Upper School Teacher: STEM Principia School

Title: Upper School Teacher: STEM

Department/Location: Upper School Science Department, St Louis Campus

Position Type: Full-time, 39 weeks

Summary

Principia is looking for a dynamic and forward-thinking STEM educator who is passionate about fostering student curiosity, innovation, and problem-solving.

In this role, you will create an inclusive, student-centered learning environment that encourages exploration, critical thinking, and real-world application of STEM concepts. This position currently teaches one section of Sustainability, integrating environmental and social responsibility with STEM principles, and leads in-school STEM robotics courses while mentoring students in robotics competitions and after-school activities. Your ability to cultivate a collaborative and engaging classroom, promote hands-on learning, and empower students as capable and independent learners will be key to your success.

Reporting to the Science Department Chair, you will play a critical role in inspiring students to explore science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through project-based learning. You’ll collaborate with the lead STEM Teacher/Integration Specialist, the Education Technology Director, the Sustainability Director, and other STEM educators to ensure cross-disciplinary integration and innovation.

Who We Are

At our award-winning pre-K–12 school in St. Louis, Missouri, and top-ranked Principia College in Elsah, Illinois, Principia faculty and staff make up a close-knit community of educators, coaches, and professionals taking a distinct approach to education—blending academic excellence with Christian Science-based character education. Principia’s team of over 500 employees supports not only Principia School and Principia College, but also a worldwide network of Alumni & Friends.

At Principia School, our core value is LOVE. Love and its attributes underpin our foundational beliefs as well as our educational approach. We focus on developing the whole child—intellectually, physically, mentally, socially, and spiritually, preparing students for the next steps in life. We foster a challenging yet supportive environment where character unfolds naturally, and talent is cultivated through boundless opportunities. Character education plays an essential role in every aspect of the student experience, and classroom work is augmented by character trips, leadership development, and real-world, hands-on, project-based learning.

Principia employees are part of an engaging academic community preparing students to be tomorrow’s leaders, thinkers, and changemakers. We strive to create a collaborative and inclusive environment where everyone feels they belong and are valued. 

Primary Responsibilities

Facilitate engaging, hands-on STEM classes for grades 9–12, incorporating inquiry-based projects that bridge theoretical knowledge with practical, real-world applications.

Teach at least one section of the Sustainability course, blending STEM concepts with environmental and social responsibility to equip students to tackle global challenges.

Lead robotics-focused STEM instruction during the academic day and/or as part of after-school programs, guiding students in the use of advanced lab tools (e.g., 3D printers, robotics kits, etc.) and workshop tools (e.g., band saws, drills) to design and execute innovative projects.

Evaluate student work through comprehensive rubrics highlighting creativity, critical thinking, and technical proficiency.

Meet weekly with an allocated small group of students in a "crew" setting to provide mentorship, foster personal growth, and build community connections.

Facilitate Quests - periods of student exploration and self-guided learning on topics of student interests.

Participation in one-week school character trips in the fall.

Mentor and coach students during and after school for VEX Robotics competitions, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and resilience. The current focus is on grades 9-12 but could expand to Lower School through High School.

Develop engaging after-school robotics activities to inspire both novice and experienced students.

Build partnerships with industry professionals and community organizations to enhance the robotics program.

Engage in regular training and professional development, including participation in STEM education workshops and VEX Robotics events.

Contribute to a collaborative learning environment by sharing expertise with colleagues.

Work Environment & Professional Characteristics

Foster a dynamic, inclusive, and student-centered classroom culture where learners feel supported in taking risks, experimenting with new ideas, and connecting their work to real-world challenges. Cultivate an environment that empowers students as innovators and problem-solvers, encouraging exploration and creativity.

Be comfortable promoting innovation and ceding responsibility for learning to students, guiding them as a coach and mentor. Challenge and support each student, fostering critical thinking and exploration. Communicate effectively with administration, students, parents, the community, and industry partners to enhance learning opportunities.

Recognizing and valuing each individual's capability ensures that every student is seen as capable and full of potential. Foster confidence in students by providing meaningful opportunities for them to take ownership of their learning, develop resilience, and engage in problem-solving with independence and curiosity.

Exhibit high energy, enthusiasm, and adaptability in a classroom where learning is highly individualized, and students engage in a variety of activities simultaneously. Demonstrate strong classroom management and organizational skills, ensuring an engaging and well-structured learning environment.

Remain progressive, continuously evolving the program to keep pace with advancements in technology and education. Encourage students to experiment, take risks, and learn through inquiry-based experiences. Create and sustain a cooperative learning environment, embracing a team-player mindset while managing multiple activities.

Model and encourage a lifelong passion for learning, inspiring students to grow into curious, capable, and resilient problem-solvers.

Core Competencies

Positivity: Optimistic, positive, and focused on elevating and bringing out the very best in themselves and others. Faculty and staff are invited to understand teammates’ strengths and how they can complement each other.

Team players: Ability to collaborate and partner with peers and senior leaders is critical, with an ability to listen, give and receive feedback, and be comfortable exchanging ideas and speaking candidly in a professional and collegial manner

Strategic thinkers: Ability to consider complex topics from multiple perspectives and offer innovative solutions.

Inclusion: Demonstrates awareness and respect for cultural differences, actively seeks to understand diverse perspectives, and supports cross-cultural interactions. Fosters an inclusive environment where individuals of all backgrounds feel valued and respected.

Innovative: Presents a problem-solving mindset that helps our team come up with creative solutions to challenging issues, with a mentality of self-improvement and organizational excellence; meets challenges with resourcefulness; generates suggestions for improving work; develops innovative approaches and ideas

Strategic thinkers: Ability to consider complex topics from multiple perspectives and offer innovative solutions.

Minimum Qualifications

Student of Christian Science preferred

Supportive of Principia’s guiding statements as articulated here https://www.principia.edu/about/mission.

Master’s degree in a STEM-related field or education preferred; a bachelor’s degree in a STEM-related field or education will be considered.

Experience in project-based learning, robotics (preferably VEX), and/or STEM education with the ability to manage multiple priorities and foster innovation.

Strong technical skills and familiarity with tools like robotics hardware, CAD, and coding platforms.

Background in competitive robotics coaching or team leadership preferred.

Experience integrating cross-disciplinary themes into STEM programs preferred.

The statements above describe the general nature and level of work but are not a complete list of responsibilities and are subject to change at the discretion of Principia.

Compensation and Benefits

We offer a competitive salary range for this position: $53,000 - $78,000 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

In addition to salary, our comprehensive total rewards package includes:

Generous Employee Tuition Discount: Enjoy a 90% discount on tuition (pro-rated for part-time staff) for your eligible children enrolled from Pre-K3 through College (infant and acorn programs excluded).

Relocation: Principia provides a relocation imbursement of up to 12% of your annual salary, when moving from outside a radius of more than 50 miles.

Professional Development: Access to learning opportunities, training programs, and career growth support.

Comprehensive Benefits: Learn more about all our benefits here, including comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans, paid time off, a 403(b) retirement plan with Principia matching, and more.

Equal Opportunity

Principia, a mission-driven institution, believes every person has the right to an equitable and respectful educational environment and workplace. Principia does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, gender (identity or expression), sexual orientation, family status, disability, age, or military or veteran status.

In hiring, admissions, and related decisions, Principia—as an institution with a religious mission—gives preference, where appropriate, to Christian Scientists.