STEM and Advanced Academics Specialist, Secondary

Position: STEM and Advanced Academics Specialist, Secondary

PRIMARY PURPOSE: 

Collaborate with Curriculum and Instruction and district leaders to provide leadership for STEM, robotics, Gifted and Talented, and Advanced Academics programs. Support the development, implementation, evaluation, and promotion of STEM and advanced learning initiatives; coordinate district enrichment and robotics opportunities; provide curriculum and professional learning support; and teach STEM Exploration courses at James H. Baker Sixth Grade Campus as assigned. 

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education/Certification:

• Bachelor’s degree from accredited university
• Master’s degree in education or subject-related field preferred
• Valid Texas teaching certificate or permit with required endorsements for subject/level assigned
• Gifted and Talented certification preferred. Completion of all required Texas Gifted/Talented training, including the 30-hour foundational training and annual 6-hour update, is required in accordance with state guidelines.
• Five years teaching experience in a STEM, gifted and talented/advanced academic related field

Special Knowledge/Skills:

• Ability to design and lead integrated STEM curriculum, STEM Lab experiences, and student-centered learning aligned to state standards.
• Expertise in STEM education, science TEKS, assessment design, gifted education, talent development, differentiation, and advanced academic programming.
• Ability to integrate technology and 21st-century skills into meaningful learning experiences.
• Ability to provide instructional leadership and manage STEM initiatives, robotics programs, and advanced academic opportunities.
• Skill in using assessment and performance data to monitor student achievement and drive continuous improvement.
• Strong verbal, written, interpersonal, and collaborative communication skills.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

Program Management

1. Provide leadership for district STEM curriculum, instruction, professional learning, and program implementation in collaboration with the Elementary STEM Facilitator.
2. Collaborate with Coordinator of CTE to manage assigned STEM budgets, resources, and partnerships to support program goals and ensure responsible use of funds.
3. Use data, research, and district priorities to evaluate and continuously improve STEM programming and student outcomes.
4. Support the development of partnerships with businesses, higher education institutions, and community organizations to support STEM initiatives and robotics programs.
5. Support and assist with High School Robotics team operations and coaching.
6. Provide coaching and support in gifted education, differentiation, talent development, and effective instructional practices.
7. Serve as a liaison for Gifted and Talented and Advanced Academics programs, supporting K-12 alignment and implementation.
8. Coordinate enrichment opportunities, competitions, showcases, and advanced learning experiences that promote student growth and achievement.

Curriculum and Instruction

1. Plan, deliver, and continuously improve STEM Exploration Lab experiences and curriculum for James H. Baker 6th Grade Center elective courses.
2. Collaborate with the Elementary STEM Facilitator to develop and align PK-6 STEM and Makerspace curriculum to current TEKS.
3. Coordinate STEM and robotics support activities, including field trips and related learning experiences.
4. Partner with teachers and instructional staff to integrate STEM learning into core instruction and implement effective instructional practices.
5. Collaborate with special education staff to adapt STEM experiences and materials to meet student IEP requirements.
6. Assist with the planning and implementation of district STEM events, enrichment opportunities, and advanced academic experiences.
7. Support teachers in the use of inquiry-based learning, problem-solving, differentiation, and enrichment strategies for all learners.

Assessment

1. Develop and implement systems to assess student growth in 21st-century skills, including communication, collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking.
2. Collect, analyze, and interpret student and program data to monitor progress and drive continuous improvement.
3. Evaluate the implementation and effectiveness of STEM, robotics, enrichment, and advanced academic programs, adjusting as needed.

Communication

1. Coordinate and support district STEM, robotics, and advanced learning events aligned to district goals.
2. Collaborate with district staff to communicate and promote STEM, robotics, Gifted and Talented, and Advanced Academic opportunities.
3. Build and maintain positive relationships with staff, families, community partners, and stakeholders through effective communication.

Professional Growth and Development

1. Design, facilitate, and support professional learning focused on STEM education, robotics, gifted education, and advanced learner engagement.
2. Model effective STEM instructional practices and STEM Lab experiences for teachers and campus teams.
3. Collaborate with district leadership to develop and implement a comprehensive professional learning plan that advances STEM, robotics, Gifted and Talented, and advanced academic programming.
4. Stay current on research, trends, and best practices in STEM education, robotics, gifted education, and advanced learning.

Policy Implementation

1. Know and comply with state, district and school regulations and policies for classroom teachers
2. Compile, maintain and file all reports, records and other documents required
3. Attend and participate in campus and district committees or meetings as required

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

• Posture: Prolonged standing; frequent kneeling/squatting, bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting
• Motion: Frequent walking
• Lifting: Frequent light lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling (less than 15 pounds); occasional lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling (up to 50 pounds)
• Environment: Work inside and outside, regular exposure to noise and the elements; CPI (Crisis Prevention Intervention) certified or willing to obtain; ability to support students in need of CPI intervention strategies, as needed
• Mental Demands: Maintain control under stress

Apply:

Apply online at lpisd.org, attaching your resume and letter of interest. Three references must be provided or received; one of the references must include your current building principal. 

The District contributes $400/month to the cost of employee only health insurance, which is $175/month greater than the state required amount of $225/month.

Salary:                                  

$63,000 starting salary with "0" years of experience (Based on the 2025-2026 Teacher Pay Scale in the LPISD Compensation Plan)

Assignment:  11 Duty Months (205 Days) 

$2,625 STEM Facilitator stipend

$1,000 Master's Degree addenda

$1,000 Doctorate Degree addenda