STEM and Eco-Discovery Specialist

The Discovery School•Jacksonville Beach, FL

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The STEM and Eco-Discovery Specialist will work with the Director of STEM and Innovation to provide project-based learning experiences for students in K-8. The primary responsibility of the STEM and Eco-Discovery Specialist will be to facilitate developmentally appropriate learning activities, experiences, and assessments to foster intellectual, physical, and social growth in accordance with the IB/PYP standards. As an integral part of Discovery’s team, this person will develop a strong understanding of the school, its mission, philosophy, values, and goals. The STEM and Eco-Discovery Specialist works collaboratively with team members, families, and volunteers, and is committed to ongoing curriculum development and growth within the Montessori and IB framework.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree
At least three years of teaching experience.
Ability to make connections across disciplines and respond to students' ideas and inquiries by adapting lesson plans.
Strong interpersonal skills.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills to engage in a collaborative community.
Strong English language & literature skills, scaffolding reading-/writing-related work, and providing an evaluation of work to students.
Must successfully pass a background and reference check
The candidate must be authorized to work in the US.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in education preferred but not required
IB experience preferred but not required

Responsibilities

Develops and implements an engaging STEM & Eco-Discovery curriculum aligned with grade-level standards, individual interests, and developmental milestones.
Plans a variety of learning experiences that develop a progression of STEM & Eco-Discovery knowledge, skills, and enthusiasm.
Collaborates with other teachers and the Director of Curriculum & Learning to integrate STEM & Eco-Discovery into units of inquiry and other classroom experiences and fully develop the STEM & Eco-Discovery program.
Delivers STEM & Eco-Discovery lessons that are inquiry-driven and student-centered, encouraging active participation and exploration.
Creates a classroom environment that values inquiry, collaboration, and respect for diverse perspectives.
Clear expectations for behavior are established to support a safe, engaging space where all students feel confident in the STEM & Eco-Discovery learning process.
Communicates with supervisor, teachers, and parents about behavior and learning issues.
Collaborates on intervention strategies and, when necessary, escalates concerns to the Director of Student Experience for further support.
Utilizes ongoing formative assessments to monitor students' development and knowledge, providing feedback that encourages reflection and growth.
Communicates individual student assessment through progress reports as relevant.
Completes and maintains all records, reports, evaluations, and inventories of student records and tests (when appropriate) in a timely manner as may be required by the school.
Ensures the effective management and care of STEM & Eco-Discovery equipment and resources, maintaining them in optimal condition for student use.
Maintains an up-to-date inventory of equipment, assesses materials, and ensures that the classroom is well-equipped with resources that support learning.
The STEM & Eco-Discovery Specialist is responsible for communication that supports an understanding of the school’s program, develops positive relationships within the school community, and protects the privacy and confidentiality of each student and family in the school community.
Adheres to Discovery’s “Be Our Guest” model, partners with families to build positive relationships, and sparks interest in STEM & Eco-Discovery.
Promotes the school’s STEM & Eco-Discovery program and plans opportunities to experience the subject beyond students’ initial involvement (invites guest speakers, takes students on field trips, etc.).
Plans and conducts STEM & Eco-Discovery Showcases on occasion and as opportunities arise.
Provides families with individual and group learning updates to help promote understanding of the program.
Is responsible for the safety of the children within the classrooms and on the school premises until dismissed to a responsible adult.
Every teacher is responsible for the appropriate treatment and well-being of all children, based on respect.
No child should ever be left unsupervised, either inside or outside the classroom.
Models and teaches conflict resolution and problem-solving strategies in the classroom.
Is responsible for the complete understanding and implementation of the School Emergency Operations Plan and follows School-wide security protocols.
Immediately corrects and/or reports any safety issues to the Director of Curriculum & Learning, and/or the Director of Facilities.
The STEM and Eco Discovery Specialist is involved in ongoing self-assessment and refinement of practice in the classroom and collaborative professional growth.
Is responsible for reading and adhering to the guidelines established in the personnel handbook, and adhering to all school policies.
Is responsible for complying with all state regulations and requirements of accrediting organizations.
Participates in a regular evaluation process, including classroom observations, feedback conferences, and an annual self-evaluation toward the goals set by the teacher and/or in conjunction with the Director of Curriculum & Learning.
Maintains his/her teaching skills and participates in professional development activities both within the school community and attends conferences or workshops, etc.
Participates in collegial activities designed to make the entire school a productive learning environment.
Attends all scheduled meetings and professional days as appropriate to their level; participates and shares information from professional development activities with colleagues to benefit the learning community.
Operates within an annual budget and is responsible for submitting an accounting of these funds.
Collaborates with the admissions process when requested.
Is responsible for keeping the Director of Curriculum & Learning updated on events, personal and professional issues, schedule, and curricular coordination that could impact performance.
Performs other duties as assigned by the Director of Curriculum & Learning.