PLTW Teacher - School

Middle School PLTW Gateway Teacher (Certified)

The Middle School PLTW Gateway Teacher provides engaging, hands-on instruction that integrates engineering, robotics, and coding through the Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Gateway curriculum, including App Creators, Design & Modeling, and Automation & Robotics. This role is designed to foster curiosity, creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving in middle school learners through engaging, inquiry-based instruction.

The ideal candidate is enthusiastic about innovative learning, enjoys working with middle school students, and is skilled at creating a safe, positive, and engaging classroom environment that encourages exploration and critical thinking.

Key Responsibilities

• Implement the PLTW Gateway curriculum (App Creators, Design & Modeling, and Automation & Robotics) with fidelity while adapting lessons to meet the developmental needs of students in grades 6–8.
• Design and facilitate hands-on, project-based engineering, robotics, and coding lessons aligned to grade-level standards.
• Guide students through the engineering design process to solve authentic, real-world problems.
• Integrate computational thinking, coding, and automation into STEM learning experiences.
• Differentiate instruction to support diverse learners, including students with IEPs, 504 plans, gifted learners, and English learners.

Classroom Environment

• Establish and maintain a positive, inclusive, and structured learning environment.
• Teach and reinforce expectations for collaboration, problem-solving, and perseverance.
• Ensure safe use and care of tools, materials, and technology.

Assessment & Student Growth

• Use formative assessments, observation, and student reflection to monitor progress.
• Provide feedback that supports growth in both academic and social-emotional skills.
• Encourage student ownership of learning through goal-setting and reflection.

Collaboration & Communication

• Collaborate with content-area teachers and instructional staff to align STEM instruction with classroom learning.
• Communicate with families about projects, learning goals, and student progress.
• Participate in professional learning communities (TLTs) and school initiatives.

Program Development

• Support the growth and sustainability of the school's PLTW Gateway program.
• Assist with STEM nights, showcases, robotics clubs, competitions, or enrichment opportunities.
• Maintain and organize instructional materials, supplies, and technology.

Required Qualifications

• Valid state middle-level teaching certification.
• Bachelor's degree in Education
• Willingness to complete required PLTW Gateway training and certification in App Creators, Design & Modeling, and Automation & Robotics (district-supported if applicable).
• Strong classroom management and student engagement skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues and families.

Preferred Qualifications

• Current PLTW Gateway certification in App Creators, Design & Modeling, and/or Automation & Robotics (highly desirable).
• Experience teaching middle school students in STEM, engineering, or inquiry-based settings.
• Familiarity with project-based learning and hands-on instructional approaches.
• Experience using instructional technology, coding tools, robotics, or engineering kits.
• Background or strong interest in engineering, robotics, coding, or computer science.

Knowledge, Skills, & Dispositions

• Passion for working with middle school students.
• Ability to make complex ideas accessible and engaging for middle school learners.
• Strong organizational and instructional planning skills.
• Growth mindset and willingness to learn new instructional practices.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.

Working Conditions

• Instruction occurs in a classroom or STEM lab setting.
• Regular use of hands-on materials, tools, and technology.
• Occasional lifting of supplies and equipment.
• Participation in school events and professional development.

Compensation

• Salary and benefits per district certified teacher salary schedule.
• Additional stipend may be available for PLTW training or program responsibilities (if applicable).

This job description is not intended as a complete listing of job duties. The incumbent is responsible for the performance of other related duties as assigned/required.

Spartanburg School District Two believes it has the obligation to provide the best administrative and supervisory personnel available for the district regardless of race, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or any related medical conditions), color, disability, age (40 or older), genetic information, national origin, or any other applicable status protected by local, state, or federal law.