STEM Specialist - Elementary

Full-Time and Permanent; 7.5 Hours/Day; 220 Days/Year; 11 Months/Year

DEFINITION

The STEM specialist position is designed to collaborate with building level and central administrative teams, teachers, and other internal and external stakeholders to advance global STEM initiatives within a school or division. STEM specialists are leaders who utilize their skills, knowledge, experiences, and abilities to increase the STEM exposure and success for all students. This includes, but is not limited to, assisting with STEM related instruction, curriculum initiatives, program research and development, professional development, and project coordination with school-based teams.

Actions performed within this position are directly aligned with providing support for all aspects of instruction and student activities as outlined by local, state, and national STEM related standards, the Virginia Standards of Learning, and other division approved initiatives for teaching and learning.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (may not include all duties performed)

Collaborates with school based administrative personnel, teachers, specialists, and other stakeholders from a cross section of disciplines and areas to support the development, implementation, and monitoring of STEM programs, projects, and initiatives at a school.

Collaborates to design, develop, and deliver professional development, modeling, coaching, and support to a school, or multiple sites, on STEM programs, projects, and initiatives. Assists the administration, teachers, and students with school-wide instruction within the classroom to advance a school’s STEM focus.

Fosters active partnerships in STEM with academic institutions, business and industry partners, community groups, and other entities.

Supports increased student participation in advanced STEM experiences by creating and implementing enrichment opportunities for a K-8, elementary, or middle level setting. This includes before, during, and after/outside of school instruction and activities.

Assists with incorporating appropriate curricular tools, materials, and current and emerging technologies into practice. Assists the school (teachers and leadership teams) in securing appropriate instructional materials aligned with various grade bands. Also, collaborates directly with school-based personnel to design instruction, lessons, activities, and assessments by grade band. Supports school personnel with the seamless infusion of STEM best practices within NPS approved SOL frameworks/pacing guides and identified school focus.

Follows all national, state, and division curriculum guidelines and requirements.

Assists administrators and supports teachers with evaluating and enhancing site-based STEM processes, procedures, and practices for full student benefit.

Remains knowledgeable of current state and national STEM standards and initiatives that impact STEM practice and integration. Participates in all national, state, or local professional development and required STEM training to remain well versed in best practices and programs for enhancing teaching and learning for all students. In addition, this position participates in all professional development and other requirements related to teaching within the state of Virginia.

Attends staff meetings and serves on staff committees as required.

Establishes and maintains appropriate working relationships by actively communicating with administrators, teachers, students, parents, and other internal and external stakeholders.

Performs additional tasks and assumes such other responsibilities as assigned.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (may be representative but not all inclusive of those commonly associated with this position.)

Language Ability: Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of students and adults.

Math Ability: Strong math skills required. Ability to apply across content areas and situations.

Reasoning Ability: Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written or oral form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.

Computer and Equipment Skills: To perform this job successfully, an individual should have strong knowledge and experience with various STEM related platforms, software, equipment, devices, and technology.

Personnel Management: Skilled at developing, motivating, and directing people as they work. Ability to effectively work with groups within various settings and situations.

Ability to apply principles of adult learning and school aged student learning to the role of specialist. Able to meet the needs of both learner groups.

COMPETENCIES

Interpersonal - Focuses on solving conflict; maintains confidentiality; remains open to others' ideas and viewpoints.

Oral Communication - Speaks clearly and persuasively within all situations, positive or negative; actively listens and gets clarification; responds well to questions.

Development - Assesses own strengths and weaknesses; strives to continuously build knowledge and skills; shares expertise with others.

Written Communication - Writes clearly and informatively; able to read and interpret written information.

Leadership - Inspires and motivates others to perform well; effectively influences actions and opinions of others; Inspires respect and trust; accepts feedback from others; provides vision and inspiration to students and peers; gives appropriate recognition to others.

Ethics - Treats people with respect; works with integrity and ethically; upholds school district values. Understands and respects diverse populations

Adaptability - Adapts to changes in the work environment

Attendance/Punctuality - Consistently at work and on time.

Judgment - Exhibits sound and accurate judgment; supports and explains reasoning for decisions.

Mental toughness – Maintains composure, keeps emotions in check, controls anger, and avoids aggressive behavior, even in difficult and stressful situations.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS (an equivalent combination of education, training and experience will be considered.)

Bachelor’s degree required (Master’s degree strongly preferred) in one of the following areas: Math, Science, Technology, Engineering, or other related area(s) OR a four year teaching degree with a direct connection to STEM.

Five years of related professional experience that includes at least three or more years of successful teaching experience within the field of STEM.

Possession of Virginia Teaching License in related STEM area. Related credential, certification, and/or endorsement beyond a teaching license preferred.

Demonstrated leadership ability. Interest in instructional leadership.

Personal and professional characteristics conducive to working effectively with students, teachers, school personnel, community groups, parents, and other stakeholders

Considerable knowledge and experience with curriculum development, implementation, and evaluation.

Experience with effectively presenting to groups and training teachers/other staff.

Considerable knowledge of trends in education, specifically STEM. Understanding and working knowledge of STEM initiatives. Ability to impart knowledge to different sized groups and individuals.

Knowledge in data collection, analysis, and action planning. Knowledge of effective assessment techniques for STEM.

PHYSICAL ATTRIBUTES

Work requires normal physical effort associated with working in a school environment.

HAZARDS

Work involves exposure to normal, everyday risks.