Department: Science
Reports To: Directors of Upper and Lower School
Classification: Full Time - Exempt

Description

The Far Hills Country Day School STEAM Teacher will lead students in the new, state-of-the-art, Learning Commons, a collaborative space for students and teachers to problem solve and create. The STEAM Teacher will continually build off of a comprehensive STEAM curriculum that spirals from Kindergarten through Grade 8, with a hands-on approach to learning and designing.

The STEAM Teacher will create partnerships with teachers in both the Lower School (K–4) and the Upper School (5–8) to support the students academically while fostering creativity, collaboration, and innovation.

Related duties shall be those guided by the NBPS, ISTE, and NGSS Standards and those assigned by the administrative leadership team. Responsibilities include managing the Learning Commons' vision, use, maintenance, and resources.

Responsibilities and Duties

Far Hills Country Day School’s STEAM Teacher’s responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Teach weekly STEAM classes to Kindergarten through Grade 8 students;
• Collaborate with classroom teachers to integrate STEAM into core subjects while developing and improving curriculum; this will include both in the classroom and bringing the class to the Learning Commons.
• Demonstrate essential knowledge of the connection between science, technology, robotics, innovation, design thinking, and other fields of study.
• Lead weekly STEAM after-school club(s).
• Develop community partnerships to enhance classroom learning and create authentic STEAM experiences.
• Develop special programming and competitive opportunities to provide additional enrichment experiences for students and families.
• Identify resources, plan, and design staff development activities to support professional growth in learning technologies.
• Participate in grade-level and department meetings to coordinate curricular projects and provide targeted support towards STEAM instructional approaches as well as work within the Academic Technology department responsibilities.
• Create and lead parent education opportunities centered on STEAM learning.
• Performs other duties as needed, including but not limited to Cafe duty, Recess duty, Arrival duty, and/or Dismissal duty.
• Support technology use in classes and lead EdTech integration
• Integrate technology and digital tools effectively to enhance STEAM instruction and promote digital literacy skills.

The STEAM Teacher will meet with the Division Directors and the Director of Technology to review Educational Technology trends, needs for teacher/student development, and STEAM Education.

Knowledge, Skills, and Experience

An ideal candidate must possess:

• a bachelor’s degree in the subject area or equivalent;
• 3–5 years experience teaching K–8 STEAM courses, computer programming, and/or maker/innovation skills;
• experience with learning management systems, grading, grade books, and attendance;
• Google Classroom and Seesaw experience;
• instructional background in science and technology;
• a creative, imaginative, and innovative mindset in teaching, coaching, and curricular design;
• experience with tools such as Vex Robotics, Wonder Robots, Makey-Makey, Little Bits, Tynker, and Scratch;
• Apple Teacher and/or Google Certification;
• the willingness to problem solve and the ability to encourage students to do the same;
• the ability to maintain confidentiality;
• the ability to communicate with a variety of constituencies, including administrators, employees, students, and parents;
• highly effective verbal and written communication, listening, collaboration, and interpersonal skills;
• excellent presentation skills and engaging presentation style;
• deep knowledge of content standards (specifically in technology and science), effective instructional strategies, and assessment-driven instruction;
• excellent classroom management skills while teaching in a new space with distractions; and
• an expert level of technology knowledge and the ability to apply contemporary learning strategies.

Additionally, experience with Design Thinking, MAC OS, IOS, and Google Apps is preferred.