STEM Elementary Teacher

Newport News Public Schools•Newport News, VA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The position is responsible for creating an innovative K–5 iSTEM learning environment that develops students’ ability to apply problem-solving and core content knowledge to real-world challenges. The role delivers STEM instruction on a rotating related arts schedule and coordinates with local career professionals to connect units of study to career pathways.

Requirements

Must possess a Bachelor's or Master's degree in education or a related field.
Must possess or be eligible for a Virginia Provisional, Collegiate Professional, or Postgraduate Professional License with an appropriate endorsement to teach elementary school.
Must possess the ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
Must possess the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, staff, parents, and the public.

Nice To Haves

Ability to sit and stand for extended periods of time.
Exhibit manual dexterity to dial a telephone, to enter data into a computer.
Ability to see and read a computer screen and printed material with or without vision aids.
Ability to hear and understand speech at normal classroom levels, outdoors and on the telephone.
Ability to speak in audible tones so that others may understand clearly in normal classrooms, outdoors and on the telephone.
Physical agility to lift up to 25 pounds to shoulder height and 50 pounds to waist height.
Ability to bend, stoop, sit on the floor, climb stairs, walk and reach overhead.

Responsibilities

Delivers instruction in STEM, STEAM, and Computer Science across all K–5 grade levels utilizing a provided curriculum and aligned instructional resources.
Instructs students in the basic tenets of engineering design, design thinking, and computational thinking.
Works cooperatively with core and iSTEM teachers in a professional learning community to ensure alignment to the Virginia Standards of Learning and to meet individual students’ needs.
Utilizes a variety of instructional technologies, tools, and techniques identified as best practices in STEM teaching to promote student growth, creativity, and collaboration when facilitating challenge-based learning experiences that integrate multiple disciplines.
Demonstrates self-reliance in mastering new technologies such as robotics, online instructional programs, and basic coding.
Teaches the K–5 Computer Science Standards of Learning as defined by the NNPS curriculum and the Virginia Department of Education.
Maintains familiarity with K–5 English, math, and science Virginia Standards of Learning to teach content through integration as defined by the NNPS iSTEM curriculum.
Integrates essential workplace readiness skills, including collaboration, communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving, into daily instruction.
Engages community partners aligned to the career component outlined in each unit of study.
Selects age-appropriate tools and materials when facilitating project-based learning.
Provides appropriate safety instruction and maintains a copy of the NNPS STEM Safety Contract on file for each student to ensure the overall safety of students.
Maintains an organized and orderly classroom that includes accessible storage for ongoing student projects, consumable materials, technology, and STEM tools.
Utilizes differentiation strategies within standards-aligned STEM learning experiences, including flexible grouping and targeted supports, to meet the diverse needs of all learners.
Establishes and maintains standards of student behavior to provide an orderly, productive environment for project-based learning.
Evaluates student growth using rubric-based assessments provided by the NNPS iSTEM curriculum, maintains accurate records of performance and progress, and completes required reporting including report cards and attendance.
Communicates with parents and appropriate school staff on student progress.
Supervises students in out-of-classroom activities during the assigned working day.
Administers testing in accordance with division testing practices.
Models nondiscriminatory practices in all activities.
Maintains professional knowledge by attending staff development programs, curriculum development meetings, and other professional activities.
Participates in various student and parent activities that occur in school including PTA, student clubs, and after-school activities.
Creates an effective learning environment through functional and attractive displays, bulletin boards, and activity/learning centers.
Performs any other related duties as assigned by the Principal or other appropriate administrator.