Elementary School STEAM Specialist

Washington International School, an independent, international school located on two campuses in NW DC, has an immediate opening for a position at our Primary School, which serves Early Childhood through grade 5.

Reporting to the Director of Information Services, the  PS STEAM Specialist is responsible for supporting the successful operation of the Design Studio and Technology Integration across the Early Childhood- Grade 5 curriculum.  A member of the Information Services team, Teaching and Learning Committee (TLC), and Primary School Admin Team (PAT) the PS STEAM Specialist collaborates on school-wide curricular initiatives that activate technology integration, design thinking, purpose-driven innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, maker empowerment, creative connection, and ethical engagement.

Major Functions and Responsibilities

The PS STEAM Specialist will:

1. Collaborate with teaching faculty to integrate STEAM educational experiences for students in Early Childhood - Grade 5.

2. Collaborate with team members and Director of Teaching and Learning to create and maintain a written curriculum of STEAM educational experiences.

3. Identify resources, plan, design, and lead teacher professional development activities to support professional growth in design thinking, Maker-Centered Learning, and STEAM integration.

4. Develop and share design thinking and Maker-Centered Learning tools and strategies that strengthen STEAM integration.

5. Develop and manage a Design Studio space and program that supports design thinking, creative connections, and making.  Oversee the schedule and supervision of the space, create and monitor budget, maintain supplies and equipment, and provide tool training and lesson co-teaching. Develop and implement norms and protocols for Design Studio space and activities.  

6. In collaboration with the Design Technology teacher, develop and support Frameworks for ethical engagement with Information and Technology, including the Framework for Agency in Digital Community.

7. Attend conferences and professional meetings in order to remain current with relevant trends.

8. Develop an Annual Report describing Design Studio activities and impact.

9. Manage and administer whole school student portfolios using SeeSaw.

10. Collaborate with Middle/Upper School Learning & Technology Coordinator and  Director of Information Services to develop, implement, and sustain a preK-12 continuum of standards and instructional integration

11. Collaborate with grade level team leaders subject area leaders, Director of Teaching and Learning and PYP Coordinator and administration to plan instructional technology integration across the academic year

12. Promote ethical use of information and technology through respect for intellectual property and adhering to appropriate laws

13. Advise Director of Information Services on acquisition of software, hardware, and other digital resources for implementation in curriculum as well as professional development needs for faculty.

14. Provide embedded professional support for teachers, with the goal to move them across a continuum of competence and towards independence of technology use

15. Collaborate with Service Desk Technicians in conducting Level I troubleshooting, where appropriate

16. Act as a curricular leader and participates in instructional planning, including attending subject, grade level and division meetings as requested

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in a related content area required, Master's degree in Education Technology or STEAM related field preferred.

• Minimum of 3 years experience in a school preferred with strong classroom management skills and exposure and understanding of Design Thinking.

• Knowledge of and experience with current best-practice in inquiry and STEAM  education.

• Experience coaching teachers and/or leading professional development workshop.

• Varied professional experience, both in classroom settings and outside of schools;

• Ability to inspire learners and encourage creative thinking.

• Advanced G Suite expertise

• Aptitude for basic coding

Interested candidates should forward a cover letter with salary expectations, resume and list of three professional references to: HRInfoServices@wis.edu.