STEAM Teacher for Aquaponics Education

Position Title: STEAM Teacher for Aquaponics Education Classification: REA Reports To: Director of Curriculum and Instruction and/or designee Position Goal: The STEAM Teacher for Aquaponics Education will develop and deliver standards-aligned, hands-on learning experiences that introduce Reading School District students to aquaponics, sustainable food systems, and related STEAM concepts. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Other duties may be assigned. The essential functions of this position include, but are not limited to the following fundamental duties: 1. Collaborate with the Curriculum Department to develop and implement a K�12 aquaponics curriculum aligned to Pennsylvania STEELS standards and district instructional priorities. 2. Collaborate with teachers and school leaders to connect aquaponics experiences to classroom curriculum and grade-level learning standards. 3. Deliver engaging, inquiry-based STEAM lessons in elementary and middle schools that use aquaponics to develop students' understanding of science, technology, engineering, mathematics, environmental sustainability, and systems thinking. 4. Design and facilitate hands-on field trip experiences at the Aquaponics Learning Center that connect classroom learning to authentic investigation, experimentation, data collection, and problem-solving. 5. Differentiate lessons to meet the needs of a diverse population of students. 6. Develop age-appropriate learning experiences that encourage students to observe, question, investigate, analyze data, design solutions, and communicate their findings. 7. Work in partnership with aquaponics operations staff to ensure that the learning environment, systems, and student experiences are safe, functional, productive, and instructionally meaningful; this position is not responsible for the day-to-day operation or management of the facility. 8. Provide for safe storage and proper use of materials, equipment and tools. Makes minor adjustments and requests repairs to equipment as required. 9. Establish and maintain standards of student behavior for a productive learning environment during class sessions, laboratory sessions, and field trips. 10. Support student engagement with the aquaponics system as a living laboratory and model of sustainable food production. 11. Maintain instructional materials, resources, and learning activities and use feedback and student learning data to continuously improve the program. 12. Promote awareness of aquaponics, STEAM learning, environmental sustainability, and related college and career opportunities throughout the District. 13. Maintain professional competence through professional development activities provided by the District and self-selected professional growth activities. 14. Maintain open and effective communication with central administration, school leaders, teachers, community partners, families, and other stakeholders regarding the development, implementation, and advancement of District aquaponics programming. 15. Perform all duties consistent with Pennsylvania School Code and district policies. 16. Perform other duties as assigned by the Superintendent or his/her designee. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENT: Ability to travel to more than one work location SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: None QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE: ? Bachelor's Degree or higher. ? Experience developing and delivering hands-on, inquiry-based STEAM or science instruction. ? Knowledge of or demonstrated interest in aquaponics, hydroponics, agriculture, environmental science, sustainability, or related fields. ? Strong collaboration, communication, organization, and instructional design skills. ? Ability to work effectively with students and educators across multiple grade levels and school settings. ? Experience with project-based learning, engineering design, or interdisciplinary instruction preferred. CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS: Pennsylvania teaching certification in an appropriate area such as Elementary Education, Middle Level Education, Science, Technology Education, Agriculture Education, or a related field. STEM Endorsement preferred. LANGUAGE SKILLS: 1. Ability to speak clearly and distinctly. 2. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. 3. Ability to speak effectively with other employees, students and parents MATHEMATICAL SKILLS: 1. Ability to apply basic arithmetic calculations. 2. Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. 3. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs. 4. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios and proportions for practical situations. 5. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry. REASONING ABILITY: 1. Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions. 2. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral or schedule form. OTHER SKILLS and ABILITIES: 1. Ability to coordinate activities with related and specialist staff. 2. Ability to develop and maintain required records and reports. 3. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with peers, parents and the community. 4. Good knowledge of procedures, practices, materials, and equipment required to provide appropriate learning experiences for students to whom assigned. 5. Ability to work as a member of a team. 6. Must be courteous and able to deal effectively with people. 7. Must be cooperative, congenial and service-oriented. 8. Ability to maintain personal self-control in stressful situations. 9. Ability to operate a personal computer and software. 10. Ability to travel to more than one work location in the course of the day as assigned. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to walk and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand and sit. The employee is occasionally required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. Some driving is necessary; light lifting � up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and depth perception. Occasionally, yet essential to this position, the individual must meet deadlines with severe time constraints. WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet but may be moderate to loud at times. The employee is frequently required to interact with the parents, public and staff during and after the normal workday. The position requires the individual to meet multiple demands from several people and exhibit good human relation skills including courtesy, tact and patience. EVALUATION: The employee will be formally supervised and evaluated with regard to his/her duties on a regular basis by the Building Principal. The position holder must be able to perform the essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation. It is the responsibility of the employee to inform the school district administrator designated as immediate supervisor of the position, of any and all reasonable accommodations that will be required. The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (A.D.A.) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position. Additional duties are performed by the individuals currently holding this position and additional duties may be assigned. The Reading School District is an equal opportunity employment, educational and service organization