What are the responsibilities and job description for the Part Time Makerspace Driver/Youth Development Instructor (YDI) position at Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Joseph County?
Summary:
The Part Time Makerspace YDI at Boys & Girls Clubs of the Northern Indiana Corridor (BGCNIC) plays a pivotal role in fostering a passion for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) among children and youth. This position is responsible for driving our pickup truck hauling the RV that has been retrofitted to a STEM Makerspace lab. After driving the RV to one of our sites, the Makerspace YDI will then coordinate and facilitate engaging hands-on STEM activities and projects within the makerspace environment. The Makerspace YDI collaborates with our other Makerspace YDI, Makerspace Program Director, community partners, and Club staff to create a dynamic and inclusive learning experience that promotes creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. The ideal candidate has a strong STEM background, experience working with children, and a passion for inspiring young minds in STEM fields.
BGCNIC serves 3,000 children ages five to 18 at 35 sites across northern Indiana through summer and before and after-care programming, with a strong focus on social and emotional learning, college and workforce readiness, and academic enrichment to ensure every child has a chance to meet his or her potential.
Essential Functions:
- Safely drive our pickup truck hauling which hauls our RV Makerspace to sites based on a predetermined schedule.
- Collaborate with Makerspace YDI, Makerspace Program Director, community partners, and Club staff to develop and coordinate engaging STEM activities and projects within the makerspace, particularly the Future Lab Makerspace at the Portage School of Leaders.
- Facilitate hands-on STEM lessons and projects aligned with age-appropriate curriculum goals, promoting creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
- Coordinate schedules and logistics for makerspace activities, ensuring the availability of necessary materials, resources, and volunteer support.
- Create a welcoming and inclusive environment within the makerspace, where all feel empowered to explore and experiment with STEM concepts and technologies.
- Facilitate and oversee Club members during makerspace activities, providing guidance, support, and encouragement to