Inspiring Young Minds: Become a Science Teacher at Sherman Indian High School in Riverside, CA
Are you a dedicated educator looking to make a profound difference in the lives of Native American youth? The Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) is searching for an inspiring, energetic, and certified Science Teacher to join the faculty at Sherman Indian High School in Riverside, California. This is not just an ordinary teaching job; it is a unique opportunity to provide high-quality education within a rich, culturally supportive community that respects and honors the diverse heritage of Native American and Alaska Native students.
Operating under the guidelines of Public Law 95-561, this school-year contract position offers competitive hourly compensation, comprehensive federal benefits, and a supportive network of educational professionals. If you are passionate about scientific inquiry and eager to guide high school students toward academic excellence, read on to discover how your credentials align with this rewarding career path.
About the Agency: The Bureau of Indian Education and Sherman Indian High School
The mission of the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) is rooted in Title 25 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). BIE is committed to providing quality educational opportunities from early childhood through adulthood. These programs are tailored to meet the spiritual, mental, physical, and cultural needs of individual students within their family and tribal contexts, treating every student as a whole person.
Sherman Indian High School, situated in beautiful Riverside, California, is a historic off-reservation boarding school. It serves a diverse, vibrant population of Native American students representing numerous tribes across the United States. Working here requires a balance of academic rigor and deep cultural empathy, ensuring that students receive the tools they need for economic well-being while preserving their unique cultural identities.
Job Responsibilities and Daily Impact
As a Science Teacher (CY-1710-11/11) at Sherman Indian High School, you will act as a classroom leader, curriculum designer, and mentor. The responsibilities of this position are comprehensive and go beyond lecturing. You will:
- Design and Deliver Instruction: Develop yearly course outlines and daily lesson plans that meet state and agency guidelines. Select, adapt, and implement appropriate instructional resources to foster students' cognitive, affective, and psychomotor skills.
- Assess and Evaluate Student Progress: Monitor and track individual academic achievements through criterion-referenced tests, standardized testing, oral evaluations, and classroom activities. Adapt lessons to provide alternative pathways for struggling students.
- Maintain Classroom Culture: Foster a safe, inclusive, and disciplined classroom environment. Manage day-to-day discipline independently, escalating issues only for chronic or extreme behavioral challenges.
- Communicate with Families: Provide regular progress updates to parents, guardians, and other stakeholders. Actively participate in conferences to align home and school support structures.
- Keep Complete Records: Maintain accurate documentation regarding grades, attendance, and student progress in accordance with BIE regulations.
- Provide Mentorship: Offer counseling and support to individual students to assist with their personal growth and behavioral development.
Educational and Licensure Requirements
To be considered for this position, applicants must meet specific educational and professional licensing requirements. These standards ensure that Sherman Indian High School students receive instruction from qualified, verified professionals.
1. Basic Education
Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s Degree or higher from an accredited postsecondary institution recognized by the United States Department of Education. To verify this, applicants must submit clear, legible, and unencrypted copies of their college transcripts (including the transcript key page). Official transcripts will be required upon final selection.
2. Teacher Licensure
All professional educators in the BIE system must possess a valid, active state-issued teacher certification or license in the specialty field of Science.
- In-State Candidates: If you possess a valid California teaching license with a science endorsement, you meet this requirement directly.
- Out-of-State Candidates: Educators holding valid certifications from states other than California may still apply. If selected, you will be issued a provisional contract. This agreement requires you to successfully transition your credentials to a full California State Teacher Certification within two complete contract terms.
3. Background Security and Suitability
Because this position involves direct work with minors, all prospective employees must successfully undergo a comprehensive background security investigation and receive a favorable suitability adjudication.
Salary Overview and the CY Pay Scale
The compensation for this position is competitive, ranging from $36.23 to $72.13 per hour. Because this role is a school-year contract position, pay setting is calculated as a Modified Hourly/Date Rate (MHR/MDR), which is adjusted according to the local school calendar. These rates are non-negotiable and are determined based on your education level and credentials after the selection process is complete.
