What are the responsibilities and job description for the Instructional Specialist, STEM (Secondary) *Grant Funded position at Newport News City Public Schools?
GRANT FUNDED POSITION
Job Summary
The STEM Instructional Specialist (Secondary) supports real-world, cross-disciplinary STEM integration for grades 6–12. This role provides instructional coaching, curriculum development, and collaborative leadership for STEM magnet and specialty programs, competitive robotics, computer science integration, emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, and summer STEM/STEAM programming. The specialist helps prepare students for future-ready careers by developing project-based, career-connected learning experiences aligned with division priorities.
Essential Duties
- Supports secondary teachers by planning, modeling, and co-teaching effective STEM instruction across content areas, and by guiding lesson development aligned to instructional goals.
- Provides classroom-based instructional coaching, including observations, feedback, and reflection aligned to teacher and student needs.
- Participates in and co-leads Professional Learning Communities and leadership teams, offering targeted feedback on instructional planning, implementation, and improvement.
- Assists with classroom organization, resource procurement, and planning of learning activities that support curricular goals.
- Collaborates with science, math, CTE, and instructional technology teams to deliver integrative, standards-aligned STEM instruction.
- Partners with the STEM Instructional Supervisor and building leaders to identify and respond to instructional needs using data analysis, benchmarks, and action planning.
- Supports teachers in using data to plan targeted interventions and monitor instructional outcomes.
- Engages in curriculum development, including integrative STEM design briefs, interdisciplinary projects, and computer science integration.
- Designs and delivers professional learning for teachers focused on STEM pedagogy, technology integration, and curriculum alignment.
- Maintains coaching logs, schedules, and outcome data to inform and improve practice.
- Provides leadership and coordination for the division’s competitive robotics program, including managing teams, events, coaches, and equipment.
- Builds and maintains industry partnerships to support robotics and expand student opportunities.
- Contributes to the design and implementation of STEM magnet and speciality programs and Virginia High School League-aligned robotics at the high school level.
- Develops and implements summer STEM/STEAM programming through curriculum support and in-class instructional coaching.
- Promotes real-world, project-based STEM instruction that drives innovation, problem-solving, and career readiness, while modeling ethical technology use and digital citizenship.
(These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.)
Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills and/or Abilities Required)
Must hold a Bachelor's or Master’s degree and be eligible for a Virginia teaching license. A minimum of five years of effective classroom teaching experience is required, preferably at the secondary level, with demonstrated success in STEM instruction. Experience as a lead teacher, department chair, or in another instructional leadership role is required.
Candidates should demonstrate strong instructional coaching and facilitation skills; deep knowledge of STEM content, instructional practices, and curriculum design; and excellent organizational, communication, and collaboration skills. Proficiency with digital tools such as Canva and Google Workspace (Docs, Slides, Sheets, and Forms) is required. Preferred qualifications include certification in educational technology (e.g., ISTE or Google Certified Educator), familiarity with entry-level coding platforms (e.g., Scratch, Code.org, Tynker), and working knowledge of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) in educational settings.
The ability to build strong, supportive relationships with students, teachers, and administrators is essential. Candidates must also be available to support occasional evening and weekend STEM events
For more information and to view a full job description, please visit our website: https://sbo.nn.k12.va.us/hr/jobs/descriptions/Inst_Specialist_STEM_Secondary.pdf