Elementary STEAM Teacher (0.8 FTE) - Reiche Community School

Job Description

TITLE: Elementary STEAM Teacher (0.8 FTE) - Reiche Community School

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) Teacher will inspire and engage students from Pre-Kindergarten through 5th grade in hands-on, inquiry-based learning experiences, integrating seasonal outdoor and indoor activities. This role will be responsible for developing and delivering a dynamic STEAM curriculum that aligns with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and complements existing grade-level curricula. The STEAM Teacher will foster a collaborative and creative learning environment, promoting critical thinking, problem-solving, and team-building skills.

** This position is 0.8 FTE with a 4 day/week schedule. **

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

Curriculum Development & Implementation

• Design, develop, and implement an engaging and developmentally appropriate STEAM curriculum for PK-5th grade students, with a strong emphasis on seasonal outdoor and indoor learning experiences
• Ensure all STEAM activities align with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and integrate seamlessly with existing grade-level curricula
• Develop weekly lesson plans that incorporate hands-on projects, experiments, and open-ended challenges
• Utilize a variety of instructional strategies to accommodate diverse learning styles and abilities
• Continuously research and integrate new STEAM concepts, technologies, and best practices into the curriculum

Instructional Delivery

• Meet with each assigned classroom (PK-5th grade) one time per week to deliver engaging STEAM lessons
• Facilitate hands-on activities that encourage exploration, discovery, and critical thinking
• Lead outdoor learning experiences, leveraging the natural environment to teach STEAM concepts (e.g., observing seasonal changes, plant life cycles, weather patterns, simple machines in nature)
• Guide students through the engineering design process, encouraging them to design, build, test, and refine their creations
• Promote an inquiry-based approach, encouraging students to ask questions, hypothesize, and investigate

Team Building & Collaboration

• Design and implement activities that specifically foster teamwork, collaboration, and communication skills among students
• Collaborate with classroom teachers to integrate STEAM concepts into their respective curricula and reinforce learning across subjects
• Communicate regularly with classroom teachers regarding student progress, classroom needs, and upcoming STEAM activities
• Participate in school-wide events and initiatives that promote STEAM education

Classroom Management & Safety

• Establish and maintain a positive, safe, and organized learning environment for all students, both indoors and outdoors
• Ensure the safe use and storage of all STEAM materials, tools, and equipment
• Adhere to all school policies and procedures, especially those related to student safety and outdoor activities
• Supervise students effectively during all STEAM activities, including outdoor excursions

Assessment & Reporting

• Observe and assess student engagement, participation, and understanding of STEAM concepts
• Provide informal feedback to students and classroom teachers on student progress
• Maintain records of lessons taught, materials used, and any relevant student observations

Materials & Resources

• Manage and maintain the inventory of STEAM materials and equipment
• Identify and procure necessary resources for STEAM activities, within budget guidelines
• Organize and prepare materials for each weekly lesson

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Demonstrated understanding of / experience in implementing the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)
• Strong knowledge of age-appropriate STEAM concepts and pedagogical approaches
• Ability to design and facilitate engaging, hands-on, and inquiry-based learning experiences
• Ability to work effectively in various indoor and outdoor settings and adapt to changing weather conditions
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills
• Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues, students, and parents
• Passion for inspiring curiosity, creativity, and a love of learning in young children

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor's degree in Education, Science, Engineering, Technology, Arts, Mathematics, or a related field
• First Aid and CPR certification (or willingness to obtain)
• Proven experience teaching elementary-aged students (PK-5th grade), with a strong background in science or STEAM education
• Experience with outdoor education or nature-based learning is highly desirable

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, stoop, and lift up to 25 pounds regularly
• Ability to move freely between indoor and outdoor environments in various weather conditions
• Ability to supervise and interact with active elementary-aged children

CREDENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Maine State teacher certification with 020 Endorsement (K-6 or K-8) (more info)
• Maine State fingerprint (CHRC) authorization (more info) **
  • **if you already have an active teacher certification, you do not need a separate CHRC as this clearance is tied to your teacher certification

EMPLOYMENT DETAILS:

• Schedule: School Year, Part Time, 0.8 FTE (4 days per week)
• Assignment: Permanent
• Reports to: Teacher Leader
• Contract: Part of PEA union (see 2025-2028 CBA here)
• Salary: Based on education and experience, as outlined in CBA
• Benefits: Eligible for benefits as outlined here

ABOUT REICHE:

Howard C. Reiche Community School, nestled in the urban West End neighborhood of Portland, is ranked the most wonderfully diverse of all elementary schools in Maine, celebrating 16 different home languages and students from 21 different birth countries. Over half our students are multilingual learners, and about a quarter of our students are welcome newcomers, recently arrived in America. Over 83% of our students qualify for free/ reduced lunch and 105 of our students are currently without a fixed residence. We value and nurture our relationships with our amazing, involved families and strive for an inclusive and equitable experience for all. Our dedicated support staff and talented teachers use their impressive skills to provide a quality education for all of our students. Our highly collaborative culture is joyful in the face of our important, challenging work. We have many partners in the West End Arts Community, including the Portland Symphony, Shoestring Theatre, the Portland Museum of Art, and more. We offer Chorus, Band and Strings for older students as well as extra-curricular sports and art classes for all ages. We are sustained by a unique Teacher-Led model that empowers our community of educators with distributed leadership and shared decision making. Every educator is on a committee that makes our school a better place. Get to know us and learn why our motto is: Come Experience the World At Reiche School!

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Portland Public Schools is committed to maintaining a work and learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation or disability, as defined and required by state and federal laws.

Welcome to ATX Learning

Maine's largest school system has 10 elementary schools, three middle schools, and four high schools serving nearly 7,000 students in kindergarten through grade 12, as well as about 4,700 adult learners.

The district takes full advantage of its location in a vibrant city with a thriving arts life. Schools draw on the resources offered by museums, theaters, local businesses and the city's colleges and universities.

Portland has a highly trained teaching staff. Many teachers hold advanced degrees. All of the district's teachers continue their education by pursuing professional development activities on a regular basis.

The district provides technology to support instruction, including laptops for each student in grades seven through 12 and wireless access at all schools.

Volunteers, parent-teacher organizations and businesses donate generously of their time and money to the district - an estimated 100,000 hours per year.

Graduates of the Portland Public Schools attend the country's top colleges and universities. See www.portlandschools.org for colleges attended by recent graduates.

The Portland Public Schools gives parents an array of program choices. The district as one of the first in the country to offer project-based Expeditionary Learning from kindergarten through 12th grade.

High school students have access to one of the broadest selections of Advanced Placement courses in Maine. Qualified high school students may take up to two college courses with tuition paid by the state. A regional arts and technology high school provides hands-on courses in growth fields such as health care, robotics and "green" construction.

More than 60 languages are spoken by students attending the Portland Public Schools. Multilingual students represent about a quarter of the district's enrollment. The district's diversity prepares all students for their roles as world citizens.

Portland residents can pursue lifelong learning and professional success through the academic, jobs skills and enrichment courses offered by Portland Adult Education.

Most of Portland's middle and high school students participate actively in co-curricular activities such as athletics, drama, music and service clubs. Portland students regularly excel in academic and athletic competitions at the regional, state and even national level.

See a list of recent honors, awards and recognition for the Portland Public Schools at: www.portlandschools.org. Join Portland ME Public Schools on Facebook. A focus on service learning-connecting the schools to the wider community-results in students undertaking many projects that benefit greater Portland.