Secondary Chemistry Teacher (Apply directly to STEM School Highlands Ranch - DO NOT apply online with DCSD)

Please complete this application using your full legal name as it appears on your government issued forms of identification when you have time to go from start to finish. Application details cannot be saved along the way, and you must complete and submit the application in one sitting. If you leave your computer and return later, you may time out. REMINDER: Current DCSD employees must apply through their district log-on, this application is for external candidates only! Job Posting Title: Secondary Chemistry Teacher (Apply directly to STEM School Highlands Ranch - DO NOT apply online with DCSD) Job Description: About STEM School Highlands Ranch At STEM School Highlands Ranch, we place innovation at the heart of learning to unleash the potential of all students and prepare them for an exponentially changing world. As a K-12 public charter school in the Douglas County School District, we are committed to creating an environment that fosters respect, success, and continuous improvement. We welcome you to join us in our mission to redefine limits and unleash potential. Our Core Values: Prioritize Students – Every decision we make is focused on ensuring students thrive, lead, and succeed. The community that surrounds students exists for the purpose of their growth and development. Build a Strong Community – We are more than a school, we are a community. We all have equal value and seek to encourage each other to maximize our unique strengths, gifts, and passions. The true power of a charter school is in the strength of its community. Do Right, Always – Honesty, trust, and ethical decision-making guide our actions, fostering respect, accountability, and a safe environment, even in challenging circumstances or when recognition is absent. Embrace Innovation – Never Stop Innovating. Innovation thrives on continuous growth, bold problem-solving, and a willingness to push boundaries, transforming ideas into meaningful progress. Take Steady Steps – We play the long game with people and projects by implementing strategic planning, clear communication, systems and process, ample resources, and appropriate pacing - setting a strong foundation for a supportive environment for our community to thrive. Lead With Care – Dedicated to making a difference through personal ownership, care, and compassion, creates lasting impact in our students, colleagues, and community. Elevate the Standard – A commitment to continuous growth, where skills are refined, applied, and adapted to achieve the highest standards and empower everyone to reach their fullest potential. Laugh Together – Having fun makes the team work! Creating an environment where joy is encouraged. Strengthens our teams, fosters a positive culture, and fuels creativity, making everyone feel valued, energized, and motivated to contribute. Benefits: STEM School Highlands Ranch offers a comprehensive benefits package, including: ● Short-term, long-term disability, life, and ADD insurance (available six months from hire date). ● Retirement benefits including PERA pension and 401K employee-only contribution managed through Colorado’s PERA program. ● Other benefits include FSA (medical and dependent care), Sick Time, and PTO based on years of service Position Specific Information (if Applicable): Position Overview: STEM School Highlands Ranch is seeking a passionate, innovative, and student-centered Secondary Chemistry Teacher to inspire students through engaging, hands-on science instruction. The ideal candidate will foster curiosity, critical thinking, and scientific inquiry while creating a rigorous and supportive learning environment that prepares students for college, careers, and future opportunities in STEM fields. The successful candidate will collaborate with colleagues to deliver high-quality Problem Based Learning instruction aligned with Colorado Academic Standards and the mission of STEM School Highlands Ranch. This position may include teaching chemistry courses at the middle and/or high school level based on student enrollment and school needs. Essential Responsibilities: ● Plan and deliver engaging chemistry instruction using inquiry-based, project-based, and laboratory learning experiences. ● Develop lessons that encourage critical thinking, scientific reasoning, and real-world application of chemistry concepts. ● Differentiate instruction to meet the diverse academic and social-emotional needs of students. ● Maintain a safe laboratory environment and ensure compliance with all laboratory safety procedures. ● Assess student learning using a variety of formative and summative assessment methods and provide meaningful feedback. ● Build positive relationships with students while maintaining high expectations for academic achievement and character development. ● Collaborate with fellow educators to strengthen curriculum, interdisciplinary learning, and student outcomes. ● Communicate effectively with students, families, and colleagues regarding student progress and classroom expectations. ● Integrate instructional technology and innovative teaching practices to enhance student engagement. ● Participate in professional learning, department meetings, school events, and other duties that support the mission of the school. Qualifications: Required: ● Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Science Education, or a closely related field. ● Valid Colorado teaching license (or ability to obtain one) with an appropriate secondary science endorsement. ● Strong content knowledge in chemistry and effective instructional practices. ● Excellent classroom management, communication, and organizational skills. ● Commitment to fostering an inclusive, student-centered learning environment. Preferred: ● Master's degree in Chemistry, Science Education, or a related field. ● Experience teaching secondary chemistry, including advanced coursework. ● Experience designing and facilitating laboratory-based instruction. ● Experience integrating technology into science education. ● Experience working in collaborative, innovative educational environments. Essential Physical Requirements: ● Occasional lifting of 5 to 50 pounds. ● Ability to stand or walk for extended periods of time. ● Ability to move quickly throughout the building and campus. ● Frequent bending, stooping, walking, standing, kneeling, reaching, and sitting. Schedule: ● Day shift ● Monday to Friday ● School Year: 2026–2027 This position will remain open until filled, but will not be open past: July 31, 2026. #SJ2025 Compensation: The pay range for this role is $56,366 – $119,121 USD per year, commensurate with experience and qualifications. Interested candidates should apply directly through the STEM School Highlands Ranch at https://www.stemk12.org/about/careers Responsibilities: Certifications: Teaching License - Colorado Department of Education Education: Bachelor's Degree (Required) Skills: Position Type: Charter School Primary Location: STEM Charter School One Year Only (Yes or No): No Scheduled Hours Per Week: 40 FTE: 1.00 Approx Scheduled Days Per Year: 185 Work Days (260 days indicates a year-round position. Time off [or Off-Track Days] are then granted based on the position. Any exceptions to the normal off-track time will be noted in the Additional Position Details section above, as scheduled work days.) Minimum Hire Rate: $1.00 USD Annual Maximum Hire Rate: $75,000.50 USD Annual Full Salary Range: $1.00 USD - $150,000.00 USD Annual All salary amounts listed above are based on a full-time (1.0) FTE. If applicable, part-time salaries will be prorated according to the assigned FTE. Benefits: This position is eligible for health, vision, dental, health savings account (HSA), flexible spending accounts (FSA), District paid and voluntary additional (supplemental) life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance, short and long-term disability, critical illness and accident voluntary insurance, employee assistance program (EAP), voluntary 401(k), 403(b) and 457 retirement plan options. Time Off Plans: This position will be open until filled, but will not be open past: July 29, 2026