Job Title:                Elementary Environmental Science (ecoSTEM) Teacher

Wage/Hour Status: Exempt/Professional

Reports to:                Principal

Dept./School:          Assigned Campus

Approved by:           Superintendent

Summary

Engage students in meaningful, hands-on instruction in environmental science, emphasizing outdoor learning and the integration of science and sports. Foster intellectual, emotional, physical, and social development by providing opportunities for exploration, collaboration, and critical thinking. Empower students to build essential skills and competencies needed to succeed in society while cultivating environmental awareness. Inspire actions at home and school that promote sustainability, environmental stewardship, and a healthier community.

Qualifications:

Education/Certification:

• Bachelor’s degree from accredited university
• Valid Texas teaching certificate with required endorsements 
• Demonstrated in-depth knowledge in environmental science, including principles of environmental ecosystems, climate change, renewable energy, and human impact on the environment.

Special Knowledge/Skills:

• In-depth knowledge of environmental science, including ecosystems, conservation, climate change, renewable energy, and sustainability practices.
• Familiarity with curriculum design and instructional best practices specific to environmental education, emphasizing outdoor, hands-on, and project-based learning.
• Skilled in delivering instruction through interactive experiments, demonstrations, and activities related to environmental systems, biodiversity, and human impact on the environment.
• Strong organizational abilities to manage instructional materials, coordinate outdoor learning projects, and facilitate activities that promote environmental stewardship.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills to build meaningful relationships with students, parents, and colleagues, fostering a collaborative and inclusive learning environment.
• Expertise in assessing student work using constructive feedback aligned with scientific practices, including critical observation, data analysis, and problem-solving.

Experience:

• Successful completion of student teaching, an approved internship, or relevant professional experience in education.
• Preferred: Experience teaching environmental science or related STEM fields, with a focus on

hands-on, outdoor, or project-based learning.

• Additional consideration given for experience in informal science education settings, such as environmental education programs, conservation initiatives, community sustainability projects, or outdoor learning programs.

Major Responsibilities and Duties

Instructional Strategies

1. Design and deliver engaging lesson plans aligned with the district’s curriculum, incorporating environmental science concepts such as ecosystems, sustainability, and human impact.
2. Utilize diverse instructional strategies, hands-on activities, outdoor learning experiences, and technology tailored to the learning styles and needs of all students, adhering to Texas Education Agency guidelines, board policies, and administrative regulations.
3. Assess student learning styles and adapt instructional methods based on assessment results, demonstrating flexibility to modify teaching approaches to meet individual needs and ensure student success.
4. Provide individual and small-group instruction to differentiate the curriculum and effectively implement problem-based and project-based learning activities centered on environmental science.
5. Collaborate with special education teachers to adapt curriculum and instructional strategies for students with Individual Education Plans (IEP).
6. Partner with colleagues to establish instructional goals, objectives, and methods that align with district and campus requirements, ensuring alignment with overall educational priorities.
7. Work collaboratively with staff to design and facilitate programs or events that promote environmental awareness, sustainability, and service-learning projects, as well as integrating outdoor learning into core curriculum activities.
8. Supervise and assign tasks to instructional aides and volunteers, providing clear guidance to ensure the successful completion of responsibilities.

Student Growth and Development

1. Provide timely and constructive feedback to students and track their progress through various assessment methods.
2. Conduct ongoing assessments of student achievement using both formal and informal methods to guide instruction.
3. Assume responsibility for extracurricular activities, including planning and leading campus-approved environmental events or activities.
4. Serve as a positive role model for students, exemplifying the goals and values of the campus and school district.

Classroom Management and Organization

1. Create a classroom environment that supports student learning and is appropriate for their physical, social, and emotional development.
2. Manage student behavior in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct and the student handbook.
3. Take necessary precautions to ensure student safety and protect equipment, materials, and facilities.
4. Instruct students in the proper care and use of materials, tools, and resources related to environmental science and outdoor learning. Maintain organized storage areas, control the use of instructional materials, and keep accurate inventory records.
5. Assist in selecting and maintaining instructional materials, tools, and equipment necessary for teaching environmental science effectively.
6. Compile, maintain, and submit required reports, records, and documents promptly.

Communication

1. Maintain open and professional communication with parents, students, colleagues, and community members to support student learning and program goals.
2. Regularly communicate with students and parents using district-approved methods such as letters, phone calls, or apps to provide updates on classroom activities and environmental projects.
3. Build and maintain strong relationships with parents and community stakeholders to foster collaboration and support for environmental science initiatives.

Professional Growth and Development

1. Actively participate in professional development activities to enhance knowledge and skills in environmental science education.
2. Comply with all state, district, and school regulations and policies for classroom teachers.
3. Attend and contribute to faculty meetings and staff committees as needed to support campus and district goals.

Other

1. Follow all district safety protocols and emergency procedures to ensure the safety and well-being of students and staff.
2. Maintain confidentiality in all professional matters.
3. Participate in meetings, field experiences, and special events as assigned, contributing to the success of environmental science programs.
4. Exercise professional judgment in attendance and punctuality for work, meetings, and appointments.
5. Organize and present student showcases, events, or performances that highlight environmental science learning and accomplishments.
6. Perform additional duties as assigned by campus or district administration.

Supervisory Responsibilities

1. Provide guidance and oversight to assigned instructional aide(s) to ensure their effective support of classroom instruction.

Certificates Licenses, Registration

Valid Texas teaching certificate with required endorsement for subject and level assigned

Language Skills

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodical, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations.  Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedural manuals.  Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from administrators, peers, students, parents and the general public.

Mathematical Skills:

Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.  Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios and proportions to practical solutions.

Reasoning Ability:

Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.  Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram or schedule form.

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Tools/Equipment Used: Personal computer, phone systems, instructional equipment, video technology, gardening tools, and other materials for outdoor learning activities.

Posture: Requires prolonged standing and frequent sitting, kneeling, squatting, bending, stooping, pushing, pulling, and twisting. Outdoor student activities in the schoolyard or garden necessitate flexibility and physical mobility.

Motion: Frequent walking, moderate physical activity, and repetitive use of hands and wrists for computer work. Outdoor field experiences may involve light hiking, hands-on gardening, and other physical tasks.

Lifting: Regular light lifting and carrying (up to 15 pounds), including textbooks, instructional materials, gardening tools, and supplies for outdoor learning spaces.

Environment: Work takes place both indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions, with regular exposure to sunlight, natural elements, and seasonal environmental factors.

Mental Demands: Requires maintaining emotional control under stress, adapting to feedback and constructive criticism, continuously generating creative and innovative ideas for projects, and occasionally working extended or irregular hours to meet program objectives and deadlines.

This document describes the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required. For a comprehensive overview of expectations specific to the ecoSTEM teacher role, please refer to the ecoSTEM Teacher Expectation List linked below.

ecoSTEM Teacher Expectation List

Salary : $57,450 - $66,568