How to Be STEM Teacher - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Aug 5, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

Links

The lack of qualified STEM teachers in classrooms can have a lasting impact on students' future success. Without teachers who are knowledgeable and trained in STEM fields, students may not gain the skills and knowledge they need to excel in the job market. This could lead to decreased employment opportunities and a lower salary when compared to those with a stronger STEM background.

students may miss out on important skills such as problem-solving and critical thinking, which are essential for success in many areas. The implications of this issue are far-reaching and could potentially have a negative effect on the economy overall. To ensure the success of our youth, we must prioritize the recruitment and training of quality STEM teachers.

Steps How to Become

Research state regulations. Research the specific state regulations and requirements for becoming a STEM teacher. Each state has its own set of qualifications and regulations for becoming a teacher, which must be followed before you can become certified.
Earn a degree. Most states require a bachelor's degree in a STEM-related field for teaching certification. Obtaining a degree in a STEM-related field can open up more job opportunities.
Complete a teacher preparation program. After earning a degree, most states require completion of an approved teacher preparation program in order to become certified. In some cases, you may be able to take a teacher preparation program while working towards a degree.
Pass required exams. You will likely need to pass a basic skills test as well as a content area test in order to become certified.
Apply for certification. Once you have met all the state requirements, you can apply for certification through your state board of education or other certifying body.
Gain experience. Most states require teachers to gain experience before they are eligible for full certification. There are many ways to gain experience, such as student teaching, tutoring, or working as a substitute teacher.
Get hired. After completing all the necessary steps, you can apply for teaching positions at schools. Many schools are looking for teachers with STEM backgrounds and experience, so having this background can help you stand out from the competition.

Teaching is a highly demanding and rewarding profession. It requires a high level of commitment, reliability and capability from educators in order to succeed. A reliable and capable teacher will be able to effectively develop lesson plans, communicate with students, parents, and colleagues, as well as manage their time wisely.

They must also be organized and have strong problem solving skills. All of these qualities are essential for an educator to establish an effective learning environment for their students. When teachers are reliable and capable, they set a great example for their students to follow, inspiring them to be responsible, organized, and successful.

this creates a sense of trust between the teacher and the student, leading to enhanced learning outcomes.

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Job Description

Develop and implement lesson plans that meet the academic and developmental needs of students.
Establish and maintain a positive classroom environment that is conducive to learning.
Monitor student progress and provide feedback to students, parents, and administrators on individual student performance.
Collaborate with other teachers and school staff to develop instructional resources and materials.
Utilize a variety of teaching methods, including technology, to engage students and promote learning.
Assess student performance and progress through tests, projects, and other assignments.
Attend staff meetings and faculty development activities.
Supervise students in the classroom, cafeteria, playground, and other related activities.
Maintain accurate records of student attendance, grades, and behavior.
Participate in parent/teacher conferences.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of educational theories and best practices
Ability to communicate effectively with students, parents, and school staff
Expertise in designing and implementing lesson plans
Familiarity with current technology trends and their applications in the classroom
Creativity in developing instructional strategies
Ability to assess student progress
Understanding of special education laws and regulations
Ability to differentiate instruction to meet the needs of all students
Knowledge of assessment tools and techniques
Expertise in providing a safe and positive learning environment
Ability to motivate and inspire students
Excellent organizational and time management skills

Having strong communication skills is essential for any teacher. Effective communication between a teacher and their students is key to developing a successful learning environment. When a teacher is able to articulate their expectations, provide clear instructions, and give constructive feedback, students are more likely to take responsibility for their own learning.

building a good rapport with students encourages them to ask questions and take an active role in their studies. Good communication also helps to develop trust between the teacher and their students, which can lead to better student motivation and improved overall academic performance.

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Frequent Interview Questions

How do you go about creating a lesson plan for a STEM topic?
What challenges have you faced when teaching STEM topics?
How have you incorporated technology into your STEM teaching?
How do you ensure that all students in the classroom are engaged and participating in STEM activities?
What strategies do you use to relate STEM topics to students everyday lives?
How do you stay up to date with new trends and technologies in STEM?
What is your approach to assessing student learning in a STEM course?
Describe a lesson you taught that was particularly effective in engaging students with a STEM topic.
What methods do you use to encourage collaboration among your students when working on STEM projects?
How have you used data to inform your instruction of STEM topics?

Common Tools in Industry

Classroom Management Software. A tool that allows teachers to manage their students in the classroom, such as tracking attendance, sending out assignments, and grading tests. (eg. ClassDojo)
Online Collaboration Tools. Allows multiple people to work together online by sharing documents, having online discussions, and making joint decisions. (eg. Google Docs)
Learning Management System. A system that tracks student learning progress, provides resources and feedback, and allows teachers to assign and monitor assignments. (eg. Blackboard)
Digital Content Creation Tools. Tools that help teachers create digital content such as videos, podcasts, and websites. (eg. Adobe Creative Cloud)
Assessment Tools. Software that helps teachers create and administer assessments in the classroom. (eg. ExamSoft)
Visualization Tools. Tools that help teachers create visuals such as charts and graphs to help explain concepts in the classroom. (eg. Microsoft Visio)

Professional Organizations to Know

National Science Teachers Association (NSTA)
International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE)
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM)
National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS)
Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD)
Association for Educational Communications and Technology (AECT)
Association of Teacher Educators (ATE)
American Federation of Teachers (AFT)
National Education Association (NEA)
National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP)

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Common Important Terms

Differentiated Instruction. A teaching approach that takes into account the different learning styles, abilities, and interests of each student. It involves tailoring instruction to meet the needs of individual students.
Cooperative Learning. An instructional strategy in which students work together in small groups to complete a task or activity. It encourages active participation, promotes positive interdependence, and enhances social skills.
Inquiry-Based Learning. A student-centered approach to teaching that encourages students to explore and investigate ideas on their own. It focuses on developing problem-solving skills and critical thinking.
STEM. An acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. It refers to the integration of these disciplines in teaching and learning.
Project-Based Learning. A teaching approach that focuses on developing skills and knowledge through an extended and meaningful project. It encourages students to apply their knowledge to real-world problems.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is STEM?

STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.

What is a STEM Teacher?

A STEM teacher is an educator who specializes in teaching Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.

What qualifications are needed to become a STEM Teacher?

To become a STEM Teacher, you generally need a bachelor's degree in a STEM-related field and a valid teaching license.

What skills do STEM Teachers need?

STEM Teachers need a variety of skills, such as strong communication and problem-solving skills, knowledge of the curriculum and teaching methods, and the ability to inspire students to learn.

What are the benefits of having a STEM Teacher?

Having a STEM Teacher can help students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, gain an understanding of the real-world applications of their studies, and explore new career paths.

Web Resources

Arizona STEM Acceleration Project | Arizona State University stemteachers.asu.edu
STEM Teacher Education Program - Texas Lutheran University www.tlu.edu
What Is STEM Education and Why Is It Important? - University of Texas www.utep.edu