Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (Stem) Teacher

The Aspen Middle School seeks a Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) Teacher for the 2024-2025 school year.

Position Title: Interdisciplinary approach to Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM)

Department: Aspen Middle School

Reports to: Middle School Principal

Classification: Certified Full-time Exempt

Contract Period: 9 month instructional (185 days with some variance depending on the year)

Salary Range: Certified Salary Schedule

Benefits: ASD offers district-funded employee and dependent health benefits including medical, vision, dental, and life insurance to benefit-eligible employees. Other benefits include (as eligible): paid leave, CO PERA (pension plan) enrollment with district contribution, TSA options, free transportation for employees from Carbondale to Aspen, employee assistance program, wellness program, supplemental insurance (ie cancer, disability, etc).

I: Position Summary

• Guides students in a hands on and engaging computer science curriculum designed to promote critical thinking and real-world application in science, technology, engineering, and math. Teaches the essential skills that will contribute to students' development as educated and responsible adults. Conveys enthusiasm for intellectual inquiry and project-based learning providing students with diverse entry points to computer science.

II: Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Delivers STEM-oriented instruction (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) through Project-Based Learning methods.

• Employs a variety of instructional techniques, instructional media, and performance assessments, which guide the learning process toward academic achievement and curriculum goals.

• Implement FIRST Robotics, Lego Mindstorms, Microbit, Makey Makey, Little Bits and Scratch, among other platforms with students.

• Coordinate First Lego League Teams in preparation for competition.

• Establishes clear objectives for all lessons, curricular units, and projects and communicates these objectives to the students.

• Demonstrates, articulates and reinforces digital, media literacy and programming skills.

• Possesses and interests students in computer technology careers including those that necessitate experience in artificial intelligence.

• Demonstrates knowledge of data information systems and data analysis.

• Ability to use computer network systems and software applications as needed.

• Ability to connect computer science concepts and skills to student interests and other academic disciplines.

• Familiarity and experience with Design Thinking, especially win the realm of computer science and software engineering.

• Demonstrates enthusiasm for learning new technologies quickly and designing curriculum accordingly in order to respond to emergent student interests.

• Risk-taker and problem-solver who seeks our new opportunities for keeping computer science principles relevant to learners.

• Assesses the accomplishments of students in a variety of ways on a regular basis and provides progress reports as required.

• Administers and analyzes standardized testing data and adjusts instructional strategies, as needed, to maximize probability of student success.

• Recognizes the special needs of students with learning disabilities, seeks the assistance of specialists, as needed and/or required, and makes appropriate individualized physical and instructional accommodations within the classroom.

• Builds effective relationships with parents and students through regular communication and is available to students and parents for education-related purposes, e.g., open house, conferences, extra-curricular activities.

• Participates in professional growth and development and stays abreast of current research through continuing education, educational seminars, workshops, conferences, membership in professional organizations of the subject taught.

• Teaches students to work collaboratively to solve problems and to think logically and creatively.

• Complete progress reports on each student as required.

• Complete reports for appropriate local and state educational agencies as necessary/required.

• Document ongoing consultation with basic education teachers and maintaining a record of modified instructional strategies and results for each student where appropriate.

• Attend and participate in faculty meetings and other meetings as required.

• Maintain a professional relationship with all colleagues, students, parents, and community members.

• Participate in the district staff development program.

• Compile, maintain, and file all physical and computerized reports, records, and other documents required.

• Comply with policies established by federal and state law, State Board of Education rule, and the local board policy.

III: Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Manages oneself (is organized, prepared, and punctual; manages resources; meets deadlines; follows through on commitments; demonstrates appropriate physical appearance relative to job and environmental expectations) in a manner that enhances the image of public education.

• Acts consistently in ways that directly support the missions of the schools and District.

• Displays a willingness to learn new information.

• Adaptable, flexible, self-motivated, and independent as a learner and as a teacher.

• Uses strong verbal communication and listening skills;

• Develops and maintains rapport and effective relationships with adolescents and adults contacted in carrying out duties and responsibilities by using courtesy, diplomacy, collaboration, cooperation, support, and professional conduct;

• Formulates goals that reflect the organization's strategic theme and include specific, measurable outcomes instead of just completing activities;

• Contributes actively to the goals and success of all teams and team members through collaboration, cooperation, and flexibility (give and take) in team discussions, activities, and decision making;

• Maintains high ethical standards, legal responsibility, and confidentiality.

IV: Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum of a Bachelor's Degree

• Possess or be eligible to obtain a Colorado Teaching License within the first 3 months of hire.

V: Preferred Qualifications

• Current First Aid and CPR certification

• Experience and training in IB are preferred. This may include IB teaching, tutoring, or examining experience. Implement meaningful lessons and units in your classroom while meeting the IB Program requirements. Participate in IB professional development and workshops, that may be outside of contract time.

VI: Work Environment

• The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling, some stooping, kneeling, sitting standing walking, and significant fine motor skills. The job is performed in a generally clean and comfortable environment.

VII: Essential Physical Requirements

• Frequent lifting of up to 50 lbs., bending, squatting, standing, reaching, sitting, walking, and stooping, occasional climbing, and repetitive motion

VIII: Acknowledgement

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by this employee. The successful candidate will be required to follow any other instructions and to perform any other related duties as assigned by the Director. The Aspen School District reserves the right to update, revise, or change this job description and related duties at any time.