SY 26 - 27 Middle School STEM Teacher

About the Role

Ascend Middle School STEM Teachers are passionate educators who bring curiosity, exploration, and critical thinking to the center of classroom learning. They guide students through rich investigations, hands-on experiences, and rigorous scientific thinking, emphasizing inquiry, student discourse, problem-solving, and real-world application. The STEM program prepares students for long-term success by fostering scientific literacy and supporting their ability to question, analyze, and communicate confidently.

Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver rigorous, standards-aligned lessons using Ascend’s curriculum, pacing guides, and instructional expectations.
• Execute lessons that actively engage students, check for understanding, and adjust instruction in real time.
• Use formative and summative assessment data to identify learning gaps and provide targeted support.
• Maintain strong instructional routines that maximize learning time and promote student ownership.
• Analyze student work, lab reports, and assessment data with instructional leaders to identify trends and plan responsive instruction.
• Differentiate learning experiences, scaffold supports, and design extensions to meet the needs of diverse learners.
• Use data to track student progress and adjust instruction to ensure all students meet rigorous academic expectations.
• Establish and maintain a classroom culture rooted in consistency, care, and high expectations.
• Implement clear routines, transitions, and behavior systems aligned to school-wide expectations.
• Build trust-based relationships with students and families through regular, proactive communication.
• Partner with families to support student learning, development, and well-being.
• Complete required administrative tasks such as lesson planning, grading, data entry, and documentation with accuracy and timeliness.
• Demonstrate professionalism, reliability, and attention to detail in daily work.

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university is required; a Master’s degree and teaching certification are preferred.
• A demonstrated commitment to advancing educational equity and a track record of making a meaningful impact on K-8 students, ideally in communities similar to those served by Ascend.
• Classroom experience; ideal for early-career educators (1 - 2 years of experience) or career changers who are passionate about student success and instructional excellence.
• Strong instructional expertise, including the ability to create structured, engaging, and student-centered classroom environments.
• Proficiency and ability to leverage instructional technology and data analysis to drive student learning and growth.
• Commitment to fostering students’ academic and social-emotional development through high expectations and meaningful relationships.
• A proactive and disciplined approach to seeking and applying feedback to elevate instructional practice and drive measurable student achievement.

Compensation

Salary Range: starting at $75,060, based on Ascend’s equitable compensation scale. Starting pay is determined using various factors, including but not limited to: Years of relevant full-time teaching experience, Education certifications and licensure, Advanced degrees, Alignment with Ascend’s compensation philosophy and internal equity guidelines.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer match
• Generous paid time off and employee benefits
• Ongoing coaching, professional development, and career growth opportunities, including onboarding training, weekly PD, and 4 weeks of intensive summer training