Director of S.T.E.M., Innovation, and Research

Allendale Columbia, a diverse, co-educational, college prep independent school serving over 420 students in grades nursery through twelve, seeks an experienced and dynamic educator and leader to join a team of professionals responsible for creating an innovative, authentic, and student-centered program. This appointment begins in August of 2017. The world of instruction is evolving quickly. Whether S.T.E.M., S.T.E.A.M., or S.T.R.E.A.M. (the intersection between science, technology, research, engineering, arts, and math), teaching students how to create and innovate is paramount.

This is a leadership position that requires faculty and curriculum oversight, and will also include teaching (2-3 courses) depending on the skill set of the applicant. Allendale Columbia’s program is strong already, and this is an opportunity to build a program within a school that is growing in a region rich in entrepreneurialism, innovation, and research.

With the acceleration of technological tools and the need for real-life problem solving, this position requires a leader who is collaborative, team-focused, and dedicated to creating opportunities for students to excel in this field of study.

Each candidate should:

• Have the ability to be flexible and fluid with evolving curriculum, and be able to create curricula.
• Be an advocate for interdisciplinary, S.T.E.M., innovative, and student-driven learning.
• Establish and foster connections within the local and global community that will provide students with authentic research opportunities.
• Have a growth mindset.
• Be a lifelong learner.
• Be inspired to seek and create individual, community, and global partnerships.
• Have technological experience and expertise in several areas.
• Be able to collaborate with other faculty and oversee curriculum.

Beyond teacher leadership and curriculum design and oversight, other responsibilities include duties that engage the student body, including participating in a family-style lunch, being an advisor, and sponsoring student activities like clubs or other student-run events.

In addition to a strong S.T.E.M. background, the ideal candidate will have a minimum of 5 years teaching and advising experience in an independent school, an insatiable desire to learn and collaborate, a willingness to design new courses and curricula, and the drive to continue to evolve at the speed of the world around us.

Desired qualifications are a bachelor’s degree (master’s preferable) in computer science, engineering, mathematics, or science as well as the capacity to teach the entire range of course offerings. Programming, advanced chemistry, app design, robotics, CAD, 3-D printing, and design thinking skills are helpful. Allendale Columbia is changing the way that education is delivered and the desired candidate must enjoy an entrepreneurial environment in which they are part leader and part learner.

Last, and most important, this position requires a teacher who will change and evolve to meet the needs of students and constantly strive to evolve their practice and embrace the spirit of being a learner not a knower.

Interested candidates should email a resume and letter of interest to Amy Schoepfel, Assistant to the Heads of Middle and Upper School, at aschoepfel@allendalecolumbia.org. Write your full name and “Director of S.T.E.M., Innovation, and Research” in the subject line. Please do not send a fax or a paper copy.