Website woodlandpk8 Woodland School
Position Overview
Woodland Schools seeks a full time Innovation Lab Teacher beginning in July 2021. Located just west of Stanford University, Woodland is an independent day school that offers a joyful approach to learning in a diverse, respectful, and inclusive environment for approximately 300 students in early childhood through eighth-grade. We have two sections of each grade level K- 8 with class sizes that average from 14-18 per class.
Woodland School specializes in education that inspires students by nurturing each individual’s voice, intellect, and character. With rich content and an emphasis on inquiry-based and student-driven projects, students are empowered and encouraged to be active and engaged learners. Our students’ innate sense of wonder is the foundation of learning at Woodland School. Teachers craft meaningful, multi-sensory learning experiences which enable creativity, ingenuity, and deep interdisciplinary connections. Students explore and develop complex understandings that engender a sense of self and purpose in the world.
Woodland School’s faculty create a school environment that is as supportive and nurturing as it is challenging, and they embody the core values of the school—stewardship, integrity, curiosity, resilience, equity, and respect. Our teachers apply best practices through collaboration, integrated curriculum, brain-based teaching and learning methods, and continued professional development. Our teachers are themselves learners, constantly searching for ways to improve their practice. A robust professional development program supports our faculty by connecting them to the best practices in pedagogy, curriculum development, educational technology, and student assessment.
The Innovation Lab Teacher oversees a program that incorporates a hands-on, problem-solving approach designed to unlock students’ creativity and foster critical thinking. Students gain core competency in design thinking and have increased opportunity to expand their technology aptitude through exposure to robotics, programming, 3-D CAD modeling, and maker skills. Through the Innovation Lab program, Woodland students establish design thinking skills, learn “how to think” and become more resourceful, experimental, collaborative, and empathetic. Skills and competencies become more intricate and sophisticated as students advance through the middle school grades.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The ideal candidate will have a deep knowledge of science and a passion for engineering, coding, robotics, and tinkering. The position involves working closely with the Lower School iLab Teacher, Middle School teachers, Digital Literacy and Media Specialist, the Director of Information Systems, and the Director of Teaching, Learning, and Professional Growth. Candidates should be strong in their use of technology tools for teaching. Woodland School expects that the Middle School Innovation Lab Teacher teacher will adhere to the following duties as part of their daily responsibilities and curriculum:
- Develops and leads an engaging Innovation Lab curriculum for students in grades 4-8 that includes: computer science, digital literacy, design thinking, and engineering.
- Serves as a Middle School Advisor, focusing on their academic, social, and emotional well-being.
- Differentiates instruction for a range of abilities and interest levels in order to provide a student-centered, hands-on approach to learning.
- Teaches through the Engineering Design Process to design for specific users and their needs.
- Leads conversations and guides students on safe and smart digital citizenship.
- Attends faculty meetings and serves on faculty committees if needed.
- Assesses and documents the accomplishments of students on a regular basis and provides progress reports as required.
- Collaborates with the Director of Information Technology and the Director of
- Teaching, Learning, and Professional Growth on learning software recommendations, best practices in classrooms, and researching new technologies to incorporate into the curriculum.
- Partners with core teachers to create integrated learning opportunities for students.
Desired Qualifications and Skills
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or related field is required.
- Professional behavior, including discretion, good judgment, and integrity are essential. Excellent verbal and written communication skills are required.
- Experience in programming languages such as Python, C++, Javascript, XCode, HTML, and block coding.
- Knowledge of other technology and engineering skills such as Raspberry Pi, Arduino, and Lego Robotics.
- Experience teaching students about the parts and function of a computer, including software, hardware, and introductory keyboarding skills.
Woodland School is dedicated to the goal of building a culturally diverse and pluralistic faculty committed to teaching and working in a multicultural environment and strongly encourages applications from candidates who reflect such diversity. Woodland School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin in the administration of its educational or admission policies, financial aid distribution, or other school programs.
How to Apply
Candidates for this position should submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information for a minimum of three references (at least one recent supervisor is required).
Salary and benefits are commensurate with our peer schools in the San Francisco Bay Area and with like NAIS schools.
