Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Teacher (K-8)

Position: Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Teacher (K-8)
Location: Unity Academy 
Reports To: Principal or Designated Administrator
Employment Type: Full-Time

Job Summary:

Pillars Academy is seeking an enthusiastic and dedicated Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Teacher to provide hands-on, project-based STEM instruction for students in grades K-8. This educator will implement the PLTW Launch and Gateway curriculum, fostering curiosity and problem-solving skills in young learners while preparing middle school students for advanced STEM opportunities. The ideal candidate will create an engaging learning environment that integrates engineering, computer science, and biomedical science principles.

Key Responsibilities:

• Deliver engaging, hands-on PLTW lessons that align with program standards and student learning goals for K-8 students.
• Implement PLTW Launch (K-5) and Gateway (6-8) curricula, incorporating interactive, real-world problem-solving activities.
• Foster a student-centered classroom environment that encourages creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking.
• Utilize technology, engineering tools, and industry-related software to enhance STEM learning experiences.
• Guide students in applying scientific inquiry and engineering design principles to solve real-world challenges.
• Adapt lessons to meet the developmental needs of elementary and middle school learners.
• Assess student progress, provide constructive feedback, and adjust instruction to ensure student growth.
• Maintain and manage PLTW equipment, materials, and classroom resources in a safe and organized manner.
• Collaborate with school leadership, colleagues, and community partners to enhance STEM opportunities for students.
• Communicate regularly with parents and guardians regarding student progress and STEM initiatives.
• Complete required PLTW training and professional development to maintain program certification.

Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Education, STEM-related field, or a related discipline.
• Certification: Valid teaching license (or eligibility to obtain one) with endorsements in STEM-related areas preferred.
• PLTW Training: Completion of or willingness to complete PLTW Core Training for Launch and/or Gateway.
• Experience teaching STEM subjects and working with project-based learning in K-8 settings preferred.
• Strong technical skills and ability to incorporate age-appropriate engineering, coding, and biomedical concepts.
• Excellent classroom management, communication, and collaboration skills.
• Passion for STEM education and commitment to fostering innovation in young learners.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous experience teaching PLTW courses at the elementary and/or middle school level.
• Familiarity with robotics, 3D printing, coding languages, and scientific lab activities.
• Ability to differentiate instruction for diverse learners, including multilingual learners (MLLs).
• Experience integrating STEM concepts with core academic subjects.