The Bureau of Indian Education establishes salaries utilizing the CY pay system. The progression from Level 11 to Level 17 depends heavily on post-secondary academic credentials:
| Pay Level | Education and Academic Credentials Required |
|---|---|
| Level 11 | Bachelor's Degree only |
| Level 12 | Bachelor's Degree + 15 graduate semester hours |
| Level 13 | Bachelor's Degree + 30 graduate semester hours |
| Level 14 | Master's Degree |
| Level 15 | Master's Degree + 15 graduate semester hours |
| Level 16 | Master's Degree + 30 graduate semester hours |
| Level 17 | Earned Doctorate (Ph.D. or Ed.D.) |
Note: To move beyond Pay Level 11, coursework must be in fields directly related to the subject being taught (Science) or focused on general teaching methodologies from an accredited institution.
Comprehensive Federal Benefits
Working for the federal government brings a robust selection of benefits designed to support you and your family’s well-being, including:
- Health and Wellness: Premium choices for Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB), Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP), and Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance (FEGLI).
- Retirement Security: Coverage under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and access to the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with up to 5% agency matching contributions.
- Professional Representation: This position is represented by the Federation of Indian Service Employees (FISE), American Federation of Teachers Local 4521.
- Leave Programs: Accrual of paid sick leave and recognition of federal holidays throughout the active school contract term.
Please note: Government housing quarters are not available for this position, and the agency does not cover travel or relocation expenses.
Insider Application Tips and Best Practices
Applying for a federal position requires strict attention to detail. Applications that do not conform to the instructions will be disqualified automatically. Keep the following tips in mind:
- Observe the Two-Page Limit: Your resume must be no more than two pages long. Any pages beyond the second page will be ignored during the review. Keep your format clean, using a minimum 10-point font and 0.5-inch margins.
- Be Explicit About Your Experience: Do not leave room for assumptions. Always list your dates of employment in Month/Year format and clearly note the average hours you worked per week (e.g., 'August 2023 to June 2024, 40 hours/week').
- Submit Valid Credentials: Ensure your teaching certificate displays your name, issuing state, issue and expiration dates, and approved endorsements.
- Claiming Indian Preference: If you qualify for Indian Preference, you must submit a completed Form BIA 4432, certified by an authorized tribal official from a federally recognized tribe. No other forms, tribal ID cards, or certificates of degree of Indian blood will be accepted.
- Unlocks and Formats: Double-check that your uploaded transcripts are completely viewable and not encrypted or password-protected, as the HR scanner will not be able to process them.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is this position eligible for remote work or telework?
A: No. This position is completely on-site at Sherman Indian High School in Riverside, California. Due to the interactive nature of teaching boarding-school students, remote work is not permitted under any circumstances.
Q: Does this contract position confer permanent federal career status?
A: No. Initial appointments under Public Law 95-561 do not confer competitive or career federal status. These positions are school-year contracts that are renewed on an annual basis.
Q: How can I check the status of my application after submitting?
A: You can monitor your application's status by logging into your USAJOBS account. Your welcome screen will display a list of submitted applications and their current processing status.
Q: Who should I contact if I experience technical difficulties while applying online?
A: For application-related questions or technical issues, you can contact John Chiu via email at [email protected] or by phone at 909-847-4734.
Teaching science at Sherman Indian High School is more than just a job—it is a calling. By stepping into this classroom, you will help bridge cultural traditions and scientific exploration, providing students with the knowledge and confidence to pursue their dreams. If you meet the criteria, respect the two-page resume limit, and are ready to impact student lives in Riverside, CA, prepare your application and submit it before the closing date on September 17, 2026.
Why This Teacher (Science) Job Matters
Empower the next generation of Native American leaders as a Science Teacher at Sherman Indian High School in Riverside, California.
