Recruiter's Glossary

Examples: Common Core • Formative Assessment • SIS

STEM

Term from Secondary Education industry explained for recruiters

STEM is a teaching approach that combines Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics into one connected learning program. Instead of teaching these subjects separately, STEM education shows students how these areas work together in real life. For example, students might build and program a robot, which uses all four STEM areas at once. This approach helps prepare students for modern careers where these skills often overlap. When you see STEM in a teaching job description, it usually means the school wants someone who can teach these subjects in an interactive, project-based way.

Examples in Resumes

Developed and implemented STEM curriculum for grades 6-8

Led weekly STEM activities and hands-on experiments for elementary students

Created after-school STEM program reaching 200+ students annually

Organized district-wide STEM fair with 500+ student participants

Secured $50,000 grant for STEM lab equipment and materials

Typical job title: "STEM Teachers"

Also try searching for:

Science Teacher Technology Teacher Mathematics Teacher STEAM Teacher STEM Coordinator STEM Program Director Science Specialist STEM Curriculum Developer

Where to Find STEM Teachers

Professional Organizations

Job Boards

Online Resources

Example Interview Questions

Program Director/Coordinator Level Questions

Q: How would you develop a school-wide STEM program from scratch?

Expected Answer: Answer should include budget planning, curriculum development, teacher training, equipment procurement, and community partnership strategies. Should also mention ways to measure program success and student engagement.

Q: How do you stay current with STEM education trends and integrate them into your program?

Expected Answer: Should discuss professional development, attending conferences, following educational research, and methods for implementing new teaching strategies while maintaining program consistency.

Experienced Teacher Level Questions

Q: How do you make STEM subjects engaging for all students, including those who might be struggling?

Expected Answer: Should discuss differentiated instruction methods, hands-on activities, real-world applications, and ways to build student confidence in STEM subjects.

Q: Describe a successful STEM project you've implemented in your classroom.

Expected Answer: Should provide specific example of a project that integrated multiple STEM disciplines, explaining planning, execution, and student learning outcomes.

Entry Level Teacher Questions

Q: What strategies would you use to incorporate technology into STEM lessons?

Expected Answer: Should mention basic educational technology tools, simple coding activities, and ways to use computers and tablets for student learning and engagement.

Q: How would you assess student understanding in STEM activities?

Expected Answer: Should discuss various assessment methods like project rubrics, observation checklists, student presentations, and ways to measure both content knowledge and practical skills.