Lower School Academic Technologist – Design & Engineering Coordinator & Student Support

Reports to: Director of Academic Technology

Position Summary:  The Lower School Academic Technologist (Design & Engineering Coordinator & Student Support) is responsible for teaching inGen classes in engineering & design to students in grades K-5 and supporting teachers with the integration of STEAM in classroom projects. This involves designing an innovative, stand-alone curriculum following a STEAM-based design process as well as liaising with faculty to develop and further implement a shared, transdisciplinary vision. The Lower School Design & Engineering Coordinator will work closely with the other Lower School Academic Technologist, K12 Design & Engineering Coordinator, Computer Science Teachers in other divisions, and the Lower School Fine Arts Instructors to implement the shared vision/mission of the school.

The Lovett School Vision for Learning:  Lovett offers experiences that inspire our students to love learning. We encourage them to think critically, communicate effectively, engage creatively, and collaborate purposefully. We provide the opportunities and resources that help our students develop independence and self-direction and extend their learning beyond the walls of the classroom as they grow intellectually, emotionally, physically, aesthetically, morally, and spiritually.

Primary Responsibilities:

• In partnership with the other Lower School Academic Technologist, design and teach a K-5 innovative curriculum, incorporating problem-based learning, design thinking, and authentic experiences that allow students to demonstrate complexity of thinking and learning.
• Model and teach meaningful integration of web applications and other tools within the curriculum.
• Support the effective, meaningful, and purposeful methodologies of STEAM into the classroom and school programs through collaboration with individual teachers, grade levels, departments, team leaders, divisions, academic technologists, and director of IT.
• Collaborate with classroom teachers in the development of lesson plans and learning activities for interdisciplinary or transdisciplinary projects.
• Provide expertise and support for robotics in the Lower School both in the curriculum and through co-curricular experiences.
• Sponsor student clubs and activities related to technology (i.e. Hour of Code, Code Cafe, etc.)
• Collaborate with fine arts and science departments in division’s understanding and execution of STEAM initiatives.
• Engage in continuous professional development to deepen content and pedagogical knowledge and skills in STEAM.
• Conduct ongoing research into best practices and emerging technologies and regularly share ideas with the community.
• Attend admission open house and participate in Saturday admission observations throughout the spring semester.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the building principal or other administrator.

Position Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree (Master’s degree preferred) with significant coursework and/or classroom experience in STEM disciplines, including the principles of computational thinking.
• The drive, organization, and flexibility to work in a fast-paced environment, contributing to the school community beyond the classroom.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills to facilitate effective communication with students, parents, colleagues, and supervisors.
• Employment of a variety of techniques, including the meaningful use of technology, to engage students and further their critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity.
• A strong desire to work in a collaborative learning community, employing a growth mindset and participating in ongoing professional development during the school year and summer.
• Desire and ability to develop an atmosphere of trust and knowledge of students as individuals.
• Demonstrated flexibility and responsiveness to a variety of learning styles and across a range of abilities.
• Ethical behavior, professionalism, and respect for diversity.
• Regular and reliable attendance.

Physical Demands:  

NOTE: The Lovett School employment process includes a post-offer drug (hair) test and background check. See the employment application for more information.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands from wrist to finger, and talk or hear. The employee is regularly required to stand; walk; and reach with hands. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.