Project Lead the Way LEAD Teacher - Elementary

Project Lead The Way Lead Teacher

The Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Lead Teacher serves as an instructional leader responsible for advancing high-quality STEM education and accelerating scholar achievement through the implementation of the PLTW curriculum and Norfolk Public Schools instructional initiatives. The Lead Teacher supports classroom teachers through instructional coaching, modeling, co-planning, co-teaching, and push-in instructional support to ensure rigorous, engaging, and standards-aligned learning experiences for all scholars.

The Lead Teacher serves as a catalyst for instructional excellence by building teacher capacity, supporting implementation of high-quality Tier I instruction, analyzing achievement data, facilitating professional learning, and promoting innovative teaching practices aligned to the Virginia Standards of Learning, Norfolk Public Schools priorities, and school improvement goals.

Instructional Leadership and Coaching

• Serve as the school's instructional leader for PLTW implementation and STEM programming.
• Provide ongoing instructional coaching and job-embedded professional learning to classroom teachers.
• Conduct classroom support cycles that include observation, modeling, co-planning, co-teaching, feedback, and reflection.
• Support teachers in implementing high-yield instructional practices and effective instructional strategies.
• Model effective classroom instruction, inquiry-based learning, project-based learning, academic discourse, and Universal Design for Learning (UDL).
• Facilitate professional development sessions and collaborative learning opportunities aligned to school and division goals.
• Support implementation of schoolwide instructional initiatives and continuous improvement efforts.
• Build teacher capacity through mentoring, coaching, and collaborative problem-solving.

Scholar Achievement and Instruction

• Provide direct instruction to scholars through multiple service delivery models including push-in support, co-teaching, collaborative classroom instruction, small-group instruction, intervention support, and resource instruction.
• Utilize a push-in instructional model to support teachers during core instruction and increase scholar access to rigorous, standards-aligned learning experiences.
• Collaborate with teachers to develop and implement engaging STEM experiences that support academic achievement and real-world problem-solving.
• Analyze scholar achievement data to identify strengths, areas for growth, and intervention needs.
• Support the implementation of targeted interventions and enrichment opportunities for scholars.
• Collaborate with teachers to monitor scholar progress and adjust instruction based on formative and summative assessment data.
• Promote equitable access to high-quality learning experiences for all scholars.
• Support scholar achievement goals identified within the School Improvement Plan.

Multi-Tiered System of Supports and Data Responsibilities

• Participate in Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), MTSS meetings, data meetings, and school improvement planning processes.
• Collaborate with teachers and administrators to identify scholars requiring additional academic support.
• Assist in the development, implementation, and monitoring of intervention plans.
• Support the use of data-driven instructional practices to improve scholar outcomes.
• Monitor program effectiveness and scholar achievement through ongoing data collection and analysis.
• Present program and achievement data to school and division stakeholders as requested.

Collaboration and Communication

• Serve as a liaison between school administration, classroom teachers, district personnel, and PLTW representatives.
• Establish and maintain positive working relationships with scholars, families, staff, and community partners.
• Support family engagement opportunities that promote STEM learning and scholar achievement.
• Communicate effectively regarding scholar progress, program implementation, and instructional support.

Performance Expectations

By the end of each school year, the PLTW Lead Teacher will:

• Demonstrate measurable impact on scholar achievement through STEM programming and instructional support.
• Complete ongoing coaching cycles with teachers that include modeling, co-planning, co-teaching, and feedback.
• Conduct regular push-in instructional support across grade levels.
• Facilitate professional learning opportunities aligned with school and division priorities.
• Support implementation of high-quality Tier I instruction and intervention practices.
• Contribute to increased scholar engagement, achievement, and participation in STEM learning experiences.
• Support school improvement goals through data-driven instructional practices and continuous improvement efforts.
• Promote a culture of collaboration, innovation, accountability, and excellence.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience serving as an instructional coach, mentor teacher, department lead, or teacher leader.
• Experience facilitating adult learning and professional development.
• Experience supporting MTSS processes and data analysis.
• Experience implementing push-in instructional models and co-teaching practices.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Which may be representative but not all inclusive of those commonly associated with this position.

Language Ability: Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of students and adults.

Math Ability: Strong math skills required. Ability to apply across content areas and situations

Reasoning Ability: Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written or oral form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.

Computer and Equipment Skills: To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge and experience with various STEM related platforms, software, equipment, devices, and technology. Specialized software will be used within PLTW.

Personnel Management: Skilled at developing, motivating, and directing people as they work. Ability to effectively work with groups within various settings and situations.

Ability to apply principles of adult learning and school aged student learning to the role of lead teacher. Able to meet the needs of both learner groups.

Minimum Education, Training and Experience Requirements

Bachelor's degree, or higher, in one of the following areas: Math, Science, Technology, Engineering, or other related Technologies OR a four year teaching degree with a strong relationship to STEM.

Successful teaching experience of three or more years within the field of STEM.

Possession of Virginia Teaching License. STEM related credentials and/or certification, desired.

Physical Attributes

Work requires normal physical effort associated with working in a school environment.

Hazards

Work involves exposure to normal, everyday risks.