About this role
RSU4 is seeking a STEM Teacher at Libby Tozier and Carrie Ricker Schools in Litchfield Purpose The STEM Teacher at each elementary school provides students in K-4 classrooms with academically rigorous learning opportunities that allow them to explore scientific phenomena and construct scientific understanding and inquiry based on their own linguistic and cultural experiences. The STEM Teacher also fosters positive relationships with colleagues, students, and families, increasing collaborative efforts to develop students' understanding of key scientific concepts and the application of these concepts to daily life. Essential Functions
• Planning and Preparation
• Utilizes knowledge of learning principles as well as accurate and current content knowledge of the sciences in developing learning experiences for students.
• Collaborates with colleagues to develop units and lessons based on state science standards, district curriculum and expectations which engage and meet the needs of diverse learners.
• Plans learning experiences that involve students in scientific inquiry, investigation, and utilization of district, state and national standards for content instruction as well as science and engineering practices.
• Provides opportunities for students to develop understanding and skills necessary to function productively as problem-solvers in a scientific and technological world.
• Ensures that mathematics and communication skills are an integral part of science instruction.
• Collaborates with colleagues in the school to strengthen knowledge of students served in order to plan lessons that facilitate student access to learning experiences.
• Prepares lesson materials that differentiate for student linguistic profiles, learning styles, and learning differences.
• Ensures that the necessary materials and equipment are prepared for the day's lessons.
• Assesses student learning and effectiveness of instruction using a variety of assessment strategies.
• Uses assessment results to plan and modify instruction for individuals and groups of students.
• Collaborates with colleagues throughout the district to develop meaningful parent engagement activities around the sciences.
• Instruction
• Demonstrates solid content knowledge and makes relevant connections between content areas and students' real world experiences.
• Focuses instruction on the development of conceptual understanding and science process skills.
• Models inquiry skills and excitement about science.
• Engages all students in discussions using all levels of questioning, and encourages students to formulate new questions.
• Links content to students' prior knowledge and experience.
• Demonstrates flexibility and responsiveness by adjusting lessons as appropriate.
• Classroom Environment
• Demonstrates warmth, caring, and respect for all students.
• Conveys high expectations for achievement through instructional goals, activities, and interactions.
• Communicates with classroom teachers regarding norms and procedures utilized to ensure smooth transitions and a positive classroom environment conducive to learning.
• Directs smooth transitions by individuals or groups from one activity to another.
• Facilitates smooth and efficient classroom operation.
• Promptly communicates with homeroom/classroom teachers, principal and/or parents when situations arise that require supportive help.
• Instructs students in the proper use, care and safe handling of science materials and equipment.
• Professional Responsibilities
• Collaborates with classroom and support staff to engage students in hands-on and inquiry-based activities to promote skill development, utilize methods appropriate for their students, and design classroom environments that promote positive attitudes towards science and technology.
• Shares goals, objectives, and content of science lessons with all K-5 grade level teachers and principals.
• Plans and implements communication with classroom teachers, principals, and parents through newsletters and other means to publicize and interpret the science program and science instruction as a whole.
• Accesses resources to provide parents with information about science units and lessons in a variety of languages.
• Maintains professional competence by engaging in district-provided professional development activities.
• Maintains careful inventory of materials and equipment.
Other Functions
• Fulfills other responsibilities as assigned.
Job Requirements include: Specific skill and knowledge-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job
• Science content knowledge.
• Best practices in the teaching of science.
• District curriculum and assessment systems for all students.
• Federal, state, and district policies, regulations and laws pertaining to job functions.
• Preparing and maintaining accurate records.
• Business appropriate grammar and punctuation in English.
• Reading and spoken fluency and comprehension in English.
• Basic mathematical skills (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division).
• Safety practices.
• Operation of standard office equipment including using pertinent job-related software applications.
Specific ability-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include:
• Maintaining high standards of confidentiality.
• Communicating tactfully and courteously with diverse groups.
• Effectively presenting information in one-to-one and group situations.
• Working independently, staying focused on tasks, and assuming responsibility for assigned projects and duties.
• Making sound decisions on the basis of available information.
• Maintaining accuracy of work products.
• Demonstrating fiscal responsibility.
• Adapting to changing work priorities.
• Working collaboratively as part of a team.
• Demonstrating behavior which promotes positive relationships.
• Respecting the opinions of others.
• Demonstrating the ability to manage conflicts.
• Applying common sense understanding to carry out instructions.
• Maintaining professional integrity.
Specific physical ability-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include:
• Utilizing computer keyboards and screens to enter, retrieve, and transform information or data.
• Lifting up to 20 lbs.
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential function of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.