Job Title: High School Science (Environmental Systems and Societies - ESS)
Period: 2026-2027
Union Position-Covered by Collective Bargaining Agreement
Status: Non-Exempt
As of 01/13/2026
Founded in 1947, the United Nations International School (UNIS) is a Pre-K through Grade 12 independent school in Manhattan, serving a diverse, global community. About half of UNIS families are affiliated with the United Nations, while the rest are internationally minded New York–based parents. Guided by the ideals of the United Nations, UNIS provides an inclusive learning environment where rigorous international programs foster academic excellence, creativity, innovation, and cross-cultural communication, inspiring students to help build a peaceful, compassionate, and sustainable world.
UNIS seeks an experienced teacher with a proved record of successfully teaching Environmental Systems and Societies (ESS) in the IB Diploma Programme at both Standard Level (SL) and Higher Level (HL). The successful candidate should be passionate about guiding students to understand complex environmental issues through multiple perspectives—scientific, social, cultural, economic, and ethical—and to develop critical thinking, systems thinking, and sustainability literacy. This position reports to the High School Principal.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Teach IB Environmental Systems and Societies (ESS) using inquiry-based and concept-driven methodologies that integrate scientific and social science perspectives as well as Life Science ((Integrated Science) in Grades 9 and 10.
- Design learning experiences that promote systems thinking and holistic understanding of environmental challenges.
- Guide students in developing the skills required for research, critical analysis, and evaluation of real-world sustainability issues across local and global contexts.
- Support students through the Internal Assessment (Individual Investigation) process, helping them design and conduct ethical, data-driven research projects.
- Facilitate collaborative projects, including the IB Collaborative Sciences Project, emphasizing teamwork and interdisciplinary inquiry.
- Collaborate closely with colleagues in both the Science department to ensure alignment and interdisciplinary coherence.
- Contribute to Extended Essay supervision, Theory of Knowledge connections, and other components of the IB core as appropriate.
- Other duties as assigned and in accordance with the Collective Bargaining Agreement (e.g., advisory, supervision duties, office hours).
SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES
The requirements below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required to successfully perform this job. A successful candidate will meet many of these requirements and have the desire and capacity to learn the rest on the job.
- Strong knowledge of environmental systems, sustainability, and interdisciplinary education.
- Ability to engage students through conceptual teaching, case studies, and data-driven investigation.
- Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
- Capacity to foster critical thinking, global awareness, and ethical reflection.
- Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively across departments and disciplines.
- Flexible, creative, and reflective teaching philosophy aligned with the IB Learner Profile.
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
- Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred.
- Experience teaching and assessing IB Diploma Programme ESS (SL and/or HL) is essential.
- Demonstrated understanding of IB philosophy and assessment principles.
- Experience teaching in a K–12 international or independent school environment preferred.
- Familiarity with fieldwork, research methodologies, and data analysis in environmental contexts.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Ability to stand for extended periods while instructing or conducting demonstrations.
- Capability to move around the classroom and laboratory to support students.
- Comfort with handling lab or fieldwork materials and equipment occasionally weighing up to 15 lbs.
- Dexterity required for data collection, use of scientific tools, and digital technologies.
COMPENSATION
- Compensation is between $67,745 and $111,974, commensurate with years of experience as outlined in the Collective Bargaining Agreement (salary is prorated for part-time or temporary positions)
*Pending the completion of collective bargaining negotiations currently underway
APPLICATION PROCESS
All candidates must submit an electronic application via the school website:
https://www.unis.org/about-unis/employment
Supporting documentation, such as a cover letter, résumé, and three letters of recommendation, must be uploaded to the electronic application. Review of applications will begin immediately and will be ongoing.
COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION
Research shows that women and people from underrepresented groups often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We recognize that it is highly unlikely that someone meets all of the qualifications for a role. If much of this job posting describes you, we encourage you to apply.
The United Nations International School provides equal opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, gender identity, or any other category protected by law.
