DEPARTMENT:

Office of Information and Innovation / Arts 

REPORTS TO:

Dean of Information and Innovation & Director of Arts

JOB CATEGORY

Instructional Support

OVERVIEW:

This is a full-time Middle and Upper School Impact Studio specialist position that leads hands-on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) facilitations in our middle and upper school makerspaces, teaches elective courses, and focuses on a specialty area within the Impact Studios to enhance the innovation and information programming across the school.

In this role, through facilitation and teaching, the Innovation Specialist guides students in design thinking, architecture, and creative fabrication, helping them transform ideas into tangible solutions. As an architecture teacher, this position leads innovative architecture classes that are both content-based and hands-on, emphasizing the field as one in which students can consider place-based questions and devise solutions to environmental and social issues. The Innovation Specialist is passionate about helping students explore the intersection of art, technology, and applied science while fostering curiosity, teamwork, and ethical innovation.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

IMPACT STUDIO

• Support our faculty in facilitating engaging, inquiry-driven STEAM learning experiences for middle and upper school students.

• Integrate tools such as 3D printers, laser cutters, sewing and textile equipment, robotics kits, and hand tools into meaningful design and fabrication projects.

• Collaborate with faculty across disciplines to develop cross-curricular projects and integrate design thinking throughout the curriculum.

• Foster a culture of creativity, experimentation, iteration, and reflection, encouraging students to approach challenges with curiosity and resilience.

• Maintain a safe, inclusive, and well-organized makerspace, ensuring proper care and accessibility of all equipment and materials, including performing routine maintenance and basic troubleshooting of equipment

• Supervise students during open studio hours, independent project blocks, and collaborative work sessions, ensuring safe and appropriate use of tools.

• Support learners of diverse skill levels and backgrounds through differentiated instruction and mentorship.

• Model curiosity, empathy, and intellectual integrity, inspiring students to think deeply, act ethically, and collaborate meaningfully.

INSTRUCTION :

• Teach two sections (or two classes each semester) of Architecture for grades 9-12.

• Based on experience, candidates may also be considered to instruct other STEAM-related courses in the Upper School or Middle School.

• Collaborate with the Dean of Innovation and Information and the Director of Arts to develop course curriculum and lessons. 

• Complete routine teaching and administrative work in a timely fashion and in accordance with our school policies and practices, including taking attendance, grading, comment writing, student-parent conferences, and holding office hours

• Participate in department, division, all-school meetings, and professional development days

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture (preferred but not required)

• Teaching experience strongly preferred but not required

ATTRIBUTES:

• Believe in the central importance of diversity and inclusion in the life of the school

• Work to be inclusive so that every student can see themselves in their classrooms, curricula, and disciplines

• Are deeply knowledgeable in their fields

• Innovate to find the most compelling learning experiences for their students

• Experiment in their search for the best teaching practices

• Collaborate authentically with colleagues and the broader educator community

• Seek feedback on the performance of all aspects of their professional life

• Make student wellness central to the student learning experience 

• Are committed to lifelong professional growth 

• Are engaged in social-emotional learning for themselves, their students, and their advisees 

• Are enthusiastic and positive about teaching and being a Kent Denver teacher

• Are helping us to make something rather than doing what has always been done