Elementary PYP Design Teacher

PYP Design (STEAM) Teacher (Grades K-5)

Position Summary:

Valley Inquiry Charter School is seeking an innovative, creative, and student-centered educator to serve as a part-time Primary Years Program (PYP) Design (STEAM) Teacher for students in Kindergarten through 5th Grade. As an International Baccalaureate (IB) school implementing the Primary Years Programme, Valley Inquiry believes students learn best through inquiry, exploration, creativity, problem-solving, and authentic application of knowledge.

The successful candidate will facilitate engaging, inquiry-based STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) learning experiences that encourage students to design, create, innovate, collaborate, and think critically. Through hands-on learning opportunities, students will develop skills in design thinking, engineering, computational thinking, creativity, and problem-solving while making meaningful connections across disciplines.

The Design (STEAM) Teacher will collaborate with classroom teachers to support transdisciplinary learning, foster student agency, and create authentic opportunities for innovation and inquiry.

Position Available

Part-Time PYP Design (STEAM) Teacher (Grades K-5)

Total Position: 0.60 FTE

Salary

Salary range: $43,757.99–$68,218.44 depending on years of teaching experience, licensure, endorsements, education, and contracted hours. Salary will be prorated based on the 0.60 FTE assignment.

Essential ResponsibilitiesDesign (STEAM) Instruction

• Design and facilitate engaging, inquiry-based STEAM learning experiences aligned with the IB Primary Years Programme philosophy and Oregon State Standards.
• Foster creativity, innovation, critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving through authentic design challenges and hands-on learning opportunities.
• Guide students through the design process, including inquiry, planning, prototyping, testing, reflection, and improvement.
• Utilize adopted curricular resources as a foundation for instruction while designing inquiry-based, concept-driven learning experiences aligned with PYP philosophy and student interests.
• Integrate science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics in meaningful and developmentally appropriate ways.
• Support students in developing computational thinking, engineering habits of mind, and creative problem-solving skills.
• Encourage student agency through choice, innovation, experimentation, and reflection.
• Integrate PYP Approaches to Learning (ATL) skills throughout instruction.

Makerspace and Resource Management

• Manage and maintain STEAM materials, equipment, technology resources, and makerspace supplies.
• Ensure safe and responsible use of tools, equipment, and materials.
• Organize learning environments that promote exploration, collaboration, creativity, and innovation.
• Assist with planning for future STEAM resource needs and equipment purchases.

Assessment and Student Growth

• Utilize formative and summative assessment practices to monitor student progress and inform instructional decisions.
• Provide timely and meaningful feedback that supports student growth and reflection.
• Support students in setting goals, documenting learning, and reflecting on the design process.
• Maintain accurate records of student progress and achievement.

Learning Environment and Student Relationships

• Establish a safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environment where students feel comfortable taking risks, making mistakes, and learning through iteration.
• Build positive relationships with students that foster confidence, curiosity, and engagement.
• Implement restorative and proactive approaches to classroom management.
• Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, perseverance, and lifelong learning.

Collaboration and Integration

• Collaborate with classroom teachers to support connections between STEAM learning and Units of Inquiry.
• Partner with staff to create authentic interdisciplinary learning opportunities.
• Support school-wide STEAM initiatives, exhibitions, showcases, and celebrations of learning.
• Contribute to the development of a cohesive K-5 design and innovation program.

Professional Growth

• Participate in collaborative planning, Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), and school improvement initiatives.
• Engage in ongoing professional development related to STEAM education, design thinking, inquiry-based learning, educational technology, and IB philosophy.
• Reflect on instructional practices and use feedback to continually improve effectiveness.

School Contributions

• Participate in school-wide activities, exhibitions, field experiences, service-learning projects, and special events.
• Fulfill assigned supervision duties and responsibilities.
• Contribute positively to the mission, vision, and culture of Valley Inquiry Charter School.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Education, STEM Education, Engineering, Technology Education, Science Education, Computer Science, Design, or a related field.
• Valid Oregon Teaching License or ability to obtain licensure prior to employment.
• Demonstrated ability to build positive relationships with elementary-aged students.
• Strong communication, collaboration, organizational, and classroom management skills.

Preferred

• Experience teaching elementary-aged students.
• Experience facilitating STEAM, makerspace, robotics, coding, engineering, design thinking, or project-based learning experiences.
• Experience with the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP) or other inquiry-based educational models.
• Experience integrating technology into student learning.
• Experience with robotics, coding platforms, digital fabrication tools, engineering challenges, or innovation programs.
• Training or experience in culturally responsive teaching and restorative practices.
• Bilingual or multilingual skills, particularly in Spanish, are highly valued and considered an asset in supporting communication and partnership with families, but are not required.
• Master's degree or advanced coursework in education, STEM, educational technology, engineering, design, or a related field.

Desired Professional Dispositions

The ideal candidate demonstrates:

• Commitment to the IB mission and philosophy.
• Passion for innovation, inquiry, creativity, and hands-on learning.
• Strong relationship-building skills with students, families, and colleagues.
• Reflective practice and continuous professional growth.
• Creativity, flexibility, and a growth mindset.
• High expectations for all learners.
• Collaboration, professionalism, and integrity.
• Belief in student agency, design thinking, and authentic problem-solving as powerful drivers of learning.

Benefits

• Competitive salary placement based on experience and qualifications.
• Oregon Public Employees Retirement System (PERS).
• Paid time off, prorated based on FTE.
• Professional development opportunities, including IB training.
• Collaborative and supportive professional learning environment.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Valley Inquiry Charter School values diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all students, families, and staff. Candidates with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives are encouraged to apply.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $29.43 - $52.94 per hour

Benefits:

• Paid time off
• Retirement plan

Physical Setting:

• Charter school

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Required)

Experience:

• Teaching: 1 year (Preferred)

Language:

• English (Required)
• Spanish (Required)

License/Certification:

• Teaching Certification (Preferred)

Work Location: In person