What are the responsibilities and job description for the MPS STEAM Specialist Before/ After School Programs position at Medford Public Schools?
Build a STEAM program where students see themselves as scientists, designers, makers, and artists — and where the project they start on Monday is something they can't wait to come back to on Tuesday.
About the Program
Medford Public Schools is investing in the hours after the school day ends. Our Before/After School Programs serve students at four elementary sites with a vision of out-of-school time that goes well beyond supervision: engaging curriculum, dedicated teaching teams, and a learning environment that families can trust. As we grow, we are building a program staffed by educators who take after-school education seriously — and we are looking for people who want to help shape what that looks like in Medford.
Position Summary
The STEAM Specialist designs and delivers Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math programming for K–5 students at one of our four sites. This is hands-on, curiosity-driven work: design challenges, building projects, scientific investigations, digital tools, and arts integration that makes the technical content feel like play.
You will plan daily and weekly cycles in your area of expertise, and you will think carefully about entry points — how a brand-new fifth grader and a kid who has been here since kindergarten can both find the right level of challenge in the same activity.
Core Responsibilities
Design the STEAM curriculum. Plan developmentally appropriate, engaging lessons for K–5 students that move across science, engineering, digital tools, and the arts.
Differentiate on purpose. Build activities with real entry points for beginners and deeper, extended work for students who are ready to go further.
Lead the room. Run small- and large-group activities, model strong instruction, and bring culturally responsive practice into every lesson.
Weave in SEL. Integrate social-emotional learning into the way students collaborate, share materials, and respond when a project doesn't work the first time.
Meet every learner. Adapt curriculum and materials for students with IEPs, 504 plans, English learners, and students who need additional academic support.
Partner across the building. Work with school-day teachers, families, and district staff so after-school content reinforces school-day priorities.
Build the kit. Order, organize, and maintain the materials that make hands-on programming actually possible.
Qualifications
You have a bachelor's degree (preferred) in Education, fine arts- or science-field, or a related field — or experience that demonstrates the applicable knowledge.
You have planned and delivered a curriculum for K–6 students in school or out-of-school-time settings.
You have deep interest and skill in one or more STEAM areas — and the range to design programming across them.
Strong classroom management. You can run an engaging activity with twenty kids and a lot of moving parts.
Comfortable with differentiated instruction, informal assessment, and culturally responsive teaching.
Excellent communicator with students, staff, families, and school partners.
CPR/First Aid certified (or willingness to obtain) and meet MPS background check requirements.
Compensation
A salaried, full-time position with a starting salary of $55,000.
186 days per year (follows MPS calendar- 180 school days, 5 days before school year, and 1 day after)
Reports to the respective Before/After School Site Director
Real ownership of the STEAM program at your site.
Membership in a growing out-of-school time program that the district is actively investing in.
How to Apply
Please submit a resume and cover letter to Frontline. Questions can be sent to superintendent@medford.k12.ma.us or before-afterschool@medford.k12.ma.us