What are the responsibilities and job description for the Discovery School Elementary Teacher position at Discovery Center of Springfield?
Job Description
Discovery School is a private STEM-focused elementary program housed within the Discovery Center of Springfield. Our mission is to nurture curious, compassionate, and confident learners through hands-on exploration, inquiry-based instruction, and individualized academic support. We believe that every child deserves a joyful and meaningful learning experience grounded in science, creativity, and play.
Key Responsibilities:
- Plan and implement daily lessons across core subject areas (Literacy, Math, Science, and Social Studies) aligned with Missouri Learning Standards and Discovery School’s constructivist approach.
- Integrate STEM, inquiry, and project-based learning throughout the curriculum.
- Differentiate instruction to meet diverse learner needs, including students with identified learning differences and varying levels of readiness.
- Use formative and summative assessments to guide instruction and support student growth.
- Establish a classroom environment that promotes kindness, belonging, and intrinsic motivation.
- Implement Conscious Discipline and other responsive classroom practices.
- Model and teach executive functioning skills, growth mindset, and self-regulation strategies.
- Promote student agency through choice, voice, and reflection.
- Partner with co-teachers, specialists, and administrators to support student success.
- Maintain open, empathetic communication with families through newsletters, conferences, and digital updates.
- Participate in weekly team planning and regular professional development sessions.
- Collaborate on interdisciplinary projects and school-wide STEM events.
- Supervise students during lunch, recess, arrival, and dismissal on a rotating schedule.
- Attend and support school events, including family nights, exhibitions, and field trips.
- Maintain student records, progress reports, and portfolios.
- Uphold all school safety and child protection policies.
Qualifications:
Required
- Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education or a related field
- Valid Missouri Teaching Certificate or willingness to pursue one
- Demonstrated experience creating engaging, student-centered learning environments
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- A commitment to equity, inclusion, and whole-child development
Preferred
- Experience with project-based or STEM-integrated instruction
- Familiarity with Conscious Discipline
- Training in trauma-informed practices and social-emotional learning
- Enthusiasm for hands-on, collaborative learning
Please include a cover letter describing your teaching philosophy, and 2–3 references with your resume upload, or be prepared to provide these after application.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $38,000.00 - $40,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Vision insurance
License/Certification:
- CPR Certification (Preferred)
- Child Development Associate Certification (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
Salary : $38,000 - $40,000