Job Description

Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology is seeking a full-time Physics Instructor (five sections) for our Honors Physics and AP Physics C (Mechanics and Electricity & Magnetism) courses. Experience in Astronomy, Quantum Mechanics and Electrodynamics highly preferred. 

Teaching Responsibility

The Honors and AP Physics courses at our school cover introductory Mechanics and the foundations of Electricity, Magnetism, and Circuits.  Both courses strive to build a conceptual and applied understanding of fundamental physical laws through student discovery, engaging class discussions, hands-on laboratory investigations, and the use of modern computational tools to simulate and predict complex behavior.  In addition to the two introductory physics courses, TJHSST also offers additional physics courses in Waves and Optics, Computational Physics, Electrodynamics, and two semesters of Astronomy.

School Description

Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology was founded in 1985 as one of the first public STEM magnet schools in the county. TJ’s nearly 2000 students hail from five counties of Northern Virginia. 

Degrees and Certifications

• Bachelor's or Master’s Degree in Physics, Physics Education, or related fields
• Teaching Certification in the Commonwealth of Virginia or willingness to become certified. Please refer to licensure requirements on the VDOE website:  http://www.doe.virginia.gov/teaching/licensure/

Teaching Experience

• Classroom teaching experience is preferred.  Individuals with no teaching experience are encouraged to apply.
• Experience in advanced academic settings a plus.

Professional Skills

• Designs and implements creative, engaging lessons that promote student self-agency while constructing a learning environment that celebrates student ideas and collaboration by fostering positive relationships.
• Experience supporting and motivating students with diverse backgrounds including specific work promoting women and other minority groups in physics.
• Demonstrated leadership at the school, district, or broader levels as an advocate for equitable and inclusive physics instruction.
• Facilitates student problem-solving, experimental design, and the authentic scientific exploration of physics.
• Demonstrates academic competence in physics and displays an inclination for developing integrated and interdisciplinary work across multiple scientific domains.
• Experience working within highly collaborative Physics Departments which would include sharing instructional planning, evaluation, laboratory investigations, and general course design.

Technical Skills

• Proficiency in designing and implementing technical laboratory investigations for introductory physics students.
• Proficiency with cloud-based collaboration tools like Google Drive, Slack, Trello
• Proficiency with online teaching and/or instructional video creation

Compensation

• 2021-2022 Fairfax County Schools pay scales can be viewed here: https://www.fcps.edu/sites/default/files/media/pdf/FY22-teacher-194-day.pdf
  Teachers at TJHSST are paid on the “Extended Day Salary Scale”

How to Apply

• Apply to Fairfax County Public Schools via: https://www.fcps.edu/careers/building-future/instructional-personnel-employment-opportunities
• Email Assistant Principal for the Science and Technology Division, Volita Russell (vsrussell@fcps.edu) with your resume and cover letter.  

About Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology

Mission Statement The mission of Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology is to provide students with a challenging learning environment focused on math, science, and technology, to inspire joy at the prospect of discovery, and to foster a culture of innovation based on ethical behavior and the shared interests of humanity. Beliefs At Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, we believe: Critical thinking and problem-solving skills are vital in addressing the complex societal and ethical issues of our time. Students learn best in a community where academic disciplines are integrated, fostering an appreciation of how they interact and form a whole. Global interdependence compels us to understand the languages, systems and diverse cultures of people throughout the world. Literature, music and the arts are essential, timeless aspects of human existence. The methods of science provide discipline to our search for structure in the world. Research stems from a combination of fundamental knowledge, individual creativity, and curiosity. Effective communication is often the only difference between a good idea and a successful initiative. Collabor...ative learning, athletics, and extracurricular activities develop leadership and interpersonal skills. Responsibility and integrity are core principles in the pursuit of excellence. Learning never ends. School History Established in 1985, Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST) is a partnership among businesses and schools created to improve education in science, mathematics, and technology. Representatives from business and industry and staff of the Fairfax County Public Schools worked together in curriculum and facilities development for the school. As the Governor's School for Science and Technology in Northern Virginia, the school is also supported by the Virginia Department of Education. Unlike other magnet schools, TJHSST has a four-year, full day program. In 1999, local business leaders, parents, and alumni formed the TJ Partnership Fund (TJPF) as a nonprofit public foundation to help raise money to support TJHSST’s academic mission and role as a STEM education leader. After the renovation the TJPF expanded its focus to enhance STEM outreach efforts and alumni engagement in addition to its support for the school. In addition to providing a specialized education for selected students in Fairfax County, Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology also serves other school districts including Arlington, Loudoun, and Prince William counties, as well as the cities of Fairfax and Falls Church. In 2017, TJHSST completed an extensive renovation.

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