Summary: The The Middle School Math and Makerspace position is a unique teaching opportunity that offers the chance to teach mathematics and work with students on both high-tech and low-tech projects in our school makerspace. This will include teaching two Pre-Algebra Courses, two project-based electives in our makerspace, and a Geometry course that will apply the course content by turning a retired school bus into a Tiny House.
Our mission create a positive experience for every student during a phase of life that can be challenging. We do this by building rapport with every student both in and outside of class. This includes eating lunch with them, working with them after school, attending plays and athletic events and participating in our outdoor education program which includes rafting, camping, rock climbing, and skiing/snowboarding/snowshoeing on Ski Friday.
How to Apply: If you’re interested, please send us your cover letter, resume, and a brief video (2-5 minutes) that answers the following questions to jobs@vms.edu. Don’t worry about editing - use your cell phone! We just want to see you talk about some things that matter to us:
What makes your unique as a teacher?
What is it like to spend a day in your classroom?
Why are you interested in Vail Mountain School?
Talk about something meaningful that you’ve built.
Primary Responsibilities:
The essential duties and responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to, the following:
Instill a love of learning in students by teaching two sections of Pre-Algebra, two sections of a Makerspace elective and one section of project-based Geometry.
At Vail Mountain School, teaching includes planning a mastery-based curriculum, delivering differentiated instruction, preparing formative and summative assessments, providing timely and effective feedback and supporting students with diagnosed learning differences.
Build rapport with students, holding them accountable to their goals while also walking beside them when times are challenging.
Utilize makerspace tools and software - Laser Cutter, 3D printers, Carvey Machine, Adobe, Corel Draw, TinkerCad, etc. We will train the right candidate if necessary.
Act as a role model for life-long learning.
Collaborate with the technology team and middle school director to improve the scope and sequence of the Makerspace Electives and the Project-Based Geometry class.
Participate fully in the life of the school. This may include chaperoning dances or school trips, attending school events, athletic events or plays, and meetings which may occur outside of the school day
Plan an annual “Intraterm Class”. We ask teachers to build a 3-day project that allows students to dive into a particular topics. Sample classes have been: Backcountry Safety, The Chemistry of Scents and Flavors, The World Peace Game, and building an Italian Restaurant.
Support the mission and values of Vail Mountain School
Competency:
Adaptability – Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events
Attendance/Punctuality – Is consistently at work and on time
Computer Skills – Maintains current training in all relevant computer programming and STEM areas
Confidentiality – Maintains confidential information
Customer Service – Responds for service and provides assistance in a timely manner
Design – Generates creative solutions; demonstrates attention to detail
Ethics – Treats people with respect; works with integrity and ethically; upholds organizational values
Initiative – Asks for and offers help when needed
Innovation – Develops innovative approaches and ideas
Judgment – Exhibits sound and accurate judgment
Motivation – Demonstrates persistence and overcomes obstacles
Oral Communication – Excellent verbal communication skills; responds well to questions
Organizational Support – Follows policies and procedures
Problem Solving – Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; develops alternative solutions
Professionalism – Reacts well under pressure; treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position
Safety and Security – Observes safety and security procedures; reports potentially unsafe conditions
Teamwork - Ability to work independently and in teams
Written Communication – Writes clearly and informatively
Education & Experience:
Degree from four-year college or university required; masters degree preferred
Past experience working with adolescent children, preferably in a school setting.
Physical Demands:
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 at a desk for extended times; stand; walk, use hands to handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
Working Hours:
The work schedule requires Employee to be at the school 5 days per week for the time necessary to accomplish responsibilities assigned and for the duration of any VMS meeting(s). Typical hours are 7:45 am to 4:00 pm.
