The posting
About the Role Old Sturbridge Academy is seeking a passionate and skilled Grades 5–6 Science Teacher to join our crew in Sturbridge, MA. This role is responsible for delivering rigorous, inquiry-driven science instruction to middle school students in an environment that is genuinely unlike any other — right on the grounds of Old Sturbridge Village, one of the most extraordinary living history museums in the country. At OSA, science isn’t just taught from a textbook. It’s lived, investigated, and connected to the real world around us. We’re looking for a teacher who sees that setting as an asset and knows how to use it — someone who can build scientific thinkers while meeting students where they are academically, socially, and emotionally.
Who We Are Old Sturbridge Academy (OSA) is an EL Education school working in partnership with Old Sturbridge Village, providing students with rigorous, real-world learning experiences in a supportive and nurturing environment. We are distinguished by four key elements of EL Education: a commitment to community, a commitment to high-quality work, a commitment to real-world applications, and a commitment to imagination, exploration, and immersion. We want to be honest with prospective candidates: this is energizing, demanding work. Our school day is longer than a traditional district schedule, our expectations are high, and we ask everyone on our team to go beyond the boundaries of a job description when students need it. At OSA, we are crew, not passengers — and that applies to every member of our staff.
What You’ll Do Instruction Plan and deliver engaging, rigorous daily science instruction for Grades 5 and 6, grounded in the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks and the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) Design units and lessons that build scientific thinking — observation, questioning, investigation, analysis, and evidence-based argumentation — not just content coverage Leverage OSA’s unique partnership with Old Sturbridge Village to anchor learning in real-world inquiry and place-based experiences wherever possible Use a variety of instructional approaches including hands-on investigations, collaborative inquiry, and project-based learning consistent with the EL Education model Differentiate instruction to support English Language Learners, students with IEPs, and students who need additional challenge Hold students to high expectations for quality work, teaching them to draft, revise, and take pride in what they produce
Assessment and Data Use formative and summative assessments consistently to understand what students know and adjust instruction accordingly Analyze student work and data to identify patterns, inform instructional decisions, and communicate progress clearly to colleagues and families Maintain accurate grade records and documentation in compliance with school expectations Participate in data review cycles and student support team processes, contributing classroom data and instructional context
Collaboration and Team Membership Collaborate with grade-level colleagues to plan curriculum, align expectations, and problem-solve together Partner with the special education team to coordinate supports for students with IEPs or identified learning needs Contribute to OSA’s crew culture — participating actively in advisory, community-building, and school-wide events Engage in professional development and bring a genuine growth mindset to feedback, coaching, and reflection Support curriculum development and refinement as part of an EL Education school continuing to grow its instructional program
Family and Community Engagement Build authentic, trusting relationships with students and families across the cultural and linguistic backgrounds represented at OSA Communicate proactively with families about student progress, learning goals, and how to support their child at home Participate in family conferences, IEP meetings, and school events as needed Promote and support diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in all interactions with students, families, and colleagues Other duties as assigned
What You Bring Massachusetts DESE licensure in Elementary Education (Grades 1–6) or Middle School Science (Grades 5–8), or eligibility for licensure Strong science content knowledge and a genuine enthusiasm for scientific inquiry at the upper elementary level Experience teaching in a diverse school setting, including working with English Language Learners and students with IEPs Familiarity with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and how to build coherent science learning progressions Track record of meaningful student growth and the ability to speak specifically to your impact on student learning Experience with or strong interest in project-based, inquiry-based, or EL Education instructional models Comfortable using assessment data to drive instructional decisions and communicate progress clearly Excellent communication and collaboration skills; a genuine team player who shows up for colleagues as well as students Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred
Old Sturbridge Academy Charter Public School is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation/gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Visit us at www.osacps.org
To apply: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/VXSGCK6
