Middle School STEAM Instructor

Des Moines Christian School Teachers are student-focused professionals who fulfill the mission of DMC as the most significant school-related influence on student learning. DMC teachers are supported and empowered through a shared vision of learning to foster a school culture of academic excellence and spiritual growth where learners flourish. The Middle School STEAM Instructor develops and implements a comprehensive STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) program for grades 6–8 that fosters creativity, collaboration, critical thinking, and real-world problem solving. This role includes program development for a new middle school STEAM initiative, collaboration and coaching with faculty to integrate STEAM practices across disciplines, and direct student engagement through exploratory courses and interdisciplinary learning experiences. Position: ● Full-time, School Year ● Salaried, contracted employee ● Full-Time Benefit Eligible / School Year Qualifications: ● Minimum of a BS/BA in Education or related field. ● Applicable Iowa License (or can obtain for the position) ● Experience teaching or leading STEAM initiatives preferred. ● Professing believer in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and committed to growing in relationship with Him. ● In agreement with the Des Moines Christian School Statement of Faith. ● In agreement with the Des Moines Christian School Biblical Convictions for Christian Education. ● Regularly attends and is actively involved in a church that affirms historic Christian orthodoxy (doctrine, faith, teaching, practice), consistent with the DMC Statement of Faith, through that church’s public creed, confession, core beliefs, or statement of faith. Professional Profile: ● Committed to the mission of DMC: Equipping minds and nurturing hearts to impact the world for Christ. ● A teacher and learner at heart who loves students of all ages and exudes enthusiasm for shepherding the growth of children. ● Demonstrates consistent spiritual leadership. ● Characterized with integrity and maintains confidentiality. ● Utilizes critical thinking and problem-solving skills. ● Demonstrates effective verbal and written communication skills. ● Adapts communication style to suit different audiences. ● Demonstrates patience, care, and kindness for all learners and families. ● Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively as part of team. Program Development and Implementation ● Designs, develops, and implements a comprehensive middle school STEAM program aligned to the mission and vision of DMCS. ● Collaborates with Director of Spiritual Life and Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment to ensure vertical alignment of biblically integrated STEAM experiences K–12. ● Develops a scope and sequence for STEAM learning experiences in grades 6–8 that vertically align with K-5 and 9-12. ● Creates interdisciplinary, project-based learning opportunities that emphasize inquiry, design thinking, creativity, and innovation. ● Evaluates, selects, and manages materials, technologies, and resources to support program goals. ● Establishes systems for assessing student learning and program effectiveness, ● Maintains and stewards STEAM resources, tools, and learning environments. ● Organizes and maintains STEAM materials and learning spaces. Instructional Collaboration ● Collaborates with teachers to integrate STEAM concepts and problem-based learning experiences within core content areas. ● Co-plans and co-teaches interdisciplinary units and learning experiences. ● Provides instructional support to teachers seeking to incorporate design thinking, innovation, and hands-on learning. ● Models instructional strategies that promote creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking. ● Serves as a resource to faculty in identifying meaningful connections between STEAM and existing curriculum. ● Participates in professional learning communities and contributes to instructional innovation across the middle school. Student Instruction and Engagement ● Develops, organizes, and facilitates STEAM learning experiences through exploratory courses, integrated classroom instruction, or short-term project cycles. ● Designs authentic, hands-on learning experiences that engage students in problem solving and creative thinking. ● Creates a learning community that encourages positive social interaction, active engagement, and self-regulation for every student. ● Develops and implements classroom procedures and routines that support learning for all students. ● Uses instructional time effectively to maximize student engagement and achievement ● Encourages perseverance, curiosity, and a growth mindset in the learning process. Responsibilities of all Teaching Positions: ● Ensures the DMC mission drives all curricular and extracurricular activities. ● Exhibits a love of teaching and a passion to see each student succeed. ● Develops trusting, productive relationships with students to create a safe, positive, and productive learning environment. ● Integrates a Biblical Worldview in daily instruction that examines God’s creation, man’s brokenness, the redemption of Christ, and God’s future restoration. Coupled with classroom discussion, faculty create formational learning experiences that engage students in real-world opportunities to impact the world for Christ. ● Demonstrates expertise in a given content or subject area as well as knowledge of the standards, learning targets, and appropriate materials for the student age and content area. ● Uses a variety of instructional strategies and assessment practices to deepen the learning for each student. ● Solicits feedback from students to self-reflect on their own teaching, set goals for improvement, and grow in the craft of teaching. ● Possesses knowledge about the cognitive, emotional, and social development of learners, including how students learn at any given developmental level, how students progress in a certain subject area, awareness of individual needs and abilities, how to tailor instruction to meet each learner’s needs, and how to assess learning appropriate for the age and content area. ● Engages in professional development opportunities. ● Serves as a collaborative, productive team member who participates in Christian professional learning communities, school events, department meetings, and other committee work that enhances the experience for faculty and students at Des Moines Christian School. ● Engages in ongoing professional growth conversations with their leader. ● Partners with parents through effective, consistent communication. ● Supports the broader instructional needs of the middle school program, including providing classroom coverage as needed in collaboration with administration. ● All other duties as assigned.