STEAM/Design Thinking Coordinator

West Island College (WIC), is a leading co-educational and bilingual day school with exceptional teachers, staff, and a close-knit community of enthusiastic learners. We are seeking a dynamic, innovative, and progressive STEAM/Design Thinking Coordinator with an ability to inspire and empower our students to be passionate and creative problem solvers, ready to contribute to a better world.

At WIC, we embrace big thinking, global perspectives and risk taking. Our innovative and creative programs are rigorous and designed to give our students unparalleled real-world learning opportunities, while preparing them to be future leaders and change makers.

WIC’s academic offerings includes an Advancement Placement Programs, an International Studies Program, French Immersion Program, Outdoor Education, and Business, Engineering, Health Sciences, Liberal & Fine Arts Institutes. Outstanding athletics, small class sizes, and an extensive co-curricular program for 560 students in Grades 7 to 12.

Position Summary:

The STEAM/Design Thinking Coordinator works closely with the academic directors to support excellence, innovation and interdisciplinary teaching and learning throughout the College. This individual possesses a strong commitment to working collaboratively with faculty by identifying opportunities and taking initiative to approach teachers with ideas for STEAM and Design Thinking integration. This individual embraces the development of the whole student and possesses a deep understanding of how to develop students’ creativity and curiosity. Through the collaborative work between the STEAM/Design Thinking Coordinator and teacher, students will learn to have agency, explore new ideas, tinker, and take risks as they discover solutions to real-world problems while learning deeply.

Responsibilities:

• Identify learning opportunities for project-based learning incorporating STEAM and Design Thinking from grades 7 to 12

• Create projects/unit plans with teachers that incorporate STEAM and Design Thinking from grades 7 to 12

• Apply knowledge of the Alberta Education curriculum and latest trends in educational research to the design of STEAM and Design Thinking learning from grades 7 to 12

• Provide direct support to teachers as they implement and integrate STEAM and Design

• Thinking into the curriculum. Examples include coding, robotics, and maker education

• Meet regularly to co-plan and support teachers in curriculum delivery

• Foster in students an entrepreneurial and innovative mindset and develop 21st century global competencies

• Provide teachers and students with exposure and training in the use of makerspace fabrication materials, tools and technology such as 3D printing, laser cutter, micro-electronics, hand tools, power tools and more

• Plan and facilitate workshops for teachers, parents, and students as required

Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Education, ideally with qualifications for Intermediate/Senior (Grades 7 to 12)

• Alberta Teachers certification or equivalent

• Master’s in Education, Curriculum Development, an asset

• Five years of leadership experience in curriculum design and implementation

• Ten years of teaching experience, an asset

Qualities/Competencies:

• Demonstrated ability to integrate technology purposefully to transform learning

• Familiarity with maker education, design thinking, computational thinking, digital citizenship

• Experience with using Understanding by Design as a framework to teach for deeper understanding

• A deep understanding and appreciation of the importance of community and diversity, and a commitment to respecting and embracing the unique traditions, philosophy, and values of West Island College

• Demonstrated enthusiasm for innovation and creativity in education

• A philosophy of education that is aligned with the mission and strategic priorities of West Island College

• An excellent listener, with strong communication skills; including the ability to work with and manage a broad range of constituents

• Strong organizational and time management skills

• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively

Additionally, preferred candidates will:

• Have experience teaching science or math

• Be uncommon in their enthusiasm for their areas of expertise

• Be inspirational and tech savvy with a track record of transformative teaching

• Demonstrate a passion for lifelong learning

• Be experienced in working collaboratively within and across courses and departments

The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to the co-curricular life of the College. Candidates with experience and qualifications in coaching [and other co-curricular activities] will be given special consideration.

West Island College offers an inspirational working environment, supported development and growth opportunities and a competitive and comprehensive compensation package including membership in the Alberta Teachers’ Retirement Fund. Cover letters and resumes should be sent electronically to Carla Huhn, Manager of Human Resources at, careers@mywic.ca

As a condition of employment, the successful candidate must provide an Alberta Teaching Certificate (or equivalent), current Police Information Check and a Vulnerable Sector Check. We thank all candidates and advise that only those selected for an interview will be contacted.