Elementary STEAM Teacher (0.8 FTE) - Reiche Community School

Position Type: TEACHER-NON CLASSROOM/PROFESSIONAL LEARNING SPECIALIST Date Posted: 5/18/2026 Location: Reiche Community School Date Available: 08/24/2026 Closing Date: 06/05/2026 TITLE: Elementary STEAM Teacher (0.8 FTE) - Reiche Community School POSITION OVERVIEW: The STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) Teacher will inspire and engage students from Pre-Kindergarten through 5th grade in hands-on, inquiry-based learning experiences, integrating seasonal outdoor and indoor activities. This role will be responsible for developing and delivering a dynamic STEAM curriculum that aligns with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and complements existing grade-level curricula. The STEAM Teacher will foster a collaborative and creative learning environment, promoting critical thinking, problem-solving, and team-building skills. ** This position is 0.8 FTE with a 4 day/week schedule. ** ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES: Curriculum Development & ImplementationDesign, develop, and implement an engaging and developmentally appropriate STEAM curriculum for PK-5th grade students, with a strong emphasis on seasonal outdoor and indoor learning experiencesEnsure all STEAM activities align with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and integrate seamlessly with existing grade-level curriculaDevelop weekly lesson plans that incorporate hands-on projects, experiments, and open-ended challengesUtilize a variety of instructional strategies to accommodate diverse learning styles and abilitiesContinuously research and integrate new STEAM concepts, technologies, and best practices into the curriculum Instructional DeliveryMeet with each assigned classroom (PK-5th grade) one time per week to deliver engaging STEAM lessonsFacilitate hands-on activities that encourage exploration, discovery, and critical thinkingLead outdoor learning experiences, leveraging the natural environment to teach STEAM concepts (e.g., observing seasonal changes, plant life cycles, weather patterns, simple machines in nature)Guide students through the engineering design process, encouraging them to design, build, test, and refine their creationsPromote an inquiry-based approach, encouraging students to ask questions, hypothesize, and investigate Team Building & CollaborationDesign and implement activities that specifically foster teamwork, collaboration, and communication skills among studentsCollaborate with classroom teachers to integrate STEAM concepts into their respective curricula and reinforce learning across subjectsCommunicate regularly with classroom teachers regarding student progress, classroom needs, and upcoming STEAM activitiesParticipate in school-wide events and initiatives that promote STEAM education Classroom Management & SafetyEstablish and maintain a positive, safe, and organized learning environment for all students, both indoors and outdoorsEnsure the safe use and storage of all STEAM materials, tools, and equipmentAdhere to all school policies and procedures, especially those related to student safety and outdoor activitiesSupervise students effectively during all STEAM activities, including outdoor excursions Assessment & ReportingObserve and assess student engagement, participation, and understanding of STEAM conceptsProvide informal feedback to students and classroom teachers on student progressMaintain records of lessons taught, materials used, and any relevant student observations Materials & ResourcesManage and maintain the inventory of STEAM materials and equipmentIdentify and procure necessary resources for STEAM activities, within budget guidelinesOrganize and prepare materials for each weekly lesson KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:Demonstrated understanding of / experience in implementing the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)Strong knowledge of age-appropriate STEAM concepts and pedagogical approachesAbility to design and facilitate engaging, hands-on, and inquiry-based learning experiencesAbility to work effectively in various indoor and outdoor settings and adapt to changing weather conditionsExcellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skillsAbility to work collaboratively with colleagues, students, and parentsPassion for inspiring curiosity, creativity, and a love of learning in young children EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE:Bachelor's degree in Education, Science, Engineering, Technology, Arts, Mathematics, or a related fieldFirst Aid and CPR certification (or willingness to obtain)Proven experience teaching elementary-aged students (PK-5th grade), with a strong background in science or STEAM educationExperience with outdoor education or nature-based learning is highly desirable PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:Ability to stand, walk, bend, stoop, and lift up to 25 pounds regularlyAbility to move freely between indoor and outdoor environments in various weather conditionsAbility to supervise and interact with active elementary-aged children CREDENTIAL REQUIREMENTSMaine State teacher certification with 020 Endorsement (K-6 or K-8) (more info)Maine State fingerprint (CHRC) authorization (more info) ****if you already have an active teacher certification, you do not need a separate CHRC as this clearance is tied to your teacher certification EMPLOYMENT DETAILS:Schedule: School Year, Part Time, 0.8 FTE (4 days per week)Assignment: PermanentReports to: Teacher LeaderContract: Part of PEA union (see 2025-2028 CBA here)Salary: Based on education and experience, as outlined in CBABenefits: Eligible for benefits as outlined here ABOUT REICHE: Howard C. Reiche Community School, nestled in the urban West End neighborhood of Portland, is ranked the most wonderfully diverse of all elementary schools in Maine, celebrating 16 different home languages and students from 21 different birth countries. Over half our students are multilingual learners, and about a quarter of our students are welcome newcomers, recently arrived in America. Over 83% of our students qualify for free/ reduced lunch and 105 of our students are currently without a fixed residence. We value and nurture our relationships with our amazing, involved families and strive for an inclusive and equitable experience for all. Our dedicated support staff and talented teachers use their impressive skills to provide a quality education for all of our students. Our highly collaborative culture is joyful in the face of our important, challenging work. We have many partners in the West End Arts Community, including the Portland Symphony, Shoestring Theatre, the Portland Museum of Art, and more. We offer Chorus, Band and Strings for older students as well as extra-curricular sports and art classes for all ages. We are sustained by a unique Teacher-Led model that empowers our community of educators with distributed leadership and shared decision making. Every educator is on a committee that makes our school a better place. Get to know us and learn why our motto is: Come Experience the World At Reiche School! Portland Public Schools is committed to maintaining a work and learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation or disability, as defined and required by state and federal laws.