Upper School STEM Lead

PURPOSE/FUNCTION:

It is the mission of Chattanooga Christian School (CCS) to prepare students to lead and serve with distinction while representing Christ and seeking His Kingdom in all areas of the home, church, society, and culture.

In alignment with the school's mission, all teachers have a responsibility to disciple students and actively engage in the CCS community in ways that promote student growth spiritually, academically, physically, socially, and relationally.

We are seeking the first CCS STEM leader to successfully lead the development of an integrated, problem-based science, computer science/technology, and engineering learning environment and an exploratory, community- based STEM enrichment program in the CCS Upper School (grades 6-12). CCS initiated a robotics program in 2015-2016, and VEX robotics was added to the high school co-curricular environment in 2016-2017. Course possibilities bridge both the science and computer science/technology departments in the middle and high school. This position represents a critical leadership role within the upper school academic program.

This opportunity accompanies the renovation of 5 Upper School science laboratory and teaching spaces and the creation of 2 additional spaces to support robotics, a fabrication/maker space, and an environmental science/ecology space with a target completion of 2018-2019.

The preferred candidate will have demonstrated coaching capability at the high school level and/or experience in middle school student life and discipleship. Coaching vacancies include football, wrestling, softball, baseball, track and field, and volleyball.

DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

Christian Discipleship

1. Establish and maintain rapport with students.
2. Encourage students with respect to life issues within a biblical framework.
3. View each student as an image bearer possessing immeasurable worth regardless of performance.
4. Treat each student impartially, individually, and according to understood needs.
5. Foster a classroom environment of love and respect where students can learn from and support one another.
6. Address inappropriate behavior immediately and consistently using a disciplinary approach that is grace-centered, restorative and reconciling.
7. Be a Christ-like role model within the CCS community in attitude, speech and action towards others.
8. Pursue conflict resolution and reconciliation in the spirit and counsel of Matthew 18.

Academic Instruction

1. Develop and implement lesson plans that fulfill the requirements of the schools academic learning objectives and curriculum program.
2. Plan and use appropriate instructional and learning strategies, activities, and materials that reflect understanding of the needs of students.
3. Utilize Blooms taxonomy to structure student activities and assignments and ensure instructional practice is current with "best practices" learning theory research.
4. Ensure instructional practice and curriculum foster critical inquiry, analysis and evaluation.
5. Construct and/or use courses, units, and lessons that integrate knowledge.
6. Prepare lessons that reflect differentiation in student learning styles and abilities.
7. Utilize diagnostic feedback from assessment tools to modify unit and lesson plans.
8. Foster a classroom environment conducive to learning and appropriate for spiritual, physical and social development of students.
9. Create opportunities for students to assume responsibility for and be actively engaged in their learning.
10. Conduct and maintain ongoing assessments of student achievement and behavior, both formative and summative, using appropriate assessment instruments and methods.
11. Use technology to strengthen the teaching/learning process.
12. Keep unit and lesson plans informative and electronically maintained and updated in a timely fashion.

Build Christian Community

1. Give help to fellow teachers and staff members by offering time and talents when opportunities become available.
2. Engage with students beyond the classroom and participate in student life activities including attending athletic contests, participating in co-curricular activities and taking part in student life events.
3. Work collaboratively and relationally with other faculty and staff members in ways that reflect unity in the body of Christ.
4. Involve parents in prayer and volunteerism as appropriate.

General Responsibilities

1. Promote and abide by school procedures, policies, and directives in administrative and educational matters as established by the Administration or Board.
2. Establish and maintain open and timely communication with students and parents.
3. Attend staff and in-service meetings/workshops as required.
4. Actively pursue personal and professional growth opportunities.
5. Other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in science or engineering with an emphasis in physics/physical science and a computer science minor or a degree in computer science with a minor in science is preferred.
• At least 8 years of demonstrated, effective teaching experience required.
• Expertise in instruction and curriculum design of physics, physical science, computer science, technology, and applied science in the context of basic engineering desired.
• Capacity to teach upper level mathematics or integrated engineering/math or science/engineering beneficial.
• Knowledge of Scripture and its application to all of life, particularly pedagogy, school community life, and related disciplines.
• Proven leadership specifically within the fields of science, computer science, and engineering/fabrication/robotics.
• Experience with the Project Lead the Way (PLTW) platform preferred.
• ​Background or proven track record in developing and leading a robust exploratory science enrichment program (i.e. science fair, robotics, coding, circuitry)
• Ability to work well with colleagues in all areas of education including planning, assessment, and collaboration.
• Experience in the use of technology for instruction.
• Understanding of and appreciation for student discipleship and the developmental needs of students grades 6-12.
• Ability to work effectively with a variety of learning styles.
• Ability to exercise discretion and utmost professionalism in confidential & sensitive student/family matters.
• Ability to communicate graciously and effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Personal faith in Jesus Christ, a commitment to the mission of Chattanooga Christian School, support of the reformed tradition of education, and agreement with the CCS Statement of Faith.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT :

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.

• Requires the mobility to stand, stoop, reach and bend.
• Requires the ability to stand for long periods.
• Mental acuity to perform the essential functions of this position
• Requires vision to read small print.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbents will possess the skills aptitudes and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills or abilities. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will" relationship.