DESCRIPTION:

Level Up is a program operating during the school-day and after school; it is designed to close the opportunity gap and support students who are historically underrepresented in STEM in advanced academic programs. The Level Up STEM Teachers coordinate with the Resource Teachers and Coordinator in developing appropriate curriculum for their classroom and will direct the implementation of provided after school curricula. The Level Up STEM Teacher will work with Level Up staff to provide support and resources that deepen students' knowledge, skills, and habits of mind that characterize science, technology, engineering, and mathematics; and that align with and support the LCPS vision of Culturally Responsive Instruction and Deeper Learning for all students.

The Teacher plans, designs, implements, and assesses an appropriate instructional program in a middle school environment that guides and encourages a diverse group of students at all levels to develop and fulfill their academic potential. The Teacher designs learning experiences, monitors student progress and presents the information to parents, creates and reinforces classroom expectations, works with school administration to prepare students for a variety of assessments, and manages students outside the classroom, such as in school hallways, field trips, etc.

At the middle school level, the Teacher may be assigned to teach students from sixth through eighth grade. The middle school students are transitioning into adolescence and need an environment that is challenging, equitable, empowering, and developmentally responsive. The Teacher helps students build on the fundamentals taught at the elementary level and prepares students for the variety of curriculum pathways available in high school. The Teacher motivates students in the content and competencies of the specific subject area, creating learning experiences that are authentic, engaging, rigorous and relevant.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Establishes a safe and supportive environment that is conducive to learning and enables each student to demonstrate agency, ownership, and reflection.
• Implements authentic and engaging learning experiences using the curriculum developed for Level UP, and effective strategies to maximize student achievement using a variety of instructional materials.
• Implements authentic and engaging learning experiences using a variety of resources and technology to promote the development of critical thinking, collaboration, and problem solving.
• Personalizes instruction based upon the needs of students and manages time to maximize student learning opportunities.
• Assesses student growth as related to educational goals, objectives, and outcomes.
• Monitors course selection to ensure students are in the courses that will maximize their potential.
• Adheres to LCPS Assessment and Grading policy and guidelines.
• Analyzes assessment data to inform instructional practices.
• Continually communicates with students and parents/guardians to keep them informed of the students’ progress in meeting instructional objectives.
• Manages the behavior of learners in an instructional setting to ensure that the environment is conducive to learning; assists and participates in managing student behavior in other parts of the school, center, school grounds, or work site.
• Plans instructional activities with other professional staff, both school- and non-school-based, to maximize learning opportunities.
• Supports colleagues, students, parents and community stakeholders to promote student learning and student mastery of content and competencies.
• May direct the work of teacher assistants, student teachers, and volunteers to provide an effective learning environment.
• Participates actively in the school’s professional learning community, as appropriate, to deepen the understanding of curriculum, content, and competencies and to create assessments that measure lesson/unit mastery.

Qualifications

Below are the qualifications for this position:

• Holds or is eligible for a Virginia Collegiate Professional License with an endorsement in Middle School Education; STEM related endorsement(s) preferred
• Demonstrated knowledge of subject content, curriculum, methodology of effective teaching
• Ability to apply knowledge of current research and theory to instructional programs
• Skilled in the use of multi-media and computer technology to enhance learning
• Ability to establish and maintain effective collaborative relationships with students, peers, administrators, and parents
• Demonstrated skill in oral and written communications; excellent human relations skills

 PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly talking, expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word. Those activities in which they must convey detailed or important spoken instructions to other workers accurately, loudly, or quickly. The employee must possess normal cognitive abilities including the ability to learn, recall and apply certain practices and policies. Frequently sitting and/or remaining in a stationary position for long periods of time. Exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS

Reports to: Principal or Assistant Principal