Laboratory Schools: Makerspace Teacher - Middle School/High School

Updated: 11 months ago
Location: Chicago, ILLINOIS
Deadline: The position may have been removed or expired!

Details

Posted: 11-May-23

Location: Chicago, Illinois

Type: Full-time

Salary: Open

Categories:


Other Staff/Administrative
Staff/Administrative

Internal Number: JR21862


Location: Chicago, IL

Job Description:

Job Summary:

The Laboratory Schools are committed to creating space, time, and guidance to support project-based learning for faculty and students interested in maker work. Reporting to the Fine Arts Department, the Makerspace Teacher will have experience teaching maker-based courses and will serve as an expert on the tools, pedagogy, and best practices to support this goal. This position is a bridge to connect new and emerging technologies to Labâ™s Fine Arts and non-art academic program. The Makerspace Teacher not only has opportunities to help define what maker culture looks like in a progressive school environment but also to leverage University resources dedicated to this work. The successful candidate will have experience in emerging and established maker technologies, visual art and design, and art education.

This teacher is expected to work a 40-hour workweek and the required number of days as stipulated in the collective bargaining agreement. Additionally, this role will be expected to perform in accordance with the terms and conditions of the bargaining agreement between the University of Chicago and the Faculty Association.

Responsibilities:

  • Understands, champions, and implements Labâ™s Maker Framework.
  • Creates integration opportunities with University partners (Polsky, M.A.D.D., etc.).
  • Scaffolds the design thinking process for students and faculty.
  • Develops organizing principles to ensure that space is safe and a positive place to work and learn.
  • Follows established University protocols and best practices for safety.
  • Develops safety procedures for both group and individual use of the space.
  • Maintains well-organized, student-centered, flexible learning spaces.
  • Oversees the calendar for makerspaces.
  • Provides expertise and training on all tools and materials.
  • Where possible, steers students towards renewable materials for projects.
  • Maintains an inventory of all tools and materials.
  • Establishes a process for documenting projects.
  • Outreach to and collaborates with teachers, students, clubs, and partners.
  • Encourages students to participate in design challenges.
  • Takes the work outside of the makerspace; finds ways to make maker work created in the maker space classes visible in the cafeteria, library, and exhibit spaces.
  • Supports cross-pollination projects with students from different grades and subjects.
  • Showcases completed projects with the school community.
  • Establishes and operates a digital home for the maker space on Schoology or other platforms.
  • Ensures technology used in the makerspace is compliant with University and Lab policy.
  • Collaborates with teachers to develop innovative, progressive, developmentally appropriate uses of makerspace technology to meet curricular goals and enhance/transform content ­area teaching and learning.
  • Regularly communicates with faculty on topics related to making space education.
  • Performs routine administrative tasks associated with maker space technical support efforts, including ­ensuring accuracy of inventory database when equipment is moved, replaced, or upgraded.
  • Documents internal support procedures.
  • May teach sections of Middle School and High School maker classes.
  • Supports students on student-driven individualized projects, on their own and when working in the context of other content areas.
  • Maintains accurate class-related records and documentation such as ongoing assessment in the form of grading, and written narrative feedback for students and families.
  • Participates in all Fine Art Department meetings as well as Faculty meetings. 
  • As part of the Middle School, this role will include supervisory responsibilities.

Competencies:

  • Quickly adapt to changing circumstances and flexible in work with students.
  • Interact with a diverse group of faculty, staff, students, and parents required.â‹
  • Analytical skills required.
  • Problem-solving skills required.
  • Decision-making skills required.
  • Attention to detail required.
  • Organizational skills required.
  • Computational skills required.
  • Creativity required.
  • Effective verbal and written communication skills.
  • Interpersonal skills required.
  • Work independently and as part of a team required.
  • Manage stressful situations required.
  • Maintain confidentiality required.
  • Work on multiple projects simultaneously, set priorities, and meet deadlines required.
  • Willingness to experiment with innovative practices in an educational environment.
  • Demonstrated capacity to be collaborative, self-directed, flexible, and organized.
  • Evaluate tools and instructional practices in light of broader academic goals.
  • Adapt to rapidly shifting priorities in both technology and education.

Education, Experience, or Certifications:

Education:

  • Bachelorâ™s degree in education technology, art education, engineering, design or other relevant fields required.

Experience:

  • Three years of experience in classroom/Maker Space teaching or commensurate experience.


Technical Knowledge or Skills:

  • Knowledge of CAD, CNC machine operation, 3d printing, laser cutting, sewing, robotics, design thinking, and familiarity with K-12 Maker movement.
  • Maintain timely and accurate records to support end-user training needs, and identify patterns and systemic problems.
  • Successful project management skills.
  • Knowledge of diversity, equity and inclusion issues, and dynamics in the classroom and in developing healthy, supportive relationships with all students.
  • Strong knowledge of course subject matter required.
  • Knowledge of instructional methodologies required.
  • Strong knowledge of child development required.
  • Develop curricula, lesson plans, and assessment tools required.
  • Use standard productivity software (Microsoft Office, calendar/scheduling software, etc.) required.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:

  • Move in and around the classroom/building to interact with students, faculty, staff, parents, and other members of the community.
  • Move class-related equipment/tools, as appropriate, around school property
  • When appropriate, escort children from one classroom to another, in and out of the building during arrival and dismissal, and in an emergency situation.
  • Demonstrate lessons, when appropriate.

Required Documents:

  • Resume/CV (required)
  • Cover Letter (required)
  • Professional References Contact Information (3)(required)

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via the Applicant Inquiry Form.

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.


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