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Come join a committed, caring, talented faculty in delivering an exemplary and inspiring general and Jewish education. Together, we ensure a vibrant Jewish future through the growth of confident, compassionate thinkers who engage the world through Jewish values.
The Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School in Rockville, MD is seeking candidates to fill the position of Upper School Director of STEM for the 2023-2024 school year. The Upper School Director of STEM serves as an administrator on the Upper School Educational Leadership Team and reports directly to the High School and Middle School Principals. The Upper School Director of STEM is a highly creative, charismatic educator who is able to cultivate a vibrant atmosphere that supports the growth of confident, compassionate thinkers who engage the world through Jewish values, and design thinking and hands-on learning. This is a 12 month position. The Upper School Director of STEM integrates and elevates STEM learning and experiences into the daily life of the Upper School program. As a leader within the Upper School, the Upper School Director of STEM is expected to role model professional practices, a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and the values and mission of the School within the context of a pluralistic Jewish community, and teach the equivalent of two year-long classes.
Responsibilities
Curriculum, Instruction and Programming
- Develop, organize, and model/co-teach interdisciplinary STEM activities with other faculty through authentic, problem-based curriculum experiences across all content areas.
- Collaborate with administration and faculty in the development, implementation and evaluation of STEM initiatives and curriculum, particularly in the areas of computer science, 3D print and design, engineering and robotics.
- Analyze and help faculty to apply current best practices in STEM education, including familiarity with laws, regulations, and policies affecting STEM education.
- Collaborate with the Lower School STEM Coordinator on programs and curriculum to create a PK-12 continuum of STEM education.
- Collaborate with the CESJDS Center for STEM in Jewish Education.
- Help to build enthusiasm among students, faculty, and the larger school community for computer science, robotics, and other STEM content areas.
- Create and arrange for the coaching of competitive STEM programs in grades 6-12.
- Lead the Upper School STEM Department and Middle School Science Department including supervision and evaluation.
Staffing and Supervision
- Serve as Middle School Science Chair.
- Teach and coach STEM-related content, promote professional STEM practices.
- Organize, develop, coordinate, and provide training for administrators and faculty related to STEM integration in the classroom.
- Recruit, hire, and maintain exceptional faculty members in consultation with the Middle and High School Principals and Academic Dean.
- Supervise and provide feedback to new and veteran teachers, monitor teachers’ professional growth as determined necessary and appropriate by the Middle and High School Principals.
Community Engagement
- Coordinate, organize, and promote school-sponsored STEM events/activities for the larger community.
- Seek and coordinate outside partnerships with community members to provide real world experiences for students.
- Collaborate with Upper School administration, Marketing, and other stakeholders to define and effectively communicate the Upper School's STEM goals and programs to the community.
- Create community outreach opportunities in STEM.
Leadership
- Embody the values and mission of the School within the context of a pluralistic Jewish community.
- Work with the Upper School Leadership Team to set a long-term vision for STEM.
- Ensure faculty participating and leading programs adhere to school policies and procedures, and provide support and guidance in this area as appropriate.
- Facilitate effective meetings and specific professional development as appropriate.
- Establish and maintain a positive sense of community among faculty within the divisions and across departments.
- Manage the budget and ensure documentation of expenditures and requests for reimbursement.
- Oversee department files and supply ordering for activities and programs.
Qualifications
- A minimum of a BA or a BS in a STEM related field, secondary STEM education, or a related field is required. An MS degree in the subject area and/or an MA in education is preferred, but not required.
- Candidates should have at least five years of successful teaching experience and/or leadership in collaborative working environments.
- Experience in student-centered differentiated instruction, collaborative problem solving, and working with students with diverse learning needs preferred.
- Experience with successful program development and implementation required.
- Demonstrated commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice (DEIJ) required.
