About ReThink Microschools
ReThink Microschools is a specialized educational institution exclusively serving students with high-functioning autism in grades K-12. We celebrate neurodiversity as a strength and provide personalized, rigorous education in small classroom settings. Our mission is to create learning environments where every student is seen, supported, and inspired to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
Position Overview
We are seeking a passionate, innovative Science Teacher to join our mission-driven team. In this role, you'll teach science to small groups of students with high-functioning autism (maximum 8 per class). You'll have the unique opportunity to leverage students' natural curiosity, attention to detail, and systematic thinking to create transformative science learning experiences that are hands-on, inquiry-based, and deeply engaging.
Key Responsibilities
Instructional Excellence
- Design and deliver engaging, differentiated science instruction across disciplines (Life Science, Earth Science, Physical Science, Chemistry, Physics, Biology)
- Implement inquiry-based, hands-on learning experiences that align with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)
- Utilize visual supports, concrete demonstrations, and systematic investigations
- Make abstract scientific concepts concrete through experiments, models, and real-world applications
- Foster scientific thinking, observation skills, and evidence-based reasoning
- Connect science content to students' special interests and fascinations
- Break down complex processes into clear, sequential steps
- Provide structured lab experiences with explicit safety procedures and expectations
Autism-Affirming Support
- Develop individualized learning plans that build on student strengths in pattern recognition and logical thinking
- Recognize and accommodate sensory sensitivities during hands-on activities and labs
- Support executive function challenges (organizing materials, following multi-step procedures, lab reports)
- Provide clear, explicit instructions with visual lab protocols and procedure cards
- Build predictable lab routines while maintaining the excitement of scientific discovery
- Address science anxiety and build confidence through success-oriented investigations
- Leverage special interests (dinosaurs, astronomy, chemistry, animals, etc.) to drive engagement
- Teach scientific vocabulary explicitly with visual supports and real-world examples
Student Relationships & Communication
- Build authentic, trust-based relationships with students in our small class setting
- Understand and respect each student's communication style and social preferences
- Provide direct, specific feedback on scientific work and thinking
- Foster a growth mindset around scientific inquiry and "productive failure"
- Communicate regularly with families about discoveries, progress, and hands-on projects
- Collaborate with families to extend learning through home experiments and observations
Laboratory & Safety Management
- Maintain a safe, organized, and sensory-friendly science lab environment
- Teach and reinforce laboratory safety procedures explicitly
- Manage science materials, equipment, and living organisms responsibly
- Prepare demonstrations and experiments with attention to sensory considerations
- Ensure accessibility of all scientific tools and resources
- Document and communicate any safety concerns immediately
Collaboration & Professional Growth
- Work closely with support staff, therapists, and educational team
- Participate in ongoing professional development in autism education and science pedagogy
- Contribute to curriculum development and STEM program improvement
- Share effective strategies and successful experiments with colleagues
- Maintain accurate records of student progress, lab work, and scientific portfolios
- Coordinate field trips to science museums, nature centers, and research facilities
Classroom Environment
- Create an organized, sensory-friendly science classroom space
- Implement visual supports
- Establish clear expectations and consistent routines for investigations
- Balance hands-on exploration with structured procedures
- Use autism-affirming language that celebrates different ways of observing and thinking
- Celebrate neurodivergent approaches to scientific problem-solving
Qualifications
Required: