The Kessler Middle School STEAM program blends the conceptual learning of Math, Science, Technology, and Engineering with the Arts. Scientific topics are taught in conjunction with math skills allowing students to actively take the role of engineer, astronomer, and scientist with an emphasis on artistic expression. The Middle School STEAM program is committed to regular collaboration within and across disciplines to build a passion for the sciences and current events at the local, national, and global levels while reinforcing literacy skills. Teachers accomplish this by facilitating authentic connections to engaging in real-world situations and providing opportunities for problem-solving outside of the classroom. Teachers are expected to immerse students in collaborative learning experiences to sharpen critical thinking skills, executive function, and autonomy.

Essential Functions:

• Possess an ability to work independently in a departmentalized role while collaborating with peers to improve his/her craft 
• Execute daily lesson plans for all assigned teaching blocks
• Internalize daily and weekly unit plans and submit them to the designated administrator a week prior to implementation
• Analyze student data regularly—both formally and informally—and respond to student data with follow-up lessons that address gaps
• Actively participate in all professional development sessions and weekly coaching sessions
• Remain current with STEM research with flexibility and attend professional development at the discretion of the Head of School.
• Incorporate feedback from coaches and administrators in a timely manner
• Communicate weekly with families and other key stakeholders within 24 hours of initial contact.
• Produce weekly newsletters to communicate content-specific topics.
• Provide students with frequent and accurate behavioral and academic feedback
• Identify students who are at risk and initiate effective intervention strategies
• Implement all The Kessler School (TKS) routines and procedures with fidelity
• Complete all duties, posts, and tasks as assigned

Job description:

• Plan for and implement STEAM  blocks for 5th, 6th, and 7th-grade classes, to include all math and science curriculum unit integration. 
• Serve in an advisory role to support the Executive Function curriculum and TKS Cares initiatives.
• Share his/her passion for the sciences and see the math around us every day.
• Coordinate knowledge of students, instructional content, and curricular resources to design differentiated units and lesson plans aligned to the TEKS and Common Core Standards.
• Work collaboratively with other teachers and administrators, including Instructional Coach, Art Instructor, and  Director of Middle School to plan rigorous and fully-integrated STEAM lessons.
• Facilitate Project-Based and Place-Based Learning experiences for all students.
• Use a variety of assessments fully aligned with instructional outcomes to provide a full composite of student abilities and needs to inform instruction.
• Provide students with frequent feedback and evaluation based on the development of individualized goals for performance that are specific, measurable, data-based, and time-bound.
• Attend PLC meetings with regular engagement and commitment to improving instructional, culture-building, and leadership skills.
• Engage in coaching cycles and implement research-based strategies that maximize their own performance and that of their students.
• Manage student behavior and classroom routines to maximize learning time and create a positive classroom environment.
• Celebrate student progress and effort each day in their classrooms.

Qualifications:

• A Bachelor's degree and excellent academic record from an accredited college or university with an emphasis on Education, Science, Math, or a related field.
• An M.A., Ed.M, or Master's degree in Education, Science, Math or relevant experience is preferred.
• Demonstrated success working in a high-performing, private school setting preferred
• Superior communication skills, both formal and informal.

About The Kessler School

The Kessler School is a student-centered, small private school that provides an UNLIMITED educational experience that nurtures and inspires students from early childhood through eighth grade. Located in the vibrant Sunset Hill neighborhood of Oak Cliff, just minutes from downtown Dallas, TKS is deeply ingrained in the local community and celebrates diversity and inclusivity. We welcome families from all cultural and religious backgrounds. Our mission is to create a community of diverse learners that values individuality, cultivates a passion for learning, instills respect for others, and promotes leadership and community service.

Connections working at The Kessler School