2025-26 Director of STEM Programs
Position Type: Full-time Exempt- 12 months
Reports to: Chief Academic Officer and Senior Director of Educational Services
Location: Magnolia Public Schools (MPS) Home Office
Salary Range: $95K-$132K
Job Summary:
Magnolia Public Schools (MPS) is seeking a highly skilled and dedicated Director of STEM Programs to oversee and enhance the implementation of MPS’s Science, Engineering, Math and Technology (STEM) programs and curriculum across all school sites. Reporting to the Chief Academic Officer and the Senior Director of Educational Services, the Director will work directly with school administrators and teachers, providing classroom-based demonstrations, collaborative support, and professional development.
This position will lead and oversee the MPS STEAM Expo, coordinate and lead the Innovations Committee for Magnolia Public Schools, and be responsible for developing MPS AI policy and AI framework for curriculum and instruction purposes. Additionally, the Director will manage and support the STEM-related TOSAs (Teachers on Special Assignment) within the organization.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Program Coordination and Implementation
- Coordinate and support CMO-wide Science, Engineering, Math and Technology (STEM) initiatives through external partnerships, webinars, and professional trainers.
- Evaluate, refine, and implement STEM curriculum frameworks and initiatives—including all relevant California frameworks and initiatives in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics—along with associated resources and instructional practices across school sites.
- Collaborate with school leaders to establish school-wide goals for STEM achievement and integration.
- Align STEM initiatives with state standards and/or MPS’s strategic goals.
2. Instructional Support and Professional Development
- Research and share best practices in STEM instruction via demonstration lessons, workshops, and PD sessions.
Facilitate professional development and trainings for teachers, administrators, and support staff on STEM and STEAM integration.
- Conduct school visits to provide instructional leadership and implementation support.
- Mentor and oversee STEM-focused TOSAs and programs to ensure consistency and impact across all sites.
3. Innovation Leadership
- Lead the MPS Innovations Committee to identify and scale innovative learning approaches and digital strategies.
- Develop, implement and oversee a comprehensive AI in Education Framework for the MPS network.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to establish responsible AI usage policies in curriculum and instruction and promote emerging technologies in learning environments.
4. STEAM Expo Oversight
- Plan, coordinate, and lead the annual MPS STEAM Expo, showcasing student innovation and projects.
- Manage event logistics, vendor partnerships, marketing, and post-event evaluation.
- Promote student engagement and public visibility of STEM initiatives across MPS.
5. Data Analysis and Decision-Making
- Collect and analyze student achievement data in STEM subjects to identify trends and inform decisions.
- Provide reports and recommendations to leadership based on data analysis and instructional observation.
- Monitor progress on STEM program implementation and make adjustments to maximize the impact.
6. Management and Administration
- Supervise and support STEM-related staff and TOSAs.
- Develop and maintain systems for program evaluation and progress reporting.
- Identify areas for improvement and implement effective, data-informed strategies.
- Ensure compliance with all applicable laws, codes, and policies governing instructional programs.
7. Professional Growth
- Stay current with research and trends in STEM education, instructional technology, and innovation.
- Participate in ongoing professional development and relevant conferences.
- Lead internal learning communities to promote best practices and collaboration in STEM fields.
Qualifications
Knowledge of:
- California Education Code, California Administrative Code, and MPS policies.
- Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for Mathematics, Computer Science Standards for California Public Schools, Kindergarten Through Grade Twelvand integrated STEM frameworks.
- Instructional leadership, program evaluation, and curriculum design.
- Equity-centered practices, personalized learning, and project-based learning.
- Federal, state, and local education requirements related to instructional programs.
- Budget planning and program reporting systems.
Ability to:
- Lead complex, multi-site educational programs effectively.
- Analyze data and develop actionable strategies to improve student achievement.
- Communicate clearly and persuasively, both orally and in writing.
- Coach, develop, and manage instructional staff.
- Build positive, collaborative relationships with diverse stakeholders.
- Develop and manage program budgets, timelines, and deliverables.
Physical Abilities
- Work in an office and school setting with occasional travel between sites.
- Engage in presentations and interactive collaboration.
- Read documents and digital content.
- Operate a computer and standard office equipment.
- Possess a valid California Driver’s License and be able to travel to all MPS locations.
Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in education, STEM-related field, or equivalent required with a current certification in STEM related field or school administration; Master’s degree preferred.
- Minimum 5 years of classroom teaching experience in grades 3–12 with a strong STEM background.
- Experience in curriculum development, instructional coaching, or school-wide program leadership.
- Administrative experience (e.g., site or district leadership) preferred.
- Demonstrated success in implementing instructional initiatives and leading cross-functional teams.
- Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.
Magnolia Public Schools
MISSION
Magnolia Public Schools provides a safe and nurturing community using a whole-child approach to provide a high-quality, college preparatory STEAM educational experience in an environment that cultivates respect for self and others.
VISION
Graduates of Magnolia Public Schools commit to building a more peaceful and inclusive global society by transforming traditional ideas with creative thinking, effective communication, and the rigor of science.