Teacher (Science) Job Overview
Sherman Indian High School, operating under the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE), is seeking a passionate and qualified Science Teacher. Located in Riverside, California, this is an on-site, school-year contract position established under Public Law 95-561. As a critical member of the instructional team, you will design, implement, and assess science curricula tailored to a culturally diverse student body. This role does not support remote or telework options and requires annual contract renewal.
Requirements for Teacher (Science)
- U.S. Citizenship is required.
- Must possess a valid State Teacher Certification or Licensure in California (or another state, with the requirement to obtain CA licensure within two full contract terms) in the designated science specialty.
- Possession of a Bachelor's Degree or higher from an accredited educational institution.
- Successful completion of a background security investigation and favorable suitability adjudication.
- Must possess and maintain a valid state driver's license for occasional operation of government-owned or leased vehicles.
- Subject to a probationary period of one academic year (two consecutive semesters).
- Compliance with Selective Service registration requirements for male applicants born after December 31, 1959.
- Strict adherence to a two-page maximum limit for submitted resumes.
Preferred Qualifications for Teacher (Science)
- Prior experience teaching high school-level physical, biological, or earth sciences.
- Understanding of and sensitivity to the educational, cultural, and spiritual backgrounds of Native American and Alaska Native students.
- Demonstrated ability to implement alternative or remedial instruction techniques for diverse learning styles.
- Advanced coursework or a graduate degree in science education or a related field.
- Strong communication skills for interacting with parents, guardians, and community stakeholders.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive federal health, dental, and vision insurance packages.
- ✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
- ✓Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with agency matching contributions.
- ✓Paid federal holidays and sick leave accrued during active teaching terms.
- ✓Bargaining Unit membership under the Federation of Indian Service Employees, American Federation of Teachers Local 4521.
💡 How to Apply Teacher (Science) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Teacher (Science) Job
- Review the full vacancy announcement details on USAJobs.
- Prepare a resume that is strictly limited to two pages, highlighting relevant science education and teaching experience.
- Gather your supporting documents, including valid state teaching certificates, college transcripts (unofficial transcripts are acceptable for application), and Form BIA 4432 (if claiming Indian Preference).
- Click the 'Apply' button to access the online application platform via USA Staffing.
- Complete the online assessment questionnaire and attach all required documentation.
- Verify that your uploaded documents are legible and unencrypted before final submission.
- Submit your complete application package before 11:59 PM Eastern Time on September 17, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Do not exceed two pages for your resume. Content on page three or beyond will be completely disregarded.
- Use a minimum font size of 10-point and maintain at least 0.5-inch margins on all sides of your resume to avoid text compression.
- Explicitly detail your weekly hours worked and employment dates in a Month/Year format (e.g., '40 hours per week, 08/2022 to 06/2023') so your experience can be verified.
- Ensure uploaded transcripts are completely unlocked, unencrypted, and include the grade key page.
- If claiming Indian Preference, submit a completed Form BIA 4432 signed by an authorized tribal representative; other formats or tribal enrollment cards will not be accepted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this position eligible for telework or remote arrangements?
No, this position requires full-time, on-site presence at Sherman Indian High School in Riverside, California, to engage directly with students.
Can I apply if my teaching license is from a state other than California?
Yes. Applicants with valid certifications from other states may be considered. If selected, you will be offered a provisional contract outlining the requirement to obtain a California teaching certification within two complete contract terms.
How is the starting salary determined?
Salary is determined after selection based on your education level and experience. Higher pay tiers (from level 11 up to level 17) require graduate semester hours beyond a Bachelor's degree, culminating in a Doctorate for level 17. The basic hourly rate ranges from $36.23 to $72.13 and is modified based on the local school calendar.
Are relocation expenses covered?
No, relocation and travel expenses will not be reimbursed by the agency, and government-provided quarters are not available.
Does this contract position lead to federal career status?
No. Initial appointments made under Public Law 95-561 are contract-based and do not confer competitive or career-conditional federal status.