K-8 Innovation, Design & Build Specialist

Reports To:    K-8 Director 

Position Type: Full-Time, Faculty, Exempt

Bentley School is a K-12 co-educational, independent day school located on two campuses in Oakland (K-8) and Lafayette (9-12), California. Founded in 1920, Bentley School's legacy of excellence in teaching and learning maximizes student success in college and throughout their lives. Bentley is an inclusive community that shares a vision of academic achievement, balance, and the cultivation of character.

Engaging in continual reflection, re-assessment, and pursuit of mission-driven pedagogical practices, Bentley faculty members maintain a growth mindset by observing and learning from each other and participating in robust professional development. Teachers are expected to align unequivocally with student growth and success, establishing pedagogical objectives that are consistent with students’ development, reflecting high expectations along with demonstrated flexibility based on student achievement. Beyond the classroom, Bentley faculty members participate meaningfully in aspects of student and campus life serving as role models of compassion, respect, justice, and inclusivity as citizens of the world.

Criteria:

Bentley School seeks a dynamic and creative Innovation, Design, and Build Specialist to inspire and engage K-8 students in hands-on, project-based learning.  In addition to teaching a middle school elective, this position will support K-8 faculty in enhancing their curriculum to encompass hands-on learning.  This role integrates STEM, design thinking, and maker education to cultivate problem-solving, creativity, and critical-thinking skills. The ideal candidate will have a passion for fostering curiosity and innovation in young learners through engineering, woodworking, technology, and hands-on fabrication.

Responsibilities (including but not limited to):

●      Create and oversee K-8 design and build program.

●      Collaborate with K-8 faculty to create innovative, cross-disciplinary curriculum with a focus on hands-on projects.

●      Collaborate with classroom teachers to integrate maker concepts across different subjects.

●      Develop annual budgets related to curriculum and supporting instructional materials.

●      Provides direction and leadership in the development of a comprehensive K-8 design and build curriculum. This includes assisting administrators and teachers in evaluating and improving classroom instruction.

●      Develop, oversee, and teach K-8 design and build curriculum with the goal of integrating scientific inquiry, the engineering design process, technology, and design thinking through hands-on projects.

●      Teaches maker-related middle school electives, and teaches/supports design and build instruction in collaboration with K-5 class teachers.

●      Design and support teachers in designing engaging and exciting STEM related Mini Term offerings.

●      Promotes effective instructional practices and communications that support high levels of instruction through in-house professional development with fellow K-8 teachers.

●      Works with the Arts Department and other teachers in representing STEM projects at the Middle School Arts Night.

●      Maintains materials, tools, and equipment in the Bentley Lab (makerspace). Train faculty, staff, and students on use of tools and equipment.

●      Orders supplies for various design/build and programming projects.

●      Works collaboratively with administration, grade level teachers, specialists, and advisors.

●      Supports and follows school policies and procedures.

●      Creates a positive learning environment, enabling students to thrive academically.

●      Engages in regular non-teaching supervisory duties including drop off, recess, lunch and pick up.

●      Attends regular faculty, grade-level, and weekly department meetings.

●      Attends Open Houses, Admissions events, and other special events as needed.

●      Acts as a positive and contributing member of the Bentley community.

●      Communicates effectively with parents at conferences and in report writing as needed.

●      Other duties as assigned by the K-8 Director.

Required Qualifications:

●    Bachelor’s degree in Education, Engineering, Design, or other STEM related field that required significant coursework in practical applications. Advanced degree preferred.

●      Experience teaching in or operating a hands-on learning experience with tangible projects for students, K-8 preferred.

●      Experience teaching in a project-based K-8 environment.

●      Experience in innovative course design, planning, implementation, and assessment

●      Understanding of appropriate developmental levels for each age.

●    Experience in an interdisciplinary environment with an emphasis on group collaboration.

●    Experience in teaching problem-solving skills in addition to traditional core content.

●    Ability and willingness to work with students in large and small group settings using multiple teaching methods to reach a broad range of students.

●    Desire to continually examine one’s practice with the goal to improve student learning.

●    Commitment to issues of diversity, leadership, inclusion, and equity; Candidates who reflect the broad range of diversity of the Bay Area are encouraged to apply.

●    A passion for working with young people.

●    A desire to collaborate in a dynamic community of teachers and administrators.

●    Excellent interpersonal, writing, and communication skills.

Pay Range:

Bentley uses a competitive salary scale, which takes into account experience, education, and skill level. The salary scale for this position ranges from $71,611 for teachers with no prior teaching experience to $140,000 for teachers with over 40 years of prior experience.

How to Apply:

Please submit a letter of interest, a CV/resume, and a statement of teaching philosophy that addresses both your approach to working with students and how you approach your classroom practice.  A list with the names and contact information of three (3) references should also be included. No phone calls, please.

Bentley School is an equal opportunity employer and seeks rich diversity among faculty and administration. Bentley School offers equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and all employees without regard to sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender, race, color, caste, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, religion, religious creed, sexual orientation, age, marital status, military or veteran status, genetic characteristic or genetic information, physical or mental disability, medical condition, citizenship, medical leave or other types of protected leave, domestic violence victim status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.  An applicant who does not meet the minimum qualifications of the position(s) for which the applicant applies will not be considered for employment. If you need a reasonable accommodation to apply or interview for the position, or otherwise participate in the hiring process, please notify Human Resources. 

Salary : $71,611 - $140,000