Director of STEM Integration

Director of STEM Integration

Position Description:

The Director of STEM Integration is a full-time 10-month position and reports directly to the Associate Head of School. ParishSTEM is a comprehensive and embedded hands-on program, which exposes all students to hands-on design projects and activities integrating science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in relevant, applied, creative and collaborative learning. Responsibilities include leadership, support, and development of faculty; growth, development, and coordination of curriculum and programs; and representation and promotion of the STEM department and their work, in the school and in the larger community. Highly developed organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills as well as a deep understanding of best practices STEM in education, the maker movement, and how hands-on engineering projects allow for math and science core curricula to combine with executive and interpersonal skills in authentic learning experiences at a premier independent school, are essential.

The Director of STEM Integration serves on the school’s primary academic decision-making body, the Academic Council, and works in consultation with division heads, and the Associate Head of School.

The Director of STEM Integration oversees department personnel and facilities on two campuses. The department is composed of faculty members in each division. Our STEM facilities, on the Hillcrest Campus, include the Beasley STEM Center which includes the Nauslar Family Garden, Fleeger Family Kitchen. The Midway Campus is home to the Design Den, a 10,000 sq. ft. makerspace which includes Walton-Alford Welding Shed, the Wheeler Family Woodshop, Stewart Family Robotics Lab, Virtual Reality Design Commons, three classrooms, and Innovation Studio.

Essential Functions:

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

• Demonstrate capacity for STEM leadership with particular emphasis in engineering education, including facilities and event management, budget, and technology.
• Demonstrate a professional growth mindset, as evidenced by an up-to-date professional portfolio of projects and attendance at conferences, with regard to academic professional development and technical skill development (tools, machinery, software programs).
• Oversee and supervise the Upper School STEM Endorsement cohorts by managing program requirements, monitoring progress toward graduation benchmarks, and ensuring alignment with endorsement expectations. Lead monthly meetings and regular check-ins with grade-level cohorts to provide guidance, maintain accountability, and support students through successful completion of the program.
• Assist with regular maintenance of tools, equipment, and machinery in the Design Den and general daily Design Den upkeep including but not limited to 3D printers, common hand-held power tools, CNC router, laser cutter and common wood working machines.
• Demonstrate leadership in operational procedures and safety policies required for collaboration with school Administration to set tool safety policy, regulations, system standards for use of machinery and tools by students and adults.
• Be responsible for the procurement, arrangement, organization and storage of materials, equipment, and supplies.  Observe, report, and take immediate action to ensure the prevention and elimination of safety hazard throughout the Design Den.
• Coach teachers on STEM initiatives and best practices in STEM with emphasis on K – 12 engineering through regular department meetings and retreats.
• Collaborate with the Associate Head of School, appropriate divisional leadership, and Human Resources to coordinate the recruitment and hiring of STEM department faculty.
• Work with Division Heads to support faculty members’ goals and oversee the annual faculty evaluation process; observe faculty as required by the ParishInspire faculty development framework and encourage faculty professional development.
• Serve as a thought leader within the Parish community and nationally, sharing expertise and best practices, speaking and presenting on the ParishSTEM program and helping elevate the visibility of Parish Episcopal School.
• Coordinates with the Business Office to set and manage the STEM program budget.
• Collaborate with the school’s STEM booster club (sySTEMs) in support of the STEM program.
• Share STEM events and activities with the school’s Communication Office for distribution on social media and local publications.

Qualifications/Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree; relevant Master’s Degree preferred.
• A background and interest in engineering or STEM education is preferred. 
• Minimum 5 years of teaching at the Middle or Upper School level or robotics STEM focused classes, as well as a working proficiency in the use and repair of power tools and machines.  Individuals with professional engineering experience are also encouraged to apply.
• Experience lead trainings or presenting workshops related to educational technology, engineering education, robotics, or makerspaces.

