biology, advanced Upper School students in AP Biology, and seniors in electives of the teacher’s creation. The Middle & Upper School encompasses grades 6-12 and our faculty must be knowledgeable about student and curricular development across these grades. Therefore, preference will be given to candidates with strong leadership skills and experience teaching chemistry and Middle School science alongside Biology.

The Kew-Forest School is embarking on an exciting new chapter as it enters its 106th year of operation. The School is in the process of creating a campus master plan which will entail examining and making improvements to its current facilities, enhancing our students’ experience, and providing incredible growth, leadership, and professional development opportunities for our faculty. The individual who fills this position must be energetic, creative, imaginative, and thoughtful in their approach to curriculum and pedagogy, and will help lead the revamping of our Middle & Upper School science program as the School enters its era of Kew-Forest 2.0.

The ideal candidate will have or be ...

• Bachelor’s degree or higher with an emphasis in Biology;
• Experience teaching standard Biology and Chemistry and AP Biology;
• An understanding of and commitment to cultural competency and how to support a diverse student population, particularly through teaching inclusive science curricula;
• A dynamic and flexible instructor who can reach, teach, and differentiate instruction for a range of learners;
• Invested in designing courses and learning experiences that engage students in project-based learning and inquiry-based practices through use of laboratory work, data analysis, projects, and hands-on activities;
• Training in laboratory safety and chemical management, preferably;
• A passion for mentoring ongoing student research outside of the classroom;
• Demonstrated commitment to professional development and lifelong learning, and be active as an educational professional in the realms of Biology, Chemistry, and the sciences generally;
• A deep understanding of current trends in science education;
• Familiarity with the Next Generation Science Standards including for Biology and Chemistry.
• Facility with digital resources and digital textbooks, Zoom, and remote teaching and learning, and technology in the classroom;
• Ability to develop hands-on field trips around Long Island and the New York City boroughs;
• Strong written and oral communication skills to effectively communicate with students, parents, and colleagues;
• A collaborative instinct to facilitate working with Science teachers.

To apply, please email a cover letter, resume, statement of educational philosophy, and contact information for two or three professional references to Michelle J. Vessio, Interim Head of Middle and Upper School (mvessio@kewforest.org), and include “Upper School Biology Teacher” in the subject line of the email. No phone calls please.

To learn more about The Kew-Forest School, please visit our website: www.kewforest.org.

MISSION

We are The Kew-Forest School.

Our community nurtures lifelong learners from around the world.

Our educators inspire young people to think boldly and find their voices.

Our students support each other and explore thoughtfully as they shape the future.

NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATION

The Kew-Forest School believes that all persons are entitled to equal employment opportunity. The School prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, religion, color, creed, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national origin, culture, background, physical or mental disability, or any other legally protected classes or classifications. No employee or job applicant will be discriminated against in recruitment, compensation, promotion, or termination practices.

About The Kew-Forest School

The Kew-Forest School is accredited by the New York State Association of Independent Schools (NYSAIS), the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, and the New York State Department of Education. The School is also a member of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), the Independent School Admissions Association of Greater New York (ISAAGNY), and the Guild of Independent Schools of New York (GISNY). *The Kew-Forest School is a member of the New York State Association of Independent Schools Athletic Association (NYSAISAA), the Private School Athletic Association (PSAA), and the Long Island Athletic Association of Independent Schools (LIAAIS).

Connections working at The Kew-Forest School