Science Teacher
About Cristo Rey Network
The Cristo Rey Network of 40 high schools delivers a career focused, college preparatory education in the Catholic tradition for students with limited economic resources, uniquely integrating rigorous academic curricula with four years of professional work experience and support to and through college. Cristo Rey partners with educators, businesses and communities to enable students to fulfill their aspirations for a lifetime of success: students are two times more likely to complete a bachelor's degree by age 24, compared to the total U.S. low-income population.
Who We Are
Cristo Rey Orlando High School is located in Orlando, FL, and will be part of the national Cristo Rey Network. The school will open its doors to its inaugural freshmen class in the fall of 2025. Like all Cristo Rey schools, it will be a Catholic, college preparatory high school for students of all faiths from families of limited financial means. The school will be co-educational and will serve students of diverse backgrounds. We will help our students grow intellectually, academically, emotionally, spiritually, socially, and morally. Our aspiration is that all our students graduate from high school and college and become the future leaders in our churches, institutions, businesses, nonprofits, and the community at large.
Cristo Rey Orlando will prepare students to excel in college, in career, and in character. Our college-prep curriculum, Corporate Work Study Program (CWSP), and faith-based education combine to give students a unique experience and an affordable option for high-quality education.
Who You Are
You are a dedicated and passionate Biology Honors teacher who thrives on making biological concepts come alive for your students. At Cristo Rey Orlando High School, you will plan, organize, and implement engaging instructional programs that connect biology to real-world applications. Your focus will be on creating a dynamic learning environment where hands-on experiments and interactive activities foster deep understanding and curiosity.
You will play a key role in continuously assessing student progress, using data to guide effective curriculum development and adjustments. In addition to teaching, you will implement targeted intervention and enrichment strategies, ensuring every student is supported on their academic journey and has the opportunity to reach their full potential in biology. Your commitment to fostering both intellectual growth and a love for science will make a lasting impact on your students' educational experience.
This Role
Cristo Rey Orlando High School is seeking a dedicated Biology Honors teacher to join an innovative, dynamic, and mission-driven school that values both its faculty and students. In this role, you will plan and deliver engaging, hands-on instructional programs that connect biological concepts to real-life applications, fostering curiosity and a deeper understanding of science. As a member of the Cristo Rey Orlando faculty, you will play a key role in facilitating student learning, continuously assessing progress, and contributing to the development of a rigorous and engaging biology curriculum.
You will also supervise students, ensuring their safety and adherence to school policies, while actively participating in the holistic development of the school’s educational program. In addition to teaching, you will implement intervention and enrichment strategies to support each student’s unique learning needs, helping them reach their full academic potential in biology.
You will strive to teach and model being men and women for others, interacting positively and compassionately with students, offering both academic and personal guidance, and upholding the faith-based identity of the school. Preference is given to candidates who are eager to engage in the school community by moderating clubs, coaching athletic teams, and serving as adult leaders on retreats. Responsibilities include :
Develop Hands-On Lessons: Create and deliver culturally relevant, interactive lessons that connect Biology concepts to real-world situations, making learning engaging and applicable for students through labs, fieldwork, and experiments.
Curriculum Writing and Analysis: Regularly develop and update course materials using backward planning, assessment data, and ongoing curriculum analysis to meet the diverse needs of all students while aligning with state and national science standards.
Data-Driven Instruction: Utilize student assessment data to refine lesson plans and provide targeted interventions and enrichment opportunities, ensuring each student achieves academic growth.
Engaging Classroom Environment: Foster a dynamic and inclusive classroom atmosphere that encourages curiosity, critical thinking, and a love for science while accommodating various learning styles.
High Academic Expectations: Set and maintain high academic standards for all students, providing the support and challenges necessary for them to excel in Biology.
Laboratory Safety and Management: Ensure a safe and organized laboratory environment by teaching and enforcing proper safety protocols during all hands-on activities and experiments.
Family Engagement: Build strong partnerships with families to support student success through regular communication and collaboration.
