Middle School STEM & Technology Instructor

JOB SUMMARY

The Middle School STEM & Technology Instructor is a full-time 9.5-month position and reports directly to the Director of STEM Integration. Parish STEM is a comprehensive and embedded hands-on program, which exposes all students to hands-on design projects and activities integrating science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in relevant, applied, creative and collaborative learning. Major responsibility of the position is to provide and facilitate creative and innovative learning opportunities for 5^th-8^th grade students in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and math including robotics, digital media, 3D printing, and computer science. This position requires the ability to troubleshoot and problem solve technology and machinery throughout the technology classroom and Design Den, Parish’s makerspace, which includes the Wheeler Family Woodshop, Stewart Family Robotics Lab, and Walton-Alford Welding Shed.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

• Create a positive and structured learning environment with a high “excitement factor” so that students are motivated, inspired, and invested in STEM learning.
• Select and prepare hands-on Middle School enrichment STEM and technology curriculum in conjunction with co-teachers, divisional and department leadership.
• Plan and execute developmentally appropriate units and lessons that cover a range of topics from fundamental technology skills needed in all subjects to more advanced topics in engineering and computer science.
• Create student-centered learning environments that encourage inquiry, productive failure, and risk taking.
• Model and demonstrate a growth mindset and commitment to life-long learning in the Design Den, as evidenced by a professional portfolio of projects, academic professional development and technical skill development (tools, machinery, software programs).
• Research, develop and prototype innovative maker and technology activities and projects with clear learning objectives tied to department competencies.
• Facilitate large and small group instruction in the Design Den and woodshop.
• Keep up-to-date on ever-changing STEM technology (hardware and software) so that the curriculum remains fresh and cutting edge (examples include but are not limited to 3D design and printing, coding, laser tools, Autodesk Fusion, Inkscape, Adobe Creative Suite).
• Guide students through the engineering design process with hands-on projects.
• Proactively work with a team to troubleshoot and problem solve a variety of technology and makerspace tools.
• Participate in institutional ed-tech and integration initiatives to facilitate cross-curricular innovative modern learning and support faculty and students beyond the STEM classroom.
• Assist with the regular maintenance of tools, equipment, and machinery in the Design Den and general daily Design Den upkeep.
• Act as the advisor for one section of students.  Advisors serve as the point person for communication with the parents of the advisory students.
• Conduct parent teacher conferences at scheduled intervals and on an as needed basis.
• Manage and monitor student learning.
• Assist with extracurricular activities as assigned.
• Coordinate with other instructors and administration to develop the total child.
• Adhere to Parish Episcopal “Characteristics of Effective Teaching.”
• Promote the School’s statement of mission and philosophy.
• Maintain professional credentials as required by Independent Schools Association of the Southwest (ISAS) or other accrediting agencies.
• The use of technology in instruction is an expectation as well as being able to provide a basic level of support to students in a BYOD environment. Additionally, candidates should be proficient in utilizing technology for administrative functions including, but not limited to, grading, attendance, resource sharing, and communications.

MARGINAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Marginal duties of this position include the following. Employees in this position perform some or all of the following tasks. Other duties may be assigned.

• Attends Staff Development Meetings 
• Attends Chapel
• Attends Division Meetings
• Attends Department & Team Meeting
• Attends school events such as Middle School Night, Admission Open House, Field Trips/Class Trips
• 7th and 8th grade advisors chaperone a 5 day trip to Catalina and/or Washington, D.C.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree; relevant Master’s Degree preferred
• A background and interest in STEM and technology education is preferred. 
• 3-5 years of teaching at the Middle School level, experience with the Engineering Design Process,  as well as a willingness to learn the use and repair of power tools and machines. Individuals with professional engineering experience are also encouraged to apply.

Job Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Candidate must have knowledge and experience in using a hands-on and inquiry-based approach to teaching and learning with Middle School-aged students.  Candidate must be comfortable with the use of technology and 21st century tools as instructional elements. 

The candidate must possess a creative, energetic, and innovative spirit.  He/she must be self-motivated and be willing to participate in ongoing professional development and independent learning to meet the necessary demands of the position. Candidate must have excellent communication and organizational skills.  He/she must be able to collaborate with teachers to prepare and plan for appropriate instruction in the Design Den.  The candidate must demonstrate enthusiasm, commitment, and dedication to the continued development of the STEM initiative at Parish.   Involvement in student life is an expectation of all teachers including, but not limited to, lunchroom and carpool duties and field trip/class trip participation.

The School believes that each individual is entitled to equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, or local anti-discrimination laws. The School’s equal employment opportunity practices extend to recruitment, hiring, selection, compensation, benefits, transfer, promotion, training, discipline, and all other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment. All Employees are responsible for complying with the School’s equal employment opportunity policy.