Computer Science Teacher

Reports to: Director of Upper School

FLSA Status: Exempt

When Needed: 2021-2022 Academic Year

FTE: Full-Time, Regular, Academic Year

University Prep is seeking a talented, engaging and innovative Computer Science Teacher to help us advance our vision of being an inclusive community of learners that provides an outstanding education for each individual in a diverse student population. We are looking for someone who can work effectively independently as well as part of a team. We need a leader who understands best practices in teaching Computer Science and who is passionate about teaching to middle and upper school students and enhancing student life. We are looking for staff and faculty who share our belief that a culturally rich and inclusive school community provides students with the best possible environment for a quality education. If that sounds like you, we’d like to hear from you. Salary is competitive with public and independent schools. University Prep offers an excellent benefits package, opportunities for professional development, and an extraordinary work environment.

Who We Are:

University Prep is an independent 6-12 school located in an urban residential section of Seattle, WA, one of the country’s most diverse and dynamic cities. We are a strong and vibrant community of students, families, faculty, staff, and alumni who collaboratively create an exceptional educational experience for every student. The School is a place of great teaching and joyful learning; a community that joins together to raise up our children to be caring and productive adults; a place where all students and families have equitable access to all the school has to offer, and a place where we aspire for every family and student to feel equally enfranchised and at home. To us, diversity and inclusion are not addenda, they are embodied in all facets of our school culture. University Prep believes that our shared values of integrity, respect, and responsibility are essential to accomplish our mission of developing each student’s potential to become an intellectually courageous, socially responsible citizen of the world.

Job Summary:

Under minimal supervision, delivers a program of study in grades 6-12, including teaching multiple levels of computer science classes, interdisciplinary classes in data science, engineering, and robotics, supporting instruction for computational thinking across the curriculum, and advising student clubs such as Makerspace and Girls Who Code.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Teaches three to four Middle and Upper School elective courses in computer science per term with the goals of high engagement, broad accessibility, and opportunities for advanced study
• Teaches interdisciplinary courses in data science, engineering, and robotics, sometimes with a teaching partner
• Helps manage the Makerspace, including its physical infrastructure and student activities
• Helps advise robotics teams in Middle School and/or Upper School
• Makes computer science visible within the school community, particularly to encourage the involvement of students who are underrepresented in the field.
• Collaborates with teachers in other disciplines (currently math and science) to integrate computer science and computational thinking activities into required courses
• Supports student-led clubs, which vary from year to year based on student initiative and may include small robotics, engineering, 3D printing, IOT, programming, and app design
• Serves as an advisor to 10-12 students
• Serves as a grade-level advisor for a grade-level team
• Develops future strategic directions for the computer science program, in collaboration with the leadership and program directors
• Actively networks with local and national organizations
• Actively participates in the life of the school outside the classroom 
• Vigorously engages in their own professional development
• Establishes community relations by maintaining open dialogue with all of the school’s constituencies 
• Is familiar with and complies with all policies and regulations as put forth in the school’s documents
• Since safety and security are everyone’s responsibility, takes all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, faculty, staff, equipment, materials and facilities 
• Performs other duties as assigned

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or a related field from a four-year college or university required
• Master’s degree in Computer Science, Education or a related field preferred
• Recent successful teaching experience in a Middle or Upper School environment preferred
• An understanding of contemporary perspectives on teaching computer science at the secondary level is preferred
• Experience teaching within an intensive format (experiential week, J-term, summer program) preferred

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Competence in the content area and pedagogy specific to the developmental needs of Middle and High School-aged students
• An understanding of and commitment to the school’s mission
• A talent for teaching as an art
• A commitment to student-centered education and inclusive classroom practices
• Demonstrates a growth mindset and openness to feedback
• Flexibility and adaptability to meet the needs of the students and program
• Ability to create an active learning environment that supports understanding, passion, and creativity
• Demonstrates knowledge and skill to work with students from diverse background
• Demonstrates knowledge and skill in preparing lesson to appeal to a variety of learning styles, needs, and accommodations
• Demonstrates skill to use appropriate formative and summative assessments and strategies in the classroom
• Commitment to teaching the whole child
• A working understand of UDL, UbD, and Grading for Equity concepts
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with all constituents in the school community
• Ability to maintain confidential information
• Ability and flexibility to use Microsoft Office Suite, Google Suites, learning management systems, online meeting and conferencing applications, and operating Audio/Visual equipment
• Interest in coaching sports and/or working in our outdoor program is preferable

If this sounds like you, please click here, then click on Apply Now, complete our online employment application and upload your résumé and a cover letter indicating why you are interested in this position.

Thank you for your interest in this position and in University Prep.

This position open until filled. No phone calls or drop-ins please.

www.universityprep.org

This description is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this position.

It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements.