Job Summary:

The STE(A)M Coordinator plays an integral part in supporting teachers in the development of instructional materials and implementation of all STE(A)M instructional approaches (specifically alignment and integration of CCSS-Mathematics, and NGSS). The STE(A)M Coordinator ensures science, technology, engineering, and mathematics core content and practices are key components within units of instruction. In addition, this role provides professional learning opportunities for all staff and coordinates community engagement events that promote sustainable integration of a whole school STE(A)M approach. While the work of the STE(A)M Coordinator influences all components of the STE(A)M Standards for Success, direct impact is measured in the following components: Instructional Approach, STE(A)M Career Pathways, External Partnerships, and the integration of engineering and computer science across non-STE(A)M courses/disciplines.

The STE(A)M Coordinator is housed in a STEM or STEAM School and acts as a member of the school’s STE(A)M Leadership Team. This is a 43.6 week role, which reports to and is evaluated by the school Principal and supported by the Office of Teaching and Learning.

The STE(A)M Coordinator will be held accountable for the following responsibilities:

In order to be successful and achieve the above responsibilities, the STE(A)M Coordinator must possess the following qualifications:

• Provide teachers with professional development and instructional coaching

  • Assess the skill level and work products (e.g., plans, assessments) of teachers in areas related to STE(A)M instructional approach priorities including cooperative learning strategies, authentic assessments, technology integration, and problem-based learning

  • Work with school leadership and Instructional Leadership Team to design a comprehensive professional learning and support plan based on teacher needs

  • Plan, design, and lead differentiated professional learning sessions aligned to CPS STE(A)M Standards for Success

  • Conduct non-evaluative observations of teachers and provide high-quality coaching to teachers using strategies that align to their development needs

  • Coordinate external professional development opportunities for teachers, including CPS-required PD, as well as other self-arranged partnerships, as needed

  • Participate in the STE(A)M Coordinator Professional Learning Community, focusing on sharing practices, analyzing data, targeting interventions, and creating a culture of collaboration across STE(A)M Schools

• Provide curriculum support and development

  • Collaborate with teachers and teacher teams in curriculum development to plan problem based units, performance assessments, opportunities for authentic technology integration, and meaningful cross-curricular connections

  • Participate in grade-level and department meetings to coordinate curricular projects and provide targeted support toward STE(A)M instructional approaches

  • Facilitate involvement of external partners in classrooms across the curriculum (i.e., authentic experiences, audiences, and assessments)

  • Support non-STE(A)M subject teachers in understanding and infusing STE(A)M-related experiences in meaningful and appropriate ways

• Provide academic support, enrichment, and community engagement

  • Identify gaps in student performance to plan strategic academic interventions for targeted students, to increase participation in advanced STE(A)M coursework

  • Provide access to engaging STE(A)M related enrichment to increase student interest, experience, and development of STE(A)M habits of mind (e.g., robotics, science club, etc.)

  • Promote STE(A)M awareness and engagement through targeted partnerships and activities (STE(A)M Exploration Nights, Student Competitions, etc.) that enhance academic achievement across the curriculum

• Other related duties as assigned in alignment with the STE(A)M goals set by the school (e.g., chaperone science fair trip or other STE(A)M activities)

Education and Licensure Required:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university

• Valid teaching certificate/Professional Educator’s License (PEL) issued by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) with appropriate content and/or grade level endorsement(s) with Stipulations (ELS) plus ISBE-issued endorsements in Science, Technology, Computer Science, Math (and Arts in STEAM schools)

Experience Required:

• Minimum of four (4) years of teaching experience

• Experience in curriculum mapping and integration of educational technology

• Experience working with adult learners preferred

Other Requirements:

• Participation in summer and before, during and after school professional development activities throughout the year is required

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong knowledge of curriculum mapping and integration of educational technology

• Knowledge of coaching models and best practices

• Ability to set a achieve clear goals and strategies for integrating technology into instruction

• Ability to coach, mentor, and teach adults to support their use of technology in delivery of curricula through a variety of instructional methods (hardware, software and Internet resources in support of student learning)

• Ability and willingness to effectively participate in PLCs and plan with colleagues around new and innovative approaches for implementing instructional activities

• Ability and willingness to effectively collaborate with area universities and organizations on instructionally linked student activities and projects

• Demonstrated ability and willingness to work collaboratively with a diverse school community to promote STE(A)M awareness and engagement through targeted partnerships and activities

• Demonstrated excellence in interpersonal skills

• Strong oral and written communication

• Ability to develop and implement effective professional development; Strong facilitation and presentation skills

• Predisposition to be proactive and a self-starter; comfort with ambiguity and ability to troubleshoot and to devise targeted, ad hoc solutions

• Ability and willingness to be a lifelong learner