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Position Type:
Elementary School Teaching
Date Posted:
2/11/2026
Location:
Horizon Science Academy Des Moines School
K-8 STEM Teacher & Talented and Gifted (TAG) Coordinator
Position Purpose
The K-8 STEM Teacher & Talented and Gifted (TAG) Coordinator serves a dual role supporting high-quality STEM instruction and ensuring compliance with Iowa's Talented and Gifted (TAG) requirements. Under the supervision of the School Principal, this position provides direct classroom instruction in STEM while coordinating the identification, services, professional learning, and evaluation of the school's TAG program in alignment with Iowa Code and Iowa Department of Education (DE) guidance.
This role is instructional in nature (not administrative) and includes designated time within the work schedule for TAG coordination responsibilities.
Essential Functions - STEM Instruction
- Deliver engaging, standards-aligned STEM instruction to students in grades K-8 using district-approved curriculum (e.g., Project Lead The Way or similar).
- Develop lesson plans and instructional materials that promote inquiry, problem-solving, creativity, and interdisciplinary learning.
- Differentiate instruction to meet the needs of diverse learners, including gifted and talented students, students with disabilities, and multilingual learners.
- Use formative and summative assessments to monitor student progress and adjust instruction accordingly.
- Establish and maintain a classroom environment that is safe, inclusive, and conducive to hands-on learning.
- Integrate technology and digital tools to enhance STEM learning experiences.
- Maintain accurate records of student achievement, attendance, and instructional activities in accordance with school and state requirements.
- Communicate effectively with students, families, and school staff regarding academic progress and expectations.
Essential Functions - TAG Coordination (Iowa Compliance)
- Serve as the school's designated Talented and Gifted Teacher/Coordinator, as required by Iowa Code and Iowa Department of Education TAG guidance.
- Coordinate and support the implementation of the school's written TAG program plan, including program goals, services, and performance measures.
- Assist with the identification of gifted and talented students using multiple measures, in collaboration with teachers and administration.
- Facilitate TAG-related interventions and enrichment services during a designated intervention/enrichment block within the school's MTSS framework; TAG services will not occur during Tier 1 core instruction.
- Collaborate with classroom teachers and instructional leaders to align TAG interventions with core instruction within the MTSS framework, ensuring TAG services function as enrichment and extension rather than remediation and preserving full access to grade-level curriculum.
- Maintain systems for tracking TAG identification, services, participation, and progress.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for parent and guardian inquiries related to TAG identification and programming.
- Collaborate with school leadership to ensure appropriate staffing and instructional supports for identified TAG students.
- Organize and facilitate professional learning for staff related to gifted education, differentiation, and TAG programming.
- Act as a liaison between school staff and district or network leadership regarding TAG compliance and continuous improvement.
- Support annual program review and evaluation of TAG services to ensure effectiveness and alignment with state requirements.
Collaboration & Professional Responsibilities
- Collaborate with classroom teachers, special education staff, and instructional leaders to support differentiated instruction and enrichment opportunities.
- Participate in faculty meetings, professional learning communities, and school improvement initiatives.
- Engage in ongoing professional development related to STEM education and gifted education.
- Uphold school policies, procedures, and professional standards of conduct.
- Perform other related duties as assigned by the Principal or regional leadership.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Knowledge of K-8 STEM curriculum, instructional best practices, and project-based learning.
- Knowledge of gifted education principles, identification practices, and service models.
- Ability to differentiate instruction and design enrichment and acceleration opportunities.
- Ability to analyze student data and use it to inform instruction and programming decisions.
- Strong organizational, communication, and collaboration skills.
- Ability to build positive relationships with students, families, and colleagues.
Qualifications
Required
- Valid Iowa teaching license (elementary or appropriate endorsement for assignment).
- Bachelor's degree in Education or a related field from an accredited institution.
- Willingness to obtain Iowa Talented and Gifted (TAG) endorsement if not already endorsed.
Preferred
- Iowa Talented and Gifted (TAG) endorsement.
- Endorsement or experience in STEM, science, technology, engineering, or mathematics instruction.
- Prior experience teaching K-8 students.
- Experience working with gifted and talented students or coordinating enrichment programming.
- Master's degree in Education, STEM-related field, or Gifted Education.
Endorsement & Professional Learning Support
Candidates without an Iowa TAG endorsement will be supported by the school in obtaining required training and endorsement coursework, consistent with Iowa Department of Education guidelines.
Physical and Work Environment
- Work is performed in a school and classroom environment.
- Requires the ability to move about the classroom and school, supervise students, and engage in hands-on instructional activities.
FLSA Status
Exempt
This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required.