K–8 STEM & Talented and Gifted (TAG) Teacher – Iowa
The K–8 STEM & Talented and Gifted (TAG) Teacher supports high-quality STEM instruction while providing enrichment and extension services for identified TAG students. Under the supervision of the School Principal, this position provides direct classroom instruction in STEM and delivers TAG services aligned to student needs and school programming.
This role is instructional in nature (not administrative).
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Deliver engaging, standards-aligned STEM instruction to students in grades K–8 using district-approved curriculum (e.g., Project Lead The Way or similar).
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Develop lesson plans and instructional materials that promote inquiry, problem-solving, creativity, and interdisciplinary learning.
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Differentiate instruction to meet the needs of diverse learners, including gifted and talented students, students with disabilities, and multilingual learners.
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Use formative and summative assessments to monitor student progress and adjust instruction accordingly.
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Establish and maintain a classroom environment that is safe, inclusive, and conducive to hands-on learning.
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Integrate technology and digital tools to enhance STEM learning experiences.
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Maintain accurate records of student achievement, attendance, and instructional activities in accordance with school and state requirements.
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Communicate effectively with students, families, and school staff regarding academic progress and expectations.
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Provide enrichment and extension services for identified TAG students within the school’s instructional program.
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Support the implementation of the school’s TAG program plan in alignment with Iowa guidelines.
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Collaborate with classroom teachers to support differentiation, enrichment, and acceleration opportunities.
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Assist with identification processes using multiple measures in collaboration with school staff.
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Facilitate TAG-related enrichment during designated intervention/enrichment blocks within the MTSS framework (not during Tier 1 core instruction).
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Support tracking of TAG student participation and progress.
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Communicate with families regarding TAG services and student growth.
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Participate in professional learning related to gifted education and differentiation strategies.
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Collaborate with classroom teachers, special education staff, and instructional leaders to support differentiated instruction and enrichment opportunities.
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Participate in faculty meetings, professional learning communities, and school improvement initiatives.
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Engage in ongoing professional development related to STEM education and gifted education.
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Uphold school policies, procedures, and professional standards of conduct.
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Perform other related duties as assigned by the Principal or regional leadership.
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Knowledge of K–8 STEM curriculum, instructional best practices, and project-based learning.
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Knowledge of gifted education principles and differentiation strategies.
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Ability to design enrichment and acceleration opportunities.
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Ability to analyze student data and use it to inform instruction.
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Strong organizational, communication, and collaboration skills.
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Ability to build positive relationships with students, families, and colleagues.
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Valid Iowa teaching license (elementary or appropriate endorsement for assignment).
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Bachelor’s degree in Education or a related field from an accredited institution.
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Willingness to obtain Iowa Talented and Gifted (TAG) endorsement if not already endorsed.
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Iowa Talented and Gifted (TAG) endorsement.
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Endorsement or experience in STEM, science, technology, engineering, or mathematics instruction.
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Prior experience teaching K–8 students.
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Experience working with gifted and talented students.
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Master’s degree in Education, STEM-related field, or Gifted Education.
Candidates without an Iowa TAG endorsement will be supported by the school in obtaining required training and endorsement coursework.
