Elementary Grades STEAM 

CLASSROOM TEACHER

Job Description

The Elementary Grades STEAM teacher is required to provide integrated cross-curricular instruction to elementary school students, with the aim of creating an interest in the subject amongst students and inspiring them to pursue careers and interests in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. Emphasis will be placed on encouraging critical thinking, problem-solving skills, creativity, and innovation in students. By combining the subjects of science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics, STEAM education aims to foster a comprehensive understanding of how these fields are interconnected and how they apply to real-world situations.  This may involve using technology, conducting experiments, building models, or engaging in artistic and creative projects with a focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics through Project-Based Learning methods. 

Job Goals:

To plan, organize, and present instruction and instructional environments that help students learn subject matter and skills that will contribute to their cognitive, physical, and social/emotional development in the 21st century.

Performance Responsibilities:

• Ability to create a positive environment where students can learn, innovate, and collaborate.
• Ability to design and deliver engaging STEAM lessons and activities that align with state and national standards and promote critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity.
• Ability to design and develop the STEAM curriculum for elementary students. This involves selecting appropriate learning resources, creating lesson plans, and integrating interdisciplinary activities that foster creativity, problem-solving, critical thinking, and collaboration.
• Ability to monitor student performance and differentiate instruction to meet the needs of all learners
• Ability to plan, coordinate and continuously improve instruction
• Ability to analyze situations, determine possible options, and make appropriate decisions based on the data
• Ability to use a variety of technology and classroom tools
• Ability to manage instructional time and student behavior
• Ability to consult with parents, teachers, administrators and the community to enhance the learning of students

Additional Job Functions or Assigned Tasks:

• Collaborate with teachers to develop and implement STEAM-related activities to support and integrate classroom instruction.
• Assist with Science Fair, Science Olympiad and Parent Night events
• Organize and coordinate STEAM-related events, competitions, and community partnerships to enhance student's learning experiences
• Perform other related work as required

Licensure Qualifications:

• Minimum Bachelor’s degree from an approved education program in subject area
• NC Teaching License or have qualifications to obtain a NC Teaching License
• Strong background in North Carolina Standard Course of Study/Common Core and Essential Standards

Physical Qualifications:

  This role requires individuals to possess specific physical and sensory capabilities. 

• They must be able to sit and stand for extended periods, demonstrate manual dexterity to operate a telephone and input data into a computer, and have sufficient vision to read computer screens and printed materials with or without vision aids. 
• Candidates should also be able to hear and understand speech at normal classroom levels, outdoors, and on the telephone, and speak clearly in audible tones in similar environments. 
• Furthermore, applicants must exhibit physical agility to lift objects weighing up to 25 pounds to shoulder height and 50 pounds to waist height, as well as perform tasks such as bending, stooping, sitting on the floor, climbing stairs, walking, and reaching overhead.

Knowledge and Skills:

Standard I:  Teachers Demonstrate Leadership

The Teacher:

1. Leads in the classroom by taking responsibility for all students’ learning
2. Demonstrates leadership in the school by working collaboratively with all school personnel to create a professional learning community
3. Leads the teaching profession by striving to improve the profession
4. Advocates for schools and students by promoting positive change in policies and practices affecting student learning
5. Demonstrates high ethical standards by upholding the Code of Ethics and Standards for Professional Conduct

Standard II:  Teachers Establish a Respectful Environment for a Diverse Population of Students

The Teacher:

1. Provides an environment in which each child has a positive, nurturing relationship with caring adults by encouraging a climate that is inviting, respectful, supportive, inclusive and flexible
2. Embraces diversity in the school community and in the world by demonstrating knowledge of diverse cultures
3. Treats students as individuals by maintaining high expectations for all students; and by appreciating differences and valuing contributions
4. Adapts teaching for the benefit of students with special needs by collaborating with specialists
5. Works collaboratively with the families and significant adults in the lives of their students by improving communication and collaboration between the school and the home and community

Standard III:  Teachers Know the Content They Teach

The Teacher:

1. Aligns instruction with North Carolina Standard Course of Study
2. Knows the content appropriate to teaching specialty by bringing a richness and depth of understanding to the classroom
3. Recognizes the interconnectedness of content areas/discipline by knowing the links and vertical alignment of grade or subject taught
4. Makes instruction relevant to students by incorporating 21st century life skills into teaching deliberately, strategically, and broadly

Standard IV:  Teachers Facilitate Learning for Their Students

The Teacher:

1. Knows the ways in which learning takes place and the appropriate levels of intellectual, physical, social and emotional development of students by knowing how students think and learn
2. Plans instruction appropriate for students by collaborating with colleagues and using a variety of data sources for planning
3. Uses a variety of instructional methods and techniques that are most effective in meeting the needs of students
4. Integrates and utilizes technology in instruction by knowing when and how to use technology to maximize student learning
5. Helps students develop critical thinking and problem solving skills by encouraging students to ask questions, think creatively, and draw conclusions
6. Helps students work in teams and develop leadership qualities by teaching the importance of cooperation and collaboration
7. Communicates effectively in ways that are clearly understood by students
8. Uses a variety of methods to assess what each student has learned by using multiple indicators to evaluate student progress

Standard V:  Teachers Reflect on Their Practice

The Teacher:

1. Analyzes student learning by thinking systematically and critically about student learning
2. Links professional growth to professional goals by participating in continued, high quality professional development that reflects a global view of educational practices
3. Functions effectively in a complex, dynamic environment by understanding that change is constant

Reports to:  Principal

Term of Employment:  10 Months, unless otherwise specified

Salary:  North Carolina Teacher Salary Scale 

Evaluation:  Performance will be evaluated in the NC Educator Effectiveness System (NCEES), in accordance with provisions of the Board’s policy on evaluation of personnel

Disclaimer: 

The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees of this job.