S.T.E.M. Teacher JOB SUMMARY
The STEM Education Teacher (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) position is an enrichment program that will provide STEM opportunities for all students.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBLITIES
Instructional: · Develop and deliver engaging and standards-aligned STEM curriculum for school students, integrating science, technology, engineering, and mathematics concepts.
· Design and facilitate inquiry-based lessons, projects, and activities that encourage exploration, experimentation, and collaboration among students.
· Utilize a variety of instructional strategies, resources, and technology tools to support differentiated learning and accommodate diverse student needs and learning styles.
· Create a positive and inclusive classroom environment where all students feel valued, respected, and supported in their STEM learning journey.
· Incorporate real-world applications and connections to STEM careers to enhance student motivation and relevance.
· Collaborate with colleagues across disciplines to develop interdisciplinary units, projects, and activities that promote cross-curricular connections and deeper learning.
· Provide opportunities for students to engage in hands-on, project-based learning experiences, including design challenges, experiments, and simulations.
· Assess student learning and progress through a variety of formative and summative assessments and use data to inform instruction and provide feedback to students.
· Establish and maintain effective communication with students, parents/guardians, and colleagues regarding student progress, achievements, and concerns.
· Participate in professional development opportunities to enhance teaching effectiveness, stay current with STEM education trends and research, and contribute to the school's ongoing improvement efforts.
· Foster a growth mindset and a culture of inquiry, exploration, and innovation among students and colleagues.
· Participate in department meetings, school committees, and professional development activities to enhance teaching effectiveness and contribute to school improvement efforts.
· Perform other duties as assigned by the school administration to support the overall mission and goals of the school.
Behavioral: · Follows behavior plans and other protocols developed for students and assists with behaviors under the direction of the Classroom Teacher and Behavioral Support Team
· Maintains a positive, safe, healthy, and controlled learning environment; ensures supervision of all assigned students.
· Model positive behavior and interactions; adheres to all Valley Day School policies and procedures.
Training: · Attends and participates in team meetings and faculty meetings, as requested and/or scheduled.
· Attends and participates in training in Valley Day practices and procedures, as well as ongoing professional development, and applies training to professional duties.
· Participates in training in behavior management and applies training to respond to urgent student situations to deescalate behavioral problems.
Other: · Serves as a mandated reporter of child abuse/neglect under PA state law, for the purpose of ensuring the safety of the students.
· Maintains the confidentiality of students and their families/guardians.
· Performs other duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the building and teaching team
OTHER QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
· Excellent interpersonal, organizational, oral, and written communication skills.
· Ability to work independently with indirect supervision.
· Ability to work as part of an interdisciplinary team.
· Accepts responsibility and is self-motivated.
· Strong work ethic to achieve both school and personal goals.
· Effective multitasking and time management skills.
· Operational knowledge of the Internet and web-related technologies.
· Comfortable working with technology. Able to apply problem-solving skills competently and persistently towards technology issues.
· Understand the benefits of continuous learning and take personal responsibility for professional development.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
Specialist Teachers are required to direct activities of instructional aides such as paraeducators and 1:1 aides.
WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Physical Demands/Requirements:
· Physical ability to adhere to federal and state safety regulations regarding woodworking and metal fabrication.
· Must be able to physically respond to student behaviors, including but not limited to: bend, squat, stretch, reach, follow students, or other approved physical interventions
· Must be able to implement and perform behavior management techniques to respond to student behaviors.
Expected Hours/ Shift Type: This is a 10-month, full time position with a fixed schedule Monday through Friday. Occasional evening, weekend, or on-call hours may be required. The ability to maintain punctual and reliable attendance is critical to this position.
TRAVEL REQUIRED
None
REQUIRED EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
· Bachelor's degree in education, STEM-related field, or equivalent (Master's degree preferred).
· Valid PA teaching license or certification
· Prior teaching experience at the middle school level, with a focus on STEM education and project-based learning.
· Strong knowledge of STEM content areas (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) and proficiency in integrating them into interdisciplinary instruction.
· Experience using inquiry-based teaching methods, hands-on learning approaches, and technology tools to engage students in STEM learning.
· Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively with students, parents, colleagues, and community partners.
· Commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment that values diversity, equity, and inclusion.
· Flexibility, adaptability, and a willingness to innovate and try new instructional approaches in the classroom.
· Dedication to ongoing professional growth and development in STEM education and pedagogy.
· Possession of a current Pennsylvania Professional Certificate in Education in instructional area
· Responsible for maintaining this certification and for maintaining and developing professional skills by participating in appropriate training sessions and/ or courses.
· Demonstrated ability in written and oral communication
PREFERRED EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
· Possession of a current Pennsylvania Professional Certificate in S.T.E.M./Special Education
· Ability to teach/supervise more than one subject area.
· Knowledge of and experience with the Danielson Framework
· Current CPR/First Aid certification
· An appreciation and understanding of instructional technology.
· High tolerance for loud, disruptive, and sometimes provocative student behavior
· Ability to maintain a positive and constructive attitude under stressful situations
ADDITIONAL ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
All employees of Valley Day School must obtain and submit to the school the appropriate
clearances before their first day of employment. These documents include, but are not limited to: PA Criminal Record Clearance, FBI Fingerprint Registration Information, DPW Child Abuse Clearance, Act 168 form for present and past employment history, etc.
OTHER DUTIES
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Valley Day School is committed to equal opportunity in employment. It is the Company's policy that equal employment opportunity be provided without regard to race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity/expression), sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, national origin, age, disability, family medical history or genetic information, political affiliation, military service, or any other factors protected by applicable federal, state, or local law or any other status protected by law.
