Innovation and Design Coordinator

Wooster School is seeking an Innovation and Design Coordinator. This is a full-time position.

The Innovation and Design Coordinator (IDC) will manage Wooster School’s Makerspace teachers and be responsible for collaborating with faculty on embedding the principles of STEAM ( Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) across the curriculum in years K – 12 . This role requires an inspirational educator who can influence, motivate and encourage our learning community through design and making though creating innovative learning projects. Using our two purpose-built Makerspaces the co-ordinator will empower staff and students in using technology and making to develop the creative skills required to thrive beyond school. The coordinator will understand how technology and a connectivist approach to learning inspire and enhance the capacity of all learners in the digital age. A deep understanding of contemporary pedagogy, STEAM principles and the ability to be brave in thinking and empowerment are essential for this position. The IDC will work closely with the leadership team to ensure the spaces and the program provide innovative and transformative opportunities across the divisions.

Skills and Experience

The IDC is an outstanding influencer and leader who has the ability to coach staff and students to reach their full capacity as learners. The IDC is also a transformational teacher. The IDC will build teacher efficacy by providing solutions and promoting effective teaching practices through community engagement. The IDC will have facility with the core concepts of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) and can weave the core principles of these disciplines into curriculum. Through cultivating a passion for design and making, the IDC will make others aware of emerging technologies and trends within the STEAM area and be able to bring new and exciting ideas to our community.

Responsibilites

• Believe deeply in the mission, beliefs and values of Wooster and subscribe to Wooster’s culture of thinking and learning.
• Teach design, technology, making and/or STEM courses.
• Develop the skills of staff in using the Makerspace to enhance the learning of students.
• Develop a culture of making and innovation in STEAM which embeds these principles across all curriculum areas.
• Develop, implement, and coach staff on Design Thinking, Computational Thinking, and Systems Thinking across years K - 8.
• Inspire students and staff by fostering curiosity, creativity, and innovation in learning.
• Embed the necessary skills to thrive in the 21st century, including but not limited to Creativity, Complex Problem Solving, Critical Thinking, Project Management, Collaboration, and People Management.
• Build and implement Project-Based Learning strategies across all curriculum areas.
• Create interdisciplinary learning opportunities for students and staff.
• Develop and maintain effective tertiary and industry relationships that enhance the delivery of the Makerspace curriculum.
• Suggest and implement new initiatives and learning opportunities for students and staff.
• Provide students with exciting learning opportunities with a considered focus of technology.
• Develop new methodologies of learning: Gamification, PBL, CBL, Flipped classrooms, 20% time, etc.
• Prepare, implement, and present professional development opportunities.
• Perform general troubleshooting and required maintenance of Makerspace equipment, furnishings, and software.
• Support and coach staff with their learning programs on making within the classroom.
• Prepare, organize, setup, and coordinate various Makerspace fairs that showcase student achievement.
• Deliver specific classes with a STEAM focus ensuring students make meaningful solutions to identified problems.
• Work as an active, collaborative member of the learning group, grade‐level , content‐area and school‐wide teams, and doing whatever it takes to ensure our students’ needs are met.
• Keep students and parents well informed of student progress by providing daily feedback, focused learning intentions and clear success criteria.
• Participate in school-wide professional development beginning on August 21 and seek continual feedback and coaching to develop as a teacher learner.
• Be available and committed to ongoing verbal dialogue and conversations with the parents and the Wooster community.
• Perform necessary duties including but not limited to advisory, after school activities, and chaperoning.

Expectations and Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree or higher and mastery of core subject
• At least 2 years of successful teaching of design, making, technology, art, etc.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Teacher certification preferred.

Teaching

Full-time Wooster teachers are asked to teach 4 or 5 sections.

Salary and Benefits

This is a full‐time, exempt position. Salaries are competitive with the local independent schools. Competitive benefits package includes health coverage.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and statement of philosophy to:
Elizabeth Higgins
Director of Teaching and Learning
elizabeth.higgins@woosterschool.org