26-27 Middle School STEM Lab/ Robotics Teacher (5-8)

KIPP•Jacksonville, FL

4d•Onsite

About The Position

KIPP Jacksonville Public Schools is seeking middle school teachers for its fifth through eighth-grade classrooms for the 2026-2027 school year. This integrated middle school Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) course will engage students in the study of physical science through robotics and engineering design. The STEM lab instructor will manage their own classroom as part of the school day's specials block, teaching every middle school student. Students will apply concepts from science, mathematics, and English Language Arts (ELA) to solve engineering challenges using scientific and engineering practices. Robotics will be the primary context for exploring physical science concepts, introducing students to mechanical systems, electrical circuits, programming, automation, aeronautics, and other engineering disciplines. Students will design, build, test, and refine robotic systems while investigating physical science principles such as force and motion, energy, electricity, magnetism, and simple machines. Hands-on laboratory investigations and engineering design challenges are central to the learning experience, fostering critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and problem-solving skills. In alignment with the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA), students will participate in multiple laboratory and engineering investigations weekly, interacting directly with scientific phenomena, collecting and analyzing data, using laboratory tools and technologies, and applying the engineering design process to solve real-world problems. Students will learn to conduct investigations safely, evaluate measurement accuracy, troubleshoot equipment, interpret experimental results, and communicate evidence-based conclusions. By integrating robotics with physical science, this course aims to prepare students to think like engineers and innovators, building foundational STEM knowledge and technical skills for future success in science, engineering, computer science, and technology pathways. Fifth grade is considered part of the middle school model. All teachers are responsible for creating a positive environment, implementing/creating curriculum, assessing students, building family relationships, collaborating with their team, and other assigned duties, with ultimate responsibilities outlined by their School Leader. The specials schedule is subject to change and can vary by school. The specials team consists of up to seven teachers per school, depending on size, with each teacher instructing students across multiple grade levels. Depending on the subject, the teacher may travel to classrooms or have students transition to their classroom. Class sizes are typically around 26 students, and teachers usually see a class about twice per week in a given rotation.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree
Relevant Florida Teaching Certification or Eligibility for Certification in Middle Grades General Science 5-9, Chemistry 6-12, Physics 6-12, or Earth/Space Science 6-12
At least one complete year of teaching experience with a proven track record of high achievement in the classroom
Passing a background check, as required by law
Background screening through the Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse

Nice To Haves

Florida Reading Endorsement (or reading competency coursework in progress)
Two or more years of elementary or middle school math teaching experience OR small group experience with a proven track record of high achievement in the classroom

Responsibilities

Run their own classroom of students as part of the specials block of the school day.
See every student across the middle school grade levels.
Design, build, test, and refine robotic systems while investigating fundamental physical science principles.
Conduct investigations safely, evaluate measurement accuracy, troubleshoot equipment, interpret experimental results, and communicate evidence-based conclusions.
Create a positive environment for their students.
Implement and/or create curriculum.
Assess students.
Build relationships with our families.
Collaborate with their team.
Perform other duties as assigned.