Innovation Lab Teacher

Woodland School seeks an inspiring and nurturing Kindergarten through 8th Grade Innovation Lab Teacher . The program incorporates a hands-on, problem-solving approach that unlocks students’ creativity and fosters critical thinking. Students gain core competency in design thinking and have increased opportunity to expand their technology aptitude through exposure to maker skills, robotics, programming, and 3-D CAD modeling. Through the Innovation Lab program, Woodland students learn “how to think” and become more resourceful, experimental, collaborative, and empathetic. Skills and competencies become more intricate and sophisticated as students advance through the elementary and middle school grades.

Minimum Skills & Responsibilities

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or related field is required
• Develop and lead an engaging Innovation Lab curriculum for students in grades K-8 that includes: computer science, digital literacy, design thinking, and engineering
• Experience teaching students about the parts and function of a computer, including software, hardware, and introductory keyboarding skills (LS)
• Experience in programming languages such as Scratch Jr./Scratch, Python, C++, Javascript, XCode, HTML, and block coding (LS and MS)
• Lead conversations and guidance with students on safe and smart digital citizenship
• Teach through the Engineering Design Process to design for specific users and their needs
• Differentiate instruction for a range of abilities and interest levels in order to provide a student-centered, hands-on approach to learning
• Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities
• Partner with teachers to introduce technology integration in classroom curriculum
• Research and seek professional development around current best practices in Computer Science education
• Attend staff meetings and serve on staff committees if needed
• Assess and document the accomplishments of students on a regular basis and provide progress reports as required
• Collaborate with the Director of Information Systems and the Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Innovation on learning software recommendations, best practices in classrooms, and researching new technologies to incorporate into the curriculum
• Demonstrate professional behavior, including discretion, good judgment, and integrity are essential
• Model excellent verbal and written communication skills
   

OVERVIEW OF WOODLAND SCHOOL
Located just west of 280 at Alpine Road, Woodland is an independent day school that offers a joyful approach to learning in a diverse, respectful, and inclusive environment for approximately 300 students in early childhood through eighth-grade. We have two sections of each grade level K- 8 with class sizes that average from 14-20 per class.

Woodland School specializes in education that inspires students by nurturing each individual’s voice, intellect, and character. With rich content and an emphasis on inquiry-based and student-driven projects, students are empowered and encouraged to be active and engaged learners. Our students’ innate sense of wonder is the foundation of learning at Woodland School. Teachers craft meaningful, multisensory learning experiences which enable creativity, ingenuity, and deep interdisciplinary connections. Students explore and develop complex understandings that engender a sense of self and purpose in the world.

Woodland School’s faculty create a school environment that is as supportive and nurturing as it is challenging, and they embody the core values of the school—stewardship, integrity, curiosity, resilience, equity, and respect. Our teachers apply best practices through collaboration, integrated curriculum, brain-based teaching and learning methods, and continued professional development. Our teachers are themselves learners, constantly searching for ways to improve their practice. A robust professional development program supports our faculty by connecting them to the best practices in pedagogy, curriculum development, educational technology, and student assessment.

Woodland School is dedicated to the goal of building a culturally diverse and pluralistic faculty

committed to teaching and working in a multicultural environment and strongly encourages applications from candidates who reflect such diversity.

NOTE
This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbent will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” relationship.

Woodland School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin in the administration of its educational or admission policies, financial aid distribution, or other school programs. Woodland School is dedicated to the goal of building a culturally diverse and pluralistic faculty committed to teaching and working in a multicultural environment and strongly encourages applications from candidates who reflect such diversity.