High School Chemistry Teacher

Animas High School

Job Description: Looking for: Skilled chemistry teacher with a strong foundation in content knowledge and inquiry-based science instruction. Experienced in designing and facilitating hands-on laboratory investigations, promoting scientific reasoning, and supporting students in analyzing data and drawing evidence-based conclusions. Adept at differentiating instruction, integrating real-world applications, and using formative and summative assessments to guide learning. Demonstrates a strong commitment to lab safety, collaborative learning, and creating an inclusive classroom environment that supports diverse learners. Effective communicator who collaborates with colleagues to align curriculum with standards and support student growth.

Demonstrates strong lab management skills, including organizing and maintaining laboratory spaces, managing chemical inventories and equipment, preparing materials for investigations, and ensuring proper storage, labeling, and disposal of chemicals in compliance with safety regulations. 

Establishes clear lab procedures and expectations, trains students in safe and responsible laboratory practices, and proactively identifies and mitigates potential safety risks to support efficient, safe, and effective hands-on learning.

At Animas High School, teachers provide instruction through project-based learning by working closely with their grade level teams to provide high-quality instruction and interdisciplinary opportunities. 
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Organization Summary:
Animas High School is a charter High School in Durango, Colorado, authorized through the Colorado Charter School Institute. AHS’ instructional design emphasizes hands-on, project-based learning with adult-world connections. We are committed to building a school culture where there is respect and cooperation among every student, adult, and family. Candidates must be committed to working in a dynamic, collaborative, teacher-driven school where teachers have the freedom and responsibility to design an innovative curriculum.

Animas High School attracts dedicated educators who are passionate about their subject area, committed to developing young adults and inspired by the freedom they have within a supportive structure. AHS is accepting applications for the 2026/2027 school year and preliminary interviews begin in early Spring. Offers of employment are contingent upon satisfaction of certain pre-employment verifications and clearances, including, but not limited to, undergraduate degree verification, DOJ fingerprint clearance, and verification of eligibility to work in the United States.

Working at AHS:
Full-time annual teacher contracts are typically written with 180 (minimum) contract days
Compensation is set according to Animas High School’s Employment Compensation Framework
PERA benefits
Benefit options for eligible employees for 2026/2027 included: Health, Vision, Dental, Short Term Disability and 403b Retirement options
Animas High School operates according to a traditional school calendar (August through June)
School provides grade level teaching support, and professional development opportunities throughout the year

Qualifications (Required):
Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree
DOJ Fingerprint Clearance

Qualifications (Preferred):
Degree in field of study or in Education
1+ year working with students as a teacher, teacher intern, or academic coach

The AHS Teacher:
Demonstrates and actively teaches the AHS Values: Engagement, Challenge, Shared Intellectual Work, Responsibility to Others, and Self-Awareness
Effectively implements Project-Based Learning techniques and strategies, including opportunities for student voice and choice, real-world connections and community partnerships, exhibitions that showcase student work and learning, and robust critique and refinement processes
Fosters student growth through semi-annual Student-Led Conferences (SLC) and Presentations of Learning (POL)
Designs assessments in multiple formats that measure student learning and inform instruction
Differentiates instruction and student tasks based on feedback, needs, and learning levels
Encourages a culture of mutual respect and equitable practice, while also maintaining high academic and behavioral standards
Builds effective and professional relationships with students that support them in their learning
Collaborates with colleagues and families to identify and support students’ social, emotional, and behavior learning needs, and offer specialized support as needed
Communicates effectively and proactively with students and families about classroom activities and student progress
Demonstrates strong content knowledge and the ability to learn new content, including knowledge of the NGSS Standards
Supports colleagues in the adult learning community through active participation in PD, teacher leadership, peer mentoring, and grade level collaboration
Actively reflects on their own teaching practices, and works to refine their practice based on student, peer, and mentor feedback.

Instructional Salary Schedule 
An offer of employment will be subject to the successful completion of a background check. AHS is an equal opportunity employer. It is the policy of AHS to afford equal employment and advancement opportunity to all qualified individuals without regard to race, creed, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, disability, marital status, medical condition, or any other classification that is protected under applicable local, state or federal law.

At Animas High School, teachers provide instruction through project-based learning by working closely with their grade level teams to provide high-quality instruction and interdisciplinary opportunities.