Lower School Science Teacher

Aspen Country Day School 

Full Time, Exempt

Aspen Country Day School seeks an enthusiastic and experienced Lower School Science Teacher to inspire curiosity, critical thinking, and a love of scientific inquiry for students in Early school through Third Grade beginning in mid-August 2026. The ideal candidate embraces hands-on, inquiry-based learning and understands how young children learn best, through exploration, questioning, and meaningful connections to the world around them. 

This teacher will design and deliver engaging science instruction aligned with the school’s mission and values, collaborate closely with grade-level teams, and contribute positively to the life of the school community. 

About Aspen Country Day School 

This Early School through Eighth Grade school is known for its intentional approach to challenging and nurturing children as they build confidence, resilience, and joy in learning. Vibrant academic, arts, and outdoor programs led by dedicated teachers give students a solid foundation for lives of meaning and purpose. At its campus in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, the school welcomes approximately 300 students from throughout the Roaring Fork Valley. It is accredited by the Association of Colorado Independent Schools and a member of the National Association of Independent Schools. Visit www.aspencountryday.org to learn more. 

Salary 

The wage rate for this position will include a salary range of $60,000 - $70,000 and will be commensurate with experience. 

This is a full-time position with health, dental, vision, disability insurance and retirement plan offerings. 

Essential Functions 

• Teach, plan lessons, foster and evaluate student growth through developmentally appropriate, inquiry-based science lessons that foster curiosity, observation, experimentation, and problem-solving

• Refine and implement a science curriculum that integrates life, physical, and earth sciences and aligns with best practices in lower school education

• Foster a classroom culture that values collaboration, including group investigations, partner work, scientific discussions, and shared reflection. 

• Differentiate instruction to meet the diverse learning needs of students

• Use formative and summative assessments to monitor student progress and inform instruction 

• Collaborate with classroom teachers to integrate science learning across disciplines when appropriate

• Communicate effectively and professionally with families regarding curriculum, student progress, and classroom activities 

• Participate in faculty meetings, professional development, and school events 

Expectations 

This is a full-time position that begins in mid-August 2026. The standard schedule is 7:45am to 3:45pm, with 2 faculty meetings per month until 4:30, although team planning meetings may require additional time. Additionally, all faculty members share daily supervision duties at the school. Occasional evening and weekend commitments are required throughout the school year. This position also supports and engages with the school’s outdoor education program by attending multiple trips throughout the academic year and participates in grade-based ski days. 

NOTE: This position requires a pre-employment criminal background check. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a criminal background check.

Physical Demands

? Visual Acuity: Ability to bring objects into focus.

? Balancing: Maintaining equilibrium.

? Bending: Bending or position oneself to move an object from one level to another.

? Carrying: transporting or moving an object.

? Crouching: Bending body downward and forward by bending leg and spine.

? Climbing: Ascending or descending stationary objects.

? Eye/Hand/Foot Coordination: Performing work through using two or more body parts or  other devices.

? Gripping/Grasping: Ability to apply pressure with fingers and palm.

? Handling: Seizing, holding, grasping, through use of hands, fingers, or other means.

? Hearing: Perceiving and comprehending the nature and direction of sounds.

? Kneeling: Bending legs at knees to come to rest on knee or knees

? Lifting: Moving objects weighing no more than 10 pounds from one level to another.

? Pushing/Pulling: Ability to use upper extremities to exert force in order to press, draw, drag or haul objects in a sustained motion.

? Reaching: Extending the hands and arms or other device in any direction.

? Repetitive motions: Making frequent or continuous movements.

? Sitting: Remaining in a stationary position.

? Standing: Ability to sustain position for a period of time.

? Stooping: Bending body downward and forward by bending spine at the waist.

? Talking: Communicating ideas or exchanging information.

? Walking: Ability to move to traverse from one location to another.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  

This job description is designed to indicate the general nature of the work. Duties and responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice.

To Apply

If you are interested in this position, please submit a cover letter and resume to [email protected]. 

To Apply

If you are interested in this position, please submit a resume to [email protected]. 

St. Mary’s Academy Overview:

St. Mary’s Academy, located in Englewood, Colorado, is Metro Denver’s premier Catholic, Independent school offering rigorous academics in its co-ed Preschool-Grade 8, and all-girls High School. SMA offers a safe, yet innovative program that embraces students of all backgrounds and fosters character and moral development from Preschool to graduation.