Student Support: Offer regular office hours and be available for additional instruction and personalized support to help students overcome academic challenges.
Behavior Management: Establish trust and rapport with students, effectively managing classroom behavior to maintain a respectful and productive learning environment.
Professional Development: Commit to continuous growth as an educator by collaborating with colleagues, participating in professional development opportunities, and actively seeking and providing feedback.
Mission Commitment: Embrace and promote the school's mission to inspire and prepare students from underserved backgrounds to succeed in college and lead their communities as compassionate, committed, and competent individuals for the greater glory of God.
Pastoral Involvement: Actively participate in the school's spiritual life, demonstrating care and pastoral support for students.
School Community Participation: Engage fully in the school community by taking on supervision duties, participating in retreats and special events, and contributing to the July summer student program.
Other Responsibilities: Performs other duties and special projects as assigned by the Principal and Assistant Principal.
The Biology teacher reports to and will work directly with the founding Principal and Founding Assistant Principal and Collaborate with the Dean of Curriculum & Culture. They will have an immediate impact and will manage new projects and initiatives, as well as maintain existing ones. This summary does not describe all job duties.
Required Qualifications
You hold a Bachelor's Degree in Biology or a related field, with a minimum of 12 credit hours in education preferred. A Master’s Degree is a strong plus.
You possess a Permanent Teacher Certification in Biology or the relevant science subject area.
You bring 3-5 years of teaching experience, preferably with experience in serving marginalized communities.
You have training in safety, hands-on learning strategies, or experience working with students with special needs.
You are able to pass a background screening.
You are proficient in utilizing technology and digital resources to enhance classroom instruction and student learning.
You demonstrate reliability with consistent, on-time attendance for supervising and instructing students.
You appreciate and support the school's unique mission and are committed to the values of faith-based education.
You are dedicated to upholding the mission and standards of the school as outlined by the Cristo Rey Network Mission Effectiveness Standards.
You maintain professional attire daily, contributing to a respectful and focused educational environment.
You are comfortable performing duties that require sitting, standing, walking, talking, hearing, and climbing stairs regularly. You can effectively operate computers, scientific equipment, and other educational technology. Occasionally, you may need to lift or move up to 10 pounds.
Preferred Experience and Skills
- Strong knowledge and experience in teaching Biology, with a solid understanding of the BEST FL Standards for Science and how to align instruction with state requirements.
- Ability to develop and implement a Biology curriculum that connects scientific concepts to real-life applications, using innovative and engaging teaching strategies that promote hands-on learning.
- Experience in utilizing formative and summative assessments to monitor student progress and adjust instruction for optimal learning outcomes, ensuring alignment with the FL BEST Standards.
- Ability to support at-risk students by developing individualized academic plans and working collaboratively with peers, parents, and school leadership to ensure student success in Biology.
- Proficient in educational technology, data analysis tools, and student performance tracking to enhance the effectiveness of the biology curriculum and improve student outcomes.
- Experience in conducting laboratory experiments, fostering scientific inquiry, and encouraging critical thinking and problem-solving in students.
- Proficiency in Spanish is preferred to better engage with a diverse school community.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Suite, and other relevant technology platforms for curriculum planning, communication, and student data management.
Salary
Salary will be commensurate with education and experience. Salary range is $60,000 - $65,000 annually. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage, long-term disability insurance, and a 403(b) retirement plan with a 5% employer matching contribution. Benefits will begin the month following your date of hire. Applicants should be prepared to provide references upon request.
How to Apply
If you have the requested background and a passion for the mission, we invite you to apply for this 11-month position. Applications will be accepted until the successful candidate is found. This position will ideally start in July 2025.
To ensure full consideration, applicants must submit a cover letter and resume explaining why you believe that you are a match for this unique opportunity to:
Cristo Rey Orlando High School is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, pregnancy, color, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, uniform service member status, or any other category protected by federal, state or local law in the administration of any of its educational programs and activities or with respect to employment, unless a particular status protected by federal, state, or local laws contradict the deeply held religious convictions of the School or the church