Middletown Public Schools                                     

DIRECTOR OF K-5 STEM

 

JOB GOALS:

      Director of K-5 STEM will be responsible for supporting the district as it continues to implement the K-5 Science Curriculum and, specifically, the Project Lead the Way Launch Program. 

•          (from PLTW.org) Through PLTW Launch, our program for kindergarten through fifth grade, students become problem solvers.  Students use structured approaches, like the engineering design process, and employ critical thinking. They apply STEM knowledge, skills, and habits of mind, learning that it is OK to take risks and make mistakes. As teachers and students learn and discover together, education becomes far more engaging.

COMPENSATION:  As per contract Tech Educator/Director Stipend)

BASED: 

REPORTS TO:  Assistant Superintendent

WORK YEAR:  Based upon 190 day personnel (The 60 hours beyond the 181 school year will be mutually agreed upon.)

EVALUATION: 

TEACHING DUTIES:

RESPONSIBILITIES:

·         Work with the Assistant Superintendent, Elementary Science Content Head Teacher, Middle School Science Content Head Teacher and Building Administrators to lead the implementation and on-going program needs of the K-5 PLTW Launch Program.

·         Coordinate the K-12 STEM Curriculum through Project Lead the Way.  

·         Complete self-paced e-Learning resources, instructional best practices, and opportunities to build understanding of STEM education, pedagogy, a clear understanding of their role as a PLTW Launch Lead Teacher, and an introduction to PLTW Launch Lead Teacher Training. Successful completion of readiness training is required.

·         Complete the Launch Lead Teacher Training (Lead Teacher Training is an intense and immersive professional development experience offered at a PLTW Affiliated site. LTT is designed to empower PLTW Launch Lead Teachers with the confidence, understanding, and knowledge necessary to lead on-site teacher professional development activities and provide ongoing guidance and support for PLTW Launch classroom teachers)

·         Encourage others to be trained to be a PLTW Launch Lead Teacher.

·         Provide professional development/lead training PLTW Launch Classroom Teachers.

·         Provide on-going support and guidance for PLTW Launch Classroom Teachers.

·         Provide support and advice regarding the budget, purchasing and inventory of materials to support PLTW Launch programming, including assistance in the technology needs of the program (for example – suggestions with iPad cart roll out, app installation, etc.).

·         Assist in the development of district goals, programmatic expertise, new and developing research in the area of K-5 Science Curriculum, STEM and PLTW programming that will impact the instructional practices and transform teaching and learning in support of NGSS cross cutting concepts.

·         Perform other related work duties as assigned.

 

·         MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

 

·         R.I. Teaching Certification in any area required.

·         R.I. Teaching Certification in science, computer science or math preferred.

·         A minimum of three years of successful teaching experience.

·         Experience in leading professional development activities for staff.

·         Experience (with evidence) in advancing the use of setting goals and analyzing data to improve student learning and self-improvement.

·         Evidence of supporting a vision that reflects an ALL STUDENTS classroom program.

·         Demonstrated ability in using technology to support teaching and learning.

·         Demonstrated ability with planning, coordinating and validating instructional innovation efforts with the Common Core State Standards and Next General Science Standards.

·         Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the Rhode Island Basic Education Program & Regulations.

·         Excellent project management, organizational skills, technology skills including use of Excel spreadsheets, TIEnet /development & maintenance of student plans.

·         Outstanding critical thinking skills.

·         The ability to work effectively with others at all levels of an organization including colleagues, parents, students, and administrators.

·         Capacity to work independently and manage multiple responsibilities simultaneously.

·         The ability to identify challenges and be flexible to actively work to find solutions.

·         Outstanding interpersonal and teamwork skills.

·         Openness and responsiveness to feedback.

·         Demonstrate exemplary oral and written communication and listening skills.

·         Successful interview.

·         Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the School Committee may find appropriate.

 

 

1^st Reading – November 19, 2015

2^nd Reading and Approval – December 9, 2015