STEM Educator and Maker Lab Coordinator
The progressive philosophy of Presidio Knolls School embraces kids as co-collaborators in their education-helping children to shape their own learning journey toward topics of greatest interest.
The PKS curriculum is project-based and interdisciplinary; Units of Exploration integrate math, science, social studies, art, drama, and movement around overarching topics of inquiry in English and Chinese, contextualizing all learning through a real-world lens. Critical to this approach is hands-on, experiential instruction. As such, learning often takes place outside of the classroom.
Job Description:
STEM Educator and Maker Lab Coordinator will partner with the Head of Elementary and classroom teachers to provide authentic, project-based and experiential learning opportunities for our K-5 students. PKS is at the beginning stages of building a world-class STEM program and we are seeking our just-right leader with the passion, vision, energy, skill, and experience to help take us to that next level of awesome. The ideal candidate will understand how to provide rigor and extended learning experiences within the context of a progressive learning environment. The strongest candidates will have experience working with faculty members and students in a diverse learning context that features an interdisciplinary and project-based curriculum.
A STEM enthusiast who understands gifted learners and who would help further our elementary children's interest in and love of making, building, and programming would be a welcomed addition to our staff. Our diverse school values children’s’ questions, and we are seeking STEM specialist experience, talent, and energy to help inspire and equip students with not only skills and proficiencies, but also a deep sense of the designed world and their role in it and the use of technology to support creative and engaged learning.
The position reports to the Head of Elementary School and is an exempt position.
Specific Responsibilities:
* Develop and teach STEM classes in a variety of grades across elementary.
* Partner with teachers to further develop the STEM areas of their Units of Exploration.
* Provide coaching and modeling for teachers in organizing STEM instruction, student assessment, lesson design and related instructional delivery, including effective teaching and learning strategies.
* Engage students in making and design related to classroom study and independent inquiry.
* Work with students on individual or small group projects.
* Provide expertise to teachers about projects they would like to offer and co-teach as needed.
* Actively co-create a faculty culture that is committed to being at the leading edge of K-8 education.
* Use documentation to make learning visible to the children, parents, and larger community, and as a basis of your own reflection and professional growth.
* Further develop, build, and define lab space.
* Work to keep lab organized and well-stocked.
* Develop safety and maintenance systems and guidelines for teachers and students.
* Develop a lending and tracking system for lab materials.
* Create and maintain a culture of respect for lab and tools.
* Partnering with the Head of Elementary, oversee the professional learning of the faculty related to educational technology and innovation, lead workshops, gather resources and provide easy access to them, and connect colleagues with current trends.
* Be the PKS voice of educational technology and innovation, communicating with teachers, students, parents, professional colleagues, and community supporters about our work and development in this area.
Skills and Qualities:
* A commitment to professional development and a growth mindset about learning for adults. We believe that everyone can improve and should continually work toward excellence.
* High energy, hardworking, organized, and reliable with a steadfast focus on safety.
* Has passion and interests in design, engineering, and making across multiple fabrication domains.
* Has a sense of humor and connects with students who may have difficulties connecting in other academic areas.
* Would enjoy helping to build and inspire a growing community of thinkers, designers, and makers.
* Willingness to model professional and ethical standards when working with students, teachers, and families. We are a warm and friendly community that works with respect for each other.
* The desire and ability to contribute to student and community life inside and outside the classroom. PKS is a community and our close relationships build a solid foundation for our kids.
* A commitment to social justice and multicultural education. As a progressive school, we are growing engaged global citizens equipped with empathy, compassion and practices that position them to thrive in a diverse society.
* Strong communication skills and an ability to effectively discuss the STEM/Maker program with the larger PKS community.
Qualifications:
* Teaching Credential/Master’s degree preferred
* BA and prior teaching experience required
* Demonstrated ability to teach integrated STEM content across K-5 grade levels
* Background in curriculum design, including a project-based approach
* Familiarity with integrated learning and planning
* Experience in an independent school setting helpful
* Mandarin language proficiency would be a big bonus but not necessary
* None of these requirements should discourage you from applying if you think you’re the right person
Please Send Application Materials to: employment@presidioknolls.org
* Cover letter
* Resume
* Statement of philosophy and beliefs
Compensation:
Salary is competitive and will be based on qualifications and experience.
Excellent benefits offered.
Presidio Knolls School offers equal opportunity to all, is non-discriminatory, and encourages candidates with diverse backgrounds to apply.
employment@presidioknolls.org