Beginning School and Lower School Computer Science Specialist

School Overview

Rowland Hall is an independent school serving over 950 students from 3PreK through twelfth grade on two campuses in Salt Lake City. Founded as an Episcopal school in 1867, Rowland Hall has been an independent institution since 1933. Rowland Hall’s mission is “to inspire students to lead ethical and productive lives through a college preparatory program that promotes the pursuit of academic and personal excellence.” The school offers a progressive education that includes a rigorous academic program, excellence in the arts, competitive athletic programs, and a nurturing and inclusive community. Located near the base of the stunning Wasatch mountain range and adjacent to the University of Utah, a world-class research university and medical center, Rowland Hall attracts a diverse community of

families who may be third generation Utahns or recent transplants choosing Salt Lake for its recreational and cultural opportunities. The school focuses on attracting and retaining excellent teachers by offering extensive professional development opportunities, salaries competitive with the highest-paying local public school districts, and a close-knit, supportive community.

The Beginning School and Lower School

The Beginning School division serves students in preschool and Kindergarten. We build safe, joyful, and connected classroom communities. We teach young children HOW to think, not merely WHAT to think. We teach the whole child, offering children opportunities to engage using their hands, bodies, hearts, and minds. Through our rich and integrated curriculum, we encourage children to see themselves as artists, engineers, mathematicians, scientists, and authors. Authentic assessment strategies allow teachers to understand and support each child’s development and learning. Classroom schedules allow for longer periods of exploration and plenty of time learning and playing outdoors. In addition to the NWAIS accreditation maintained by the whole school, the Beginning School is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

The Lower School is a place of joyful learning. The Lower School faculty is composed of caring and knowledgeable teachers who are passionate about elementary education, skillful in creating a learning environment in which young students can thrive, and committed to continuous and collaborative professional growth. Lower School teachers, students, and families value the strong sense of community established in grades 1-5, and the unique learning experiences that the school provides each student, via the classroom curriculum, through our Specialties Program (Science, Art, Music, PE, Spanish, Library), and in our Ethical Education and Social-Emotional Learning Program.

Position Summary:

The Beginning School and Lower School Computer Science Specialist will teach students in both divisions, and will help grow and enhance the computer science, robotics, and innovation program. The ideal candidate would have teaching and or academic experience with computer science, robotics or a related STEM field and a passion for working with children from 4 to 11 years of age. Engaging in collaborative curriculum development and refinement with colleagues is also a key aspect of the role as the school looks to integrate technology into classrooms and build our computer science program school-wide.

Responsibilities include:

• teaching Beginning School and Lower School technology, coding, physical computing, robotics

and maker classes in engaging and developmentally appropriate ways;

• helping to develop and grow a PreK-12 computer science program in coordination with

  members of the technology team and CS teachers;

• possessing a willingness to coach/mentor robotics and science teams with some afterschool and

  weekend responsibilities;

• learning new technologies, topics, and methods;

• collaborating with Beginning School and Lower School faculty to integrate CS, robotics and

  making into their classes and develop technology lessons and activities.

The Ideal Candidate

Classroom experience and a background working with early elementary school age students is preferred. The ideal candidate is focused on the learning and well-being of students. In addition, a Rowland Hall teacher has excellent interpersonal skills, a sense of humor, and a commitment to reflecting on their practices and continuously improving them. Strong candidates will also show interest in engaging with the school community while advocating for students, supporting parents, and collaborating with faculty and staff. A bachelor’s degree is required; a master’s degree and/or teaching experience are preferred. In addition, the ideal candidate:

• feels comfortable learning about new technological teaching aids, robotics kits and equipment and new software;

• is a flexible thinker who is eager to learn and experiment with new teaching concepts, ideas, and evidence-based practices;

• demonstrates cultural competence in and a commitment to issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion, especially as they relate to technology and computer science;

• has the desire to support and promote the mission and values of the school;

• values and seeks out professional learning and development opportunities; and

• demonstrates proficiency using a learning management system, web-based applications, and other

• online resources.

This is a full-time, non-exempt position beginning August 01, 2022 through July 31, 2023. This position reports to the Beginning School and Lower School Principal.

Equal Employment Opportunity Rowland Hall is an equal opportunity employer, and as such, believes that each individual is entitled to equal opportunity without regard to sex, color, race, ancestry, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under federal or state anti-discrimination laws. Rowland Hall’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.