Early Childhood Science Specialist

Job DetailsJob Location: McCarthey - Lower School - Salt Lake CIty, UT 84108Early Childhood Science Specialist


School Overview

Founded in 1867, Rowland Hall is an independent school in Salt Lake City serving approximately 1,000 students in preschool through twelfth grade. Driven by our vision of developing people the world needs, we believe in a transformational education that gives students agency and purpose, connects them to their global community, and empowers them to make the world a better place for all. 

Rowland Hall sets the standard for teaching and learning excellence through our academic and co-curricular programs, including experiential learning opportunities, artistic self-expression, and a competitive athletic program that challenges students inside and outside the classroom. We foster curiosity, compassion, joy throughout the learning process, and graduate young adults who know how to think critically and are inspired to make a difference. 

Located near the base of the stunning Wasatch Mountain Range and adjacent to the University of Utah, a world-class research university and medical center, Rowland Hall attracts a diverse community of families. The school focuses on recruiting and retaining high-quality employees by offering extensive professional development opportunities, competitive salaries with local districts and market rates, and a close-knit, supportive community. 


Position Summary

The Beginning School and Lower School seek an experienced early childhood educator to plan and implement standards-aligned science learning opportunities for students in 3PreK through 2nd grade. For our youngest learners, weekly science lessons should be grounded in best practices in early childhood education. Instruction should be experiential, focused on foundational concepts and skills, and designed to help each child develop a sense of identity as a scientist.

In addition to introducing core life and physical science topics, the Early Childhood Science Specialist will weave in elements of outdoor education, environmentalism, maker education, and STEAM. This teacher will collaborate closely with other Lower School Science and TREC (Technology, Robotics, Engineering, and Coding) specialists to ensure continuity of program and alignment of curriculum. They will also partner with homeroom teachers to identify opportunities for curricular integration and skill development.

Collaboration will also include coordinating the shared use of classroom, lab, and outdoor garden spaces with other science specialists and homeroom teachers. This faculty member will support the Outdoor Classroom program in both Kindergarten and first grade and will design and lead monthly 90-minute Experiential Learning afternoons for 3PreK and 4PreK students.

In addition to teaching responsibilities, this colleague will communicate regularly and proactively with students, families, and colleagues. The Early Childhood Science Specialist will contribute positively to the overall school culture while fulfilling faculty duties as assigned—including recess and lunch supervision, field trips, and other responsibilities—and may serve on all-school committees as needed.


Primary Job Responsibilities


Plan, implement, and document science curriculum for 4PreK - 2nd grade that is aligned with Next Generation Science Standards when possible, and which is grounded in principles of best practice for early childhood teaching and learning. 
Facilitate and contribute to Outdoor Classroom curriculum alongside faculty in K and 1st grade
Plan, coordinate, and implement monthly 90-minute Experiential Learning afternoons for students in 3PreK and 4PreK.
Manage, maintain, and re-supply science and maker materials in a dedicated storage room. 
Serve as a resource to students and teachers regarding science, maker, and outdoor education topics.
Communicate with families effectively and proactively, independently and in collaboration with homeroom teachers and the student support team as needed
Co-create and sustain a positive, organized, joyful learning environments for students
Demonstrate knowledge of and a commitment to equitable and inclusive practices and behaviors, both in and outside of the classroom 
Engage in ongoing professional development, including collaborative curricular review, continued learning across a broad range of topics, but especially in early childhood learning, in support of the school’s mission and strategic priorities
Other duties as assigned



Skills and Requirements


B.A. in Education or related field
Successful experience teaching in an Early Childhood setting
Demonstrated science content knowledge, relevant for young children
A love of and deep respect for young children as learners and people, through difficult and joyful moments alike
Flexibility and adaptability along with strong organizational skills
Affinity for getting messy, thinking big, and b