STEM and Eco-Discovery Specialist

Title: STEM and Eco-Discovery Specialist

Reports to: Director of Curriculum & Learning

Location: The Discovery School, 102 15th St., Jacksonville Beach, FL, 32250

About The School

The Discovery School is a private, non-profit school that offers a unique educational experience through a gradual evolution from pure Montessori to a blended curriculum, to pure International Baccalaureate (IB) over the course of the child's academic career, serving children ages 18 months through 8th grade.

Through a progressive, internationally minded framework, students receive a firm foundation in academic skills and participate in a wide variety of enrichment opportunities led by a dedicated and caring faculty. Students in our toddler and primary program engage in learning in a Montessori-prepared environment with Montessori-trained teachers. Students in our elementary school are a part of the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP). Our middle school seeks to challenge students with academic rigor in a low-pressure environment.

Summary of Position:

The STEM and Eco-Discovery Specialist will work with the Director of STEM and Innovation to provide project-based learning experiences for students in K-8. The primary responsibility of the STEM and Eco-Discovery Specialist will be to facilitate developmentally appropriate learning activities, experiences, and assessments to foster intellectual, physical, and social growth in accordance with the IB/PYP standards.

As an integral part of Discovery’s team, this person will develop a strong understanding of the school, its mission, philosophy, values, and goals. The STEM and Eco-Discovery Specialist works collaboratively with team members, families, and volunteers, and is committed to ongoing curriculum development and growth within the Montessori and IB framework.

Normal Hours:

• Monday thru Friday that school is in session, from 7:30 am – 4:00 pm
• Other hours as required and deemed necessary by the Director of Curriculum & Learning
  
  
  

Principal Accountabilities:

Professional Knowledge

• Becomes familiar with and adheres to Montessori and IB guidelines.
• Stays current with educational trends, technology integration, and diverse resources to support a dynamic STEM & Eco program.
  
  
  

Teaching and Learning

• Develops and implements an engaging STEM & Eco-Discovery curriculum aligned with grade-level standards, individual interests, and developmental milestones.
• Plans a variety of learning experiences that develop a progression of STEM & Eco-Discovery knowledge, skills, and enthusiasm.
• Collaborates with other teachers and the Director of Curriculum & Learning to integrate STEM & Eco-Discovery into units of inquiry and other classroom experiences and fully develop the STEM & Eco-Discovery program.
• Delivers STEM & Eco-Discovery lessons that are inquiry-driven and student-centered, encouraging active participation and exploration.
• Creates a classroom environment that values inquiry, collaboration, and respect for diverse perspectives. Clear expectations for behavior are established to support a safe, engaging space where all students feel confident in the STEM & Eco-Discovery learning process.
• Communicates with supervisor, teachers, and parents about behavior and learning issues. Collaborates on intervention strategies and, when necessary, escalates concerns to the Director of Student Experience for further support.
• Utilizes ongoing formative assessments to monitor students' development and knowledge, providing feedback that encourages reflection and growth. Communicates individual student assessment through progress reports as relevant.
• Completes and maintains all records, reports, evaluations, and inventories of student records and tests (when appropriate) in a timely manner as may be required by the school.
  
  
  

Equipment and Classroom Materials

• Ensures the effective management and care of STEM & Eco-Discovery equipment and resources, maintaining them in optimal condition for student use.
• Maintains an up-to-date inventory of equipment, assesses materials, and ensures that the classroom is well-equipped with resources that support learning.
  
  
  

Safety, School Culture and Communication:

The STEM & Eco-Discovery Specialist is responsible for communication that supports an understanding of the school’s program, develops positive relationships within the school community, and protects the privacy and confidentiality of each student and family in the school community.

• Adheres to Discovery’s “Be Our Guest” model, partners with families to build positive relationships, and sparks interest in STEM & Eco-Discovery.
• Promotes the school’s STEM & Eco-Discovery program and plans opportunities to experience the subject beyond students’ initial involvement (invites guest speakers, takes students on field trips, etc.).
• Plans and conducts STEM & Eco-Discovery Showcases on occasion and as opportunities arise.
• Provides families with individual and group learning updates to help promote understanding of the program.
• Is responsible for the safety of the children within the classrooms and on the school premises until dismissed to a responsible adult. Every teacher is responsible for the appropriate treatment and well-being of all children, based on respect. No child should ever be left unsupervised, either inside or outside the classroom
• Models and teaches conflict resolution and problem-solving strategies in the classroom.
• Is responsible for the complete understanding and implementation of the School Emergency Operations Plan and follows School-wide security protocols.
• Immediately corrects and/or reports any safety issues to the Director of Curriculum & Learning, and/or the Director of Facilities.
  
  
  

Professional Responsibility:

The STEM and Eco Discovery Specialist is involved in ongoing self-assessment and refinement of practice in the classroom and collaborative professional growth.

• Is responsible for reading and adhering to the guidelines established in the personnel handbook, and adhering to all school policies.
• Is responsible for complying with all state regulations and requirements of accrediting organizations.
• Participates in a regular evaluation process, including classroom observations, feedback conferences, and an annual self-evaluation toward the goals set by the teacher and/or in conjunction with the Director of Curriculum & Learning.
• Maintains his/her teaching skills and participates in professional development activities both within the school community and attends conferences or workshops, etc.
• Participates in collegial activities designed to make the entire school a productive learning environment.
• Attends all scheduled meetings and professional days as appropriate to their level; participates and shares information from professional development activities with colleagues to benefit the learning community.
• Operates within an annual budget and is responsible for submitting an accounting of these funds.
• Collaborates with the admissions process when requested.
• Is responsible for keeping the Director of Curriculum & Learning updated on events, personal and professional issues, schedule, and curricular coordination that could impact performance.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Director of Curriculum & Learning.
  
  
  

Required Qualifications/Skills

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree; Master’s degree in education preferred but not required, IB experience preferred but not required.
• At least three years of teaching experience.
• Ability to make connections across disciplines and respond to students' ideas and inquiries by adapting lesson plans.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to engage in a collaborative community.
• Strong English language & literature skills, scaffolding reading-/writing-related work, and providing an evaluation of work to students.
  
  
  

Required Competencies:

• Planning & Organizing
• Interpersonal/relationship management skills
• Collaboration & Teamwork
• Innovation
• Integrity and Trust
• Adaptability
• Attentive listener
  
  
  

Work Environment

This job requires the employee to spend the majority of working hours working directly with children, team members, parents, and community members. This position operates in a school and environment that is accessible. Some work at off-site locations may be required, and those may not necessarily be fully accessible. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. To operate equipment, repetitive hand movement and fine motor coordination, including the use of a computer keyboard, are necessary. The employee is frequently required to stand and walk. The employee may have to occasionally lift and/or move objects up to 25 pounds. This workplace is a smoke- and drug-free environment.

Work Authorization: The candidate must be authorized to work in the US.

Benefits: Health, dental, and vision insurance, 403(b), LTD and STD, paid leave, and life insurance.

Start Date: July 27, 2026

To Apply: https://www.thediscoveryschool.org/about/employment

* Must successfully pass a background and reference check *

The Discovery School is an equal opportunity employer.