Full-time, plus summer program participation
Effective August 18, 2022
Almaden Country Day School seeks a full-time Makerspace Teacher (MT). This is a faculty position focused on integrating principles of Makerspace, design, innovation and technology into the curriculum across grades 1-8, and providing a rich learning experience in the ACDS Makerspace.
The MT role is primarily a teaching role which includes administrative responsibilities related to the maintenance, improvement, and promotion of a world-class maker experience at ACDS, with the goal of fostering a culture of maker curiosity, innovation, and exploration school-wide. The MT role includes teaching middle school technology electives as well as lessons in elementary classrooms as needed.
In addition to regularly scheduled classes, the Makerspace Teacher works collaboratively with teachers across the grade levels to incorporate principles of innovation and design into project-based learning opportunities, acting as both a co-teacher and coach in the Makerspace and in other classrooms. The MT trains teachers to use equipment and software in the Makerspace so they can co-teach projects. The MT opens the Makerspace for supervised recess, lunch, and after-school “open” sessions serving students interested in exploring making and technology on their own with guidance.
The MT maintains a clean and safe facility and is responsible for maintenance, upkeep, and enhancement of the Makerspace, keeping an accurate inventory of materials, ordering supplies, caring for equipment, and managing an annual budget. The MT also coordinates with vendors on orders, servicing of equipment, and maker-related professional development opportunities for staff.
Additional responsibilities may include leading an advisory class, supervisory duties, chaperoning class trips, and other duties as assigned. ACDS is a small school, and we all “wear many hats.” We hire educators who buy into this expectation, and also want to have fun at work!
Essential Requirements:
The ideal candidate will have experience teaching in a progressive PK-8 environment, including an emphasis on projects and presentations, and an understanding of the developmental needs for each age group. Additionally, the candidate should have demonstrable experience with innovative curriculum development and implementation, and with integrating technology in the curriculum to extend and enhance learning.
The ideal candidate will have a strong commitment to meeting the learning needs of each student, a teaching style that supports differentiation of instruction, a collaborative spirit, and an interest in being part of an inclusive community. Finalists for this position will also demonstrate strong collaboration skills and a drive to build the ACDS maker program (including summer camp) into a signature program for our school that becomes a major attraction for students and families in our community and beyond.
Specific requirements for this position include:
- B.A. in related field and at least five (5) years of K-8 teaching experience
- Experience designing and integrating technology-oriented curriculum
- Passion! Capacity to motivate and inspire teachers and students to pursue making opportunities across the grade levels and subjects
- Ability to teach design and technology electives including robotics and computer programming
- Design Thinking background and/or equivalent professional development
- Ability to operate and maintain all technology in a Makerspace
- Student-centered and “customer-service” mindset
- Strong time management and organizational skills
- Strong classroom management skills
- Positive, warm, “can-do” welcoming demeanor
- Innovative problem solver and resourceful self-starter
- Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
Preferred Qualifications:
- Strong knowledge of child development, especially ages 6-14
- Experience with scripting and coding languages
- Experience teaching robotics and coding
- Experience with 3D design and production
- Experience working in and/or leading a Makerspace
- Teacher coaching experience, especially collaborating with and coaching teachers to incorporate technology and innovation/design principles in their instruction and curriculum development
- Demonstrated ability to effectively network and build relationships with various internal and external constituencies
- Success using the SAMR model
To apply, please send a letter of interest and résumé to:
or to
Jeremy Adams, Head of Middle School
Almaden Country Day School
6835 Trinidad Drive
San Jose, CA 95120
Interviews begin immediately and this position remains open until filled.