iLab Specialist

What You’ll Do

At Avenues, the iLab specialist oversees the operation of the middle grades iLab as the locus of making and innovation for grades 6-8 and collaborates with teachers and students to integrate design and engineering concepts and skills into project-based learning. 

In this role, you will be responsible for: 

iLab Operation

• Experiment with new and emerging technology
• Implement new equipment, tools, materials, and methodologies
• Maintain equipment and tools
• Maintain an equipment tracking system and materials inventory
• Keep the iLab stocked with basic project materials, staying within budget allocations

Faculty Development and Mentoring

• Promote innovative, student-driven pedagogical approaches, including design thinking, constructionism, and computational thinking
• Conduct regular iLab-based workshops for Upper Division faculty
• Support the iLab Director in planning and execution of multi-day iLab-based faculty professional development

Teaching

• Plan and teach 1-2 creative computation or making electives for grades 6-8
• Collaborate with middle grades faculty in all disciplines on the design and execution of interdisciplinary projects

More broadly, all faculty at Avenues:

• Co-construct with students a classroom environment that establishes high standards, fosters a sense of belonging, and upholds our founding values of welcome, safety, and respect
• Practice cultural competence in the classroom and workplace
• Inspire trust and confidence among guardians and families through regular, proactive communication
• Contribute to the broader community of our NYC campus and global network

What You’ll Bring

iLab faculty at Avenues bring all or most of the following:

• Several years of working with middle grades students and faculty
• Experience with maintaining and operating a fablab/makerspace tools and technologies
• A portfolio of personal and student work demonstrating mastery in several of the following areas: art, design, traditional and digital fabrication, electrical or mechanical engineering, creative computation, and physical computing/robotics
• Strong conceptual and practical knowledge in 2D and 3D design, CAD applications, traditional fabrication (wood/ metalworking), digital fabrication (3D printers, laser engravers, CNC), microcontrollers and robotics
• Experience with, or interest, in interdisciplinary, project-based teaching, design thinking, constructionism, and computational thinking
• Intellectual curiosity and the humility to reflect on, and continually grow in, your professional and teaching practice
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
• A strong sense of personal responsibility for the success of every student

To Apply

Apply through the Careers section of the Avenues website at http://www.avenues.org/en/careers/. Make sure to include a very thoughtful cover letter with your application explaining how you meet the criteria.

Avenues is an Equal Opportunity Employer and committed to diversity among our staff. Applicants of diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.