Job Knowledge:

• Experience as part of a comprehensive engineering-based STEM program.
• Candidate should have knowledge and experience in using a hands-on and inquiry-based approach to teaching and learning.
• Be a motivated, flexible, and collaborative colleague who takes joy in team success.
• Ability to think strategically, project manage effectively and implement successfully.
• Ability to communicate technology and engineering issues with people of varying levels of knowledge.
• Have familiarity with the operation of small power tools, hand-held tools, and large shop machinery.
• Excellent trouble-shooting skills; ability to narrow down an issue’s cause and determine a solution.
• Proven ability to prepare and monitor operating, capital, and restricted budgets.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• A team player with strong interpersonal skills to productively, professionally and empathetically communicate with students, parents, the entire school community and wide variety of school constituents.
• Demonstrates openness to feedback and effectively navigates complex interpersonal dynamics and challenging situations with professionalism and composure.
• An extremely well-organized, detail-oriented individual who has a high energy level together with an accompanying sense of urgency.
• Bright, hard-working, and enthusiastic with a serious commitment to excellence.
• Industrious, resourceful, independent-minded and determined, with a drive to achieve results.
• Well-developed interpersonal and collaboration skills to deal effectively with a wide range of school constituents.
• An accessible and approachable person with integrity, compassion and empathy who has an impeccable reputation, who honors commitments, and who deals with people in a straightforward and personal way.

Specific Skills and Abilities:  

• Show a demonstrated commitment to belonging and inclusion (e.g., familiarity with concepts; evidence of relevant personal growth; examples of relevant practice, etc.).
• Demonstrates dependability through consistent attendance, punctual arrival, and readiness to perform assigned duties according to the established work schedule.
• Be a motivated collaborator, possess a strong work ethic, and have a positive spirit. 
• Promote the School’s mission statement and educational philosophy.

Training and Marginal Duties:

• Attends Division meetings.
• Attends School Functions: Lower, Middle & Upper School Night, Admission Open House, NASA Rover Challenge, Baccalaureate, Graduation, Fieldtrips/Class trips.
• Attends Conferences.
• Attends Chapel.
• Participate in all requisite School trainings.
• Attend required staff development, training sessions, and job-related professional development opportunities.
• Ability to periodically support before and after-school or weekend events.
• Acknowledge receipt of the current Employee Handbook and are responsible for reviewing the contents and abiding by rules, policies and procedures stated in the Handbook or otherwise by the School.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment:

•     Regularly works in standard office or classroom conditions and climate.

• • • Works around and with power tools, hand-held tools, and large shop machinery.
• Regularly works with loud power equipment and machinery.

•     Regularly uses close and distance vision, including working at a computer screen for extended    periods of time; ability to observe students from various distances.

•     Frequently required to move around the campus/office/classroom; works at a desk for extended periods of time.

•     Ability to occasionally move items weighing up to 75 lbs. across the campus/classroom/office.

• • • Ability to maintain appropriate boundaries with students, fellow staff and community members.

Click here for more information and to apply.

Limitations and Disclaimer:

The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position.  This job description reflects administration’s assignment of essential functions; and nothing in this herein restricts administration’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

All job requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.  Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position.  Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor in compliance with Federal and State Laws.

Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and/or abilities.  To perform this job successfully, the employee must possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently.  Continued employment remains on an “at-will” basis.

About Parish Episcopal School 

Founded in 1972, Parish Episcopal School is a leading, co-educational (PreK – 12th grade) college preparatory independent school in Dallas, Texas, serving approximately 1220 students of all faiths. Inspired by its values of Wisdom, Honor and Service, the School’s inclusive Episcopal community guides young people to become creative learners and bold leaders prepared to impact our complex global society by realizing and fostering their passions in a warm, joyful and balanced learning environment, and engaging them in challenging core curriculum and strategic programs that develop and inspire.

Educational Purpose & Philosophy

We develop good human beings: prepared, passionate, principled. 

• DEVELOP We are educators, mentors, coaches and guides – dedicated to developing the unique potential of every student on our care.
• GOOD HUMAN BEINGS At Parish, we aim to develop young people formed intellectually, emotionally, socially, physically, spiritually and morally.
• PREPARED Preparation is key to success in a complex and ever-changing world. At Parish, we equip students with the knowledge, skills and mindsets they’ll need to navigate life’s challenges and accomplish their goals and dreams.
• PASSIONATE Passion is fuel for a joyful life. At Parish, we help students uncover what excites and inspires them – so they feel more alive, more fulfilled and more excited about the future.
• PRINCIPLED Principles create the moral compass for life. Rooted in Wisdom, Honor and Service, Parish students strive not just to succeed, but to make a positive difference in the lives of others and the world around them.

For more information about Parish Episcopal School, visit www.parish.org.

The School believes that each individual is entitled to equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, or local anti-discrimination laws. The School’s equal employment opportunity practices extend to recruitment, hiring, selection, compensation, benefits, transfer, promotion, training, discipline, and all other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment. All Employees are responsible for complying with the School’s equal employment opportunity policy.