About Our School
At The Academy of 21st Century Learning, we don’t just teach subjects; we investigate the world. As a dedicated and certified STEM Academy, that has added the arts and antrepreneurship, our curriculum is built around curiosity, design thinking, and cross-disciplinary exploration. We believe that science, technology, engineering, arts, and math are the perfect vehicles for teaching foundational literacy and social-emotional growth. Our campus features active maker spaces, integration of arts into everyday science, and a community of educators who love to innovate.
About the Role
What happens when you mix the foundational wonder of 1st grade, the blossoming independence of 2nd grade, and the hands-on excitement of a STEAM-immersion environment? Pure classroom magic.
We are seeking a warm, structured, and endlessly curious 1st/2nd Grade Combo STEAM Teacher. In this role, you will design a nurturing, project-based ecosystem where foundational reading, writing, and math are entirely integrated into real-world engineering challenges, artistic creation, and scientific discovery.
What You’ll Do (The STEAM & Teaching Heart of the Role):
- Weave STEAM into Foundational Literacy: Teach early reading and writing through nature journaling, scientific observations, and collaborative storytelling; introduce mathematical patterns through architectural blocks and measurement labs.
- Master Project-Based Differentiation: Design open-ended STEAM challenges that allow 1st and 2nd graders to collaborate, while using flexible small groups to target specific, grade-level reading and math milestones.
- Cultivate "Maker" Mindsets: Foster a classroom culture where 6- to 8-year-olds learn that "failure" is just a necessary, exciting data point in the engineering design process.
- Foster Peer Mentorship: Watch 2nd graders build confidence by explaining their scientific hypotheses or artistic design choices to 1st graders, creating a vibrant, multi-age community of young innovators.
Our Technology & Computer Science Focus:
In our STEAM program, you will demystify technology for our youngest learners, moving them from passive consumers to active creators. You will specifically guide students through:
- Code.org Integration: Implement and facilitate the Code.org Express Course for Early Readers and Pre-Readers, helping students master the basics of sequencing, loops, and digital citizenship before they are even fully fluent readers.
- Early Computer Science Principles: Introduce fundamental CS concepts like algorithms, debugging, and binary patterns through a strategic mix of digital play and screen-free, "unplugged" activities.
Who You Are:
- The Structured Explorer: You know that a successful, hands-on STEAM lesson requires rock-solid routines, clear visual schedules, and tight classroom management.
- Tech-Literate Educator: You have a working familiarity with early computer science principles and feel confident troubleshooting basic educational technology.
- A Cross-Disciplinary Champion: You love the "lightbulb moment" when a child learns to decode a word or figures out how to debug a line of code, and you see how the two are connected.
- Creatively Resourceful: You can look at a pile of cardboard, pipe cleaners, and tape and see a 45-minute lesson on structural stability and artistic form.
- Qualified: Valid State Teaching Credential in Elementary Education (or eligible for certification). Experience in STEAM curriculum development or project-based learning frameworks is highly desirable.
Why You’ll Love Us:
- Fully Stocked Junior Maker Resources: Access to class sets of laptops, design software, art integration materials, and a dedicated budget for raw, hands-on building supplies.
- Aides & Support Staff: We ensure our combo teachers have extra hands in the room during heavy project-based learning and tech lab times.
- Professional Freedom: We don't just tolerate creative mess and loud thinking—we celebrate it! You will have the autonomy to design incredible cross-curricular adventures.
- Competitive Compensation: Robust benefits package, and ongoing professional development in elementary STEAM practices.
Pay: $35,084.00 - $40,096.00 per year
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- Flexible schedule
- Retirement plan
Work Location: In person