SMA is a close community where faculty and staff serve as role models for the students with a mission to foster excellence in each child through academic achievement, spiritual development, and service. The qualities of a strong work ethic, desire for personal growth, and commitment to life-long learning that St. Mary’s Academy expects of students is likewise an expectation for faculty and staff.  Each day, too, is an opportunity to live the Loretto School Values of faith, community, justice, and respect.

SMA is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse faculty and staff dedicated to their profession and the well-being and life of the St. Mary’s Academy community. St. Mary's Academy does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, sex, disability, marital status, national or ethnic origin, race, sexual orientation, or religion. This policy applies to all areas of student concerns: educational policies, admission policies (historically, high school admission is open to women only), scholarship, and grant-in-aid programs, athletic and other school-administered programs, as well as employee/personnel concerns. St. Mary's Academy is an equal opportunity employer. 

Job Description:

St. Mary’s Academy seeks an Assistant Principal for the Middle School who delights in adolescents and believes deeply in the transformative power of middle-level education. This leader supports the thoughtful day-to-day life of the division while keeping students’ academic growth, social-emotional development, and well-being at the center of every decision. Working in close partnership with the principal, faculty, staff, parents, and students, the Assistant Principal helps cultivate a community where every student feels known, valued, and inspired to grow. 

Grounded in the Loretto School Values, the Assistant Principal helps nurture a culture that celebrates curiosity, encourages joyful risk-taking, and promotes excellence in teaching and learning. Middle School at SMA is both purposeful and playful, a place where intellectual challenge and laughter often share the same hallway. The ideal candidate is an organized, collaborative, and approachable leader with prior middle school administrative experience who brings warmth, presence, and steady professionalism to their work, while also not being afraid to have fun and be silly with students. A strong understanding of adolescent development, a commitment to middle-level best practice, and the ability to build authentic, trusting relationships across the community are essential.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

Student Life, Culture, and Community

• Serve as a dean of students, managing student accountability and discipline, and restorative practices

• Coordinate and support middle school programming, including social-emotional learning, advisory, assemblies, and other student-focused events and activities.

• Partner closely with families, serving as a consistent, compassionate, and solution-oriented point of contact

• Collaborate with faculty, counselors, and the learning services team to coordinate academic, social, and emotional student support

• Serve as admissions liaison/coordinator, supporting prospective students and families

• Coordinate orientation and onboarding for new students and families

• Build strong, authentic relationships with students, families, faculty, and staff to strengthen community engagement and trust.

• Foster a joyful, fun, and inclusive Middle School environment that reflects the Loretto School Values and encourages a love of learning.

Instructional Leadership and Strategic Initiatives 

• Support implementation of the school’s strategic plan with a focus on instructional excellence and coherence

• Partner with the Principal and faculty to support high-quality instruction and continuous improvement across the Middle School.

• Collaborate with the Middle School Principal and department chairs as a thought partner on teaching and learning

• Stay current with research-based best practices in instruction, assessment, and education

• Support the mission of St. Mary’s Academy by ensuring instructional practices reflect the school’s values and educational philosophy.

School Operations and Leadership

• Manage the day-to-day operations of a fast-paced middle school program, including calendar, schedules, student placement, admissions support, and special events

• Contribute as a key member of the middle school leadership team

• Model professionalism, collaboration, and a solutions-oriented mindset

• Perform other duties as assigned in support of the school’s mission

• Communicate clearly and effectively with stakeholders to support school initiatives and operational needs.

Qualifications/Requirements:

• Master’s degree in education administration, curriculum leadership, or related field preferred

• 5+ years of experience as a teacher and/or administrator with the ability to organize, coordinate, and motivate people

• Knowledge and experience in middle school programs

• Current knowledge of best instructional practices

• Special talent to connect, build relationships, and communicate effectively with parents, staff, and students

• Ability to effectively motivate and supervise people

• Capable thought partner to the Middle School Principal

• A sense of resonance with the St. Mary’s Academy mission, vision, and values

Salary/Benefits:

The salary range for this full-time, 12-month, exempt position is $85,000- $100,000.  At St. Mary's Academy, we believe that exceptional educators deserve exceptional support. That's

why we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support both your well-being and

professional growth. Our benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage, life insurance, an

Employee Assistance Program, and a retirement plan with a match after one year of employment

to help you secure your future. Additionally, we provide tuition remission for your family and robust

opportunities for professional development to help you continue growing in your career. 

How to Apply:

Interested candidates should send a cover letter, resume, and statement of educational philosophy to Lyndal Brookhart, Director of Human Resources, at [email protected]. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so early submission is encouraged.