Middle School Makerspace & Computer Science Teacher

Title: Middle School Makerspace & Computer Science

The Miami Valley School (MVS). Our mission is to challenge young people of promise to become self-sustaining learners and compassionate global citizens. For 60 years, MVS has provided a unique learning option for families in the Dayton, Ohio, community.

Here, faculty are educators who are ready to help refine a truly differentiated educational opportunity as MVS becomes a nationally-recognized leader in experience-based learning. Here, every member of the MVS community is committed to transformative immersive learning in the classroom and during our Immersion term. Equally important is our commitment to Social Emotional Learning (SEL), through which our students learn the skills and competencies necessary to navigate an ever-shifting world with confidence and curiosity. Here, we learn because we do.

The Role. MVS is seeking a dynamic and innovative Middle School Makerspace & Computer Science teacher.

The ideal candidate is a passionate and skillful educator who is eager to invest their talents in our middle school program. They must establish a supportive and engaging environment for students ranging from 6th-8th grade, demonstrate the ability to create developmentally appropriate curricula, work collaboratively with colleagues and parents, have excellent communication skills, and demonstrate teaching proficiency and comfort with a variety of different teaching and learning styles. The middle school operates on an 85-minute modified block schedule. The candidate should be well-versed in creating and implementing a curriculum that is innovative, student-centered, and interactive, bringing together diverse disciplines and cutting across silos.

The Opportunity. All members of MVS' vibrant faculty bring the school's mission and vision to life each day for students and families in the Dayton community. Each day we live out our mission through our core values: integrity, celebration, grit, and kindness. As a part of our dynamic team, you will have the opportunity to:
Expand Global Leadership. MVS is known for its academic and extracurricular programming, and with you on our team, we will continue to grow with our students as leaders of Global Citizenship and stewards of civil discourse.
Enhance Cultural Experiences. Through your instruction and development of an inspiring Immersion Travel Learning Program, you and your students will experience the world, explore passions, and dive deep into content.
Develop Character and Wellness. To support the overall wellness of our vibrant community, you'll have the opportunity to meaningfully connect and collaborate with students and families.
Innovate. As we continue to develop our Immersive Learning programming, you will be part of a team that is enhancing professional learning nationwide and becoming a thought leader for immersive learning experiences that stretch beyond the traditional school experience. Here, you and your team will integrate academics, hands-on activities, and scholarly habits via cross-curricular designs and models of learning.
Couple Academic Rigor with Increased Accessibility. Through your intentional planning and development of coursework, our students will explore their unique learning needs, utilize critical thinking, and begin to think about and create solutions for today's pressing challenges.
Collaborate as part of a World-Class Team. In your role teaching at MVS, you will work alongside dedicated faculty who have taught and learned all over the world and in a variety of school contexts. Your colleagues are artists, researchers, entrepreneurs, published authors, professional musicians, armed services veterans, and thespians. Most importantly, they are compassionate and caring educators committed to lifelong learning.
And, of course, you will get to Teach! As a middle school Makerspace & Computer Science teacher, you'll teach middle school students (6th-8th grade) in these exciting subjects.

Expectations:
Establish a supportive and engaging environment for students;
Demonstrate a deep belief that teachers have a unique role in empowering students to become passionately inquisitive;
Demonstrate a teaching proficiency and comfort with a variety of teaching methods and learning needs; most importantly supporting immersive, experiential learning;
Foster the belief in each of our students, that students can and will change the world
Demonstrate a commitment to lifelong learning through engagement in ongoing professional development;
Build collaborative partnership with students, faculty, and parents;
Develop and facilitate culturally inclusive curricula and inclusive classroom practices;
All faculty can expect to travel with students (grades 4-12) for 1-3 weeks per year;

Primary Responsibilities:
Teach four sections each semester of Computer Science/Makerspace. Facilitating and identifying projects suitable for middle school aged students;
Plan, prepare, deliver, and model instructional lessons that facilitate a maker mindset and use design thinking
Lead/Co-lead an Immersion program in January;
Develop and update courses each year, including proposing new Immersion programs;
Serve as an advisor for a group of 10-12 students;
Lead and/or advise extracurricular activities, which include student clubs and athletics;
Report to the Middle School Division Director;

Qualifications:
Undergraduate or advanced degree(s) in education, computer science, or other related degree;
Possess a desire to work with pre-teen and teenage students in an experiential setting;
Ideal candidates will possess prior experience teaching in middle school settings, advising clubs, coaching athletics, and/or leading student travel learning programs;
Candidates without prior teaching experience will also be considered;
A background in and passion for making. Qualified applicants will have experience in any of the following: wood-work, metal-work, hobby electronics, engineering.
Knowledge in maintaining fabrication equipment including 3D printers, laser cutters, CNC routers, vinyl cutters, power tools, electronics, sewing machines, etc.
Interest/ability in physical computing
Coding experience with Sphero, Scratch, Codester, etc. and proven ability in the use of digital arts/fabrication software and equipment.

Benefits. This is a full-time opportunity that provides a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision plans, a matching 403(b) program, and 50% tuition remission for the children of employees.

Take the Next Step. Share this opportunity with your network!

Learn more about our school by clicking on the embedded links. Interested and qualified applicants should submit a completed MVS employment application, cover letter, resume, outlining your suitability for the position and interest in the mission of the school to lisa.garvic@mvschool.com. Please do not call the school directly.

Bring Your Whole Self. MVS is committed to the Dayton community and to our mission and vision.

We are proud to be an equal-opportunity workplace and will not discriminate on any basis. We seek qualified candidates from a myriad of backgrounds to join our dynamic team.