Head of Applied Tech/STEM

Position Title:       Head of Applied Tech/STEM

Division:               All Divisions

Supervisor:           Director of Learning Innovation and HS Principal

Position Summary:

PREFERENCE FOR CANDIDATES CURRENTLY IN CHINA

We are looking for candidates both within and outside of China for the 22-23 school year, but please understand that this may change due to the uncertainty of COVID 19 and travel restrictions. At this time priority will be given to:

1. Candidates currently residing in China with a work permit.
2. Candidates outside of China without dependents.
3. Candidates outside of China who understand that their dependents may have to arrive in China after them and as we are able to obtain visas from the government.

The Head of Applied Tech (STEM/Maker/Computer Science/Design) works with the Learning Innovation Team, Division Principals, and Curriculum & Instruction Hub to develop and facilitate a P-12 signature, world-class STEM program at Concordia, including development of Concordia’s approach to STEM, P-12 STEM curriculum, and strategic plans for STEM.

This role contributes and assists with guiding projects through the incubation process in the school’s innovation lab (Concordia Academy and Lab) to build an innovative learning environment across the school.

Qualifications

         Education

▪       Master’s Degree in STEM/STEAM/STEMM-related field, Doctorate preferred

         Experience 

▪       Minimum of 5 years successful experience teaching Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (required)

▪       Experience direction a STEM program, preferably for grades K-12

▪       Working in an international school setting or American-style education system

▪       Demonstrated leadership, flexibility and creativity in decision-making an program development

▪       Significant successful achievements in purposeful and innovative applied learning

▪       Knowledge of curriculum standards and applications in the subject areas for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics

▪       Expertise in implementation of applied and authentic learning processes, including design thinking

▪       Experience in educational innovation lab program design or development (preferred)

         Skills

▪       Understands the components of a progressive, innovative P12 STEM program

▪       Demonstrates a passion for contemporary and emergent STEM education

▪       Committed to teamwork and collaboration both within and across divisions

▪       A highly skilled teacher, grounded in knowledge of current best practices related applied and authentic learning

▪       Exhibits leadership skills that enable school reform efforts

▪       Able to articulate a vision and manageable action steps to enable systematic change

▪       Effective communicator within a diverse community, both orally and in writing

▪       Emotionally intelligent, able to balance ambition with humility and effectively building relationships

▪       Respect for teachers as fellow professionals and lifelong learners

▪       Demonstrates a positive, optimistic, can-do attitude

▪       Able to quickly gain proficiency in required technology - Apple iOS, Apple Mac OS, Canvas, PowerSchool, Microsoft Office, etc)

▪       Proficient in using social media to enhance learning and building an online community

▪       Engaging and effective presenter

Professional Practice/Concordia Fit 

• Planning and Preparation
  • Demonstrate knowledge of current trends in specialty area and professional development
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the school’s program, and levels of teacher skill in delivering that program
  • Establish goals for the instructional support program appropriate to the setting and the teachers served
  • Demonstrate knowledge of resources, both within and beyond the school and district
  • Plan the instructional support program, integrated with the overall school program
  • Develop a plan to evaluate the instructional support program
• The Environment
  • Create an environment of trust and respect
  • Establish a culture for ongoing instructional improvement
  • Establish clear procedures for teachers to gain access to instructional support
  • Establish and maintain norms of behavior for professional interactions
  • Organize physical space for workshops or training
• Delivery of Service
  • Collaborate with teachers in the design of instructional units and lessons
  • Engage teachers in learning new instructional skills
  • Share expertise with staff e.g., through teaching model lessons, presenting workshops, facilitating study groups
  • Locate resources for teachers to support instructional improvement
  • Demonstrate flexibility and responsiveness
• Professional Responsibilities
  • Reflect on practice
  • Prepare and submit budgets and reports
  • Coordinate work with other instructional specialists
  • Participate in a professional community
  • Engage in professional development
  • Show professionalism, including integrity and confidentiality
• Qualities of an Effective Instructional Specialist
  • Model Christ’s teachings through interpersonal skills, respectful relationships and problem solving.
  • Establish collaborative relationships with all staff, students, and parents.
  • Integrate the school curriculum with the school’s student learning expectations (ESLRs.)
  • Support curricula established by the school.
  • Ensure that personal professional goals are established and completed each year.

General Expectations

• As a school grounded in the Christian faith, Concordia hires Christian teachers and administrators. Concordia seeks to hire candidates who are able to model their faith, are interested in the complex questions of faith and spirituality, and who are keen to learn and interact with others of different faith traditions.
• On regular school days, on duty between 7:45 am and 3:45 pm, not inclusive of activities and meetings
• Other duties as assigned

Job Specific Expectations

• Develop and execute a plan for a coherent P-12 STEM program for all students at Concordia
• Collaboratively develop and articulate a approach to STEM/Applied Technology education at Concordia
• Lead and coordinate the implementation of a shared vision for STEM learning at Concordia
• Develop strategic partnerships with outside organizations to help drive the development and ongoing improvement of the Concordia STEM program and curriculum
• Collaboratively plan with, advise, assist, and support teachers and administrators in developing Applied Technology curriculum, courses, and programs
• Research and advocate for new, emergent Applied Technologies to support STEM learning at Concordia
• Collaborate with the Innovative Learning Team, Curriculum & Instruction Hub, and division principals to develop professional learning opportunities
• Provide direction to the STEM/Applied Technology learning offered during Summer and Winter Camps
• Assist in the development of the Concordia Innovation Lab (Concordia Academy & Lab) to prototype new pedagogy and programs for learning at Concordia