STEAM COURSE INSTRUCTOR AND LEAD MENTOR 839

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2023-2024 Anticipated STEAM Course Instructor and Lead Mentor of SHS FIRST Robotics Team 6201

Pending Budget Approval

The STEAM Course Instructor/Lead Mentor of Team 6201 role consists of two components: teaching three STEAM courses located in the Math Department (Java, Robotics, and Hardware Engineering) and managing the Somerville High School FIRST Robotics Team 6201. As a STEAM Instructor, this person works in collaboration with the Math Department Head in planning, designing, implementing, and assessing the courses pertaining to Robotics, Java, and Hardware Engineering. As Lead Mentor with Team 6201, this person oversees all administrative activities and collaborates with SHS staff and community volunteers to sustain and further develop the Somerville High School FIRST Robotics Team 6201, while also working with district staff as needed to develop additional opportunities for younger students to participate in STEAM and Robotics activities.

Responsibilities:

Provide leadership and support for robotics related courses and the SHS Robotics Team

Coordinate and ensure the articulation of the curriculum both during school hours and after school hours.

Facilitate adoption, implementation, ongoing assessment, and revision of Robotics, Java, and Hardware Engineering curriculum and 6201 team systems and management

Collaborate with the Innovation Specialist and other appropriate staff to develop a new middle grades robotics program that is a) aligned to the existing pathways; b) aligned to the district vision and values around equity, social justice, civic engagement, and culturally responsive curriculum; and c) leverages student leadership to develop and rollout high quality curriculum and team efforts.

Collaborate with the Director of Equity and Excellence to ensure all newly developed curriculum is aligned to the district vision and values around equity, social justice, civic engagement, and is culturally responsive.

Collaborate with outside partners and organizations (ex. universities, museums, and community organizations, discipline specific state and national organizations) to embed rigorous and rich learning opportunities into robotics curriculum.

Coordinate development of authentic assessments and standardized test alignment for each curriculum area when appropriate

Coordinate studies and provide committee leadership on designated goals and strategies.

Co-direct and coordinate the development of workshops in robotics, as well as STEAM professional development opportunities during the school year.

Oversee development and implementation of 6201 training modules for new 6201 SPS/SHS staff to learn about the team and class curriculum as part of their on-boarding experiences with 6201.

Work collaboratively with SHS Multilingual Learner Education Director and SHS Special Education Director on program development and resources to ensure language supports and accommodations are embedded in all courses and regarding 6201.

Develop and administer course support budget, including annual orders of consumable materials for each unit of study.

Co-develop 6201 budget with support from 6201 interns, CTE Director, SHS Principal, and Finance Dept.

Prepare descriptive materials about the instructional program and team 6201 for the School Committee’s consideration.

Carry out other responsibilities related to the robotics team determined in collaboration with 6201 mentors, SHS staff, and other appropriate partners.

Coordinate competition and ensure at least one SPS employee is in attendance to supervise at all competitions.

6201 Administrative tasks

Request necessary permits from the Finance Department.

Manage enrollment and maintain attendance.

Communicate regularly with parents/guardians.

Delegate tasks to student leaders and support staff.

Work with nursing staff to clear students to participate in competitions and offsite experiences.

Complete all administrative paperwork related to the FIRST Robotics Competition and possible offseason activities.

Work with Career and Technical Education Director, Somerville High School Principal, Finance Dept, and robotics team students to develop the team’s operating budget.

Qualifications/Requirements:

Passion for the program and in working with the students.

Ability to plan and manage, as well as organize/collaborate/delegate. There are lots of moving parts to this program, more than any one person can tackle effectively - being able to work with parents, industry and community volunteers, organizations that support the team like SomerBot and Tufts Center for Engineering and Education Outreach will be critical.

Ability to put in lots of time after school, especially during build and competition seasons (Early January - Mid April). Building a robot is complex and doing it with teens more so - lead coach needs to have a consistent presence and engagement to maintain continuity of communication and planning. In order to share the workload, the position is expected to delegate tasks to and manage stipend hours for SHS staff who become assistant mentors.

Ability to recruit and engage with students, teach, generate excitement and be an evangelist within the school community.

Problem-solving skills, curiosity about technology and interest in tinkering, building and creating.

Not required but preferred: Experience with engineering, fabrication, programming, robotics or math. These are nice to have but can easily be addressed by mentors. The technology platform used in the competition is actually simple to learn and in most cases, students will quickly out-learn any teacher in most domains. There are many online resources if needed, the coach just needs to be able to help them identify the problem to be solved and know where to look for the solution.

Position Reports to: Math Department Head (for math courses) and the CTE Director (for Robotics Team Management)

The Somerville Public Schools does not discriminate in its programs, facilities, or employment or educational opportunities on the basis of race, color, age, religion, disability, pregnancy, home status, marital/civil union status, sex/gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, citizenship status, place of birth, national origin, ancestry, cultural identity, genetics or military status, and does not tolerate any form of retaliation, or bias-based intimidation, threat or harassment that demeans individuals’ dignity or interferes with their ability to learn or work.

Position Type:

Full-time

Positions Available:

1

Welcome to Somerville Public Schools!

Education - Inspiration - Excellence are the themes that characterize the instructional services, departments and programs of the Somerville Public Schools.

Our Mission: The Somerville Public Schools is dedicated to the realization of the full intellectual, physical, social, and emotional potential of all students. Our talented team of teachers and other professionals provides every student with the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to be successful throughout their lives. This is accomplished through the delivery of innovative instruction guided by the Massachusetts Curriculum and Somerville Curriculum Frameworks, and supported through partnerships with organizations such as Primary Source, and the Center for Engineering Education and Outreach at Tufts University.

Job Requirements

No experience required

Contact Information

Central HR

8 Bonair St.

Somerville, Massachusetts 02145

Phone: 617-625-6600

Email: centralhr@k12.somerville.ma.us

Company info

Somerville School Department
Phone : 617-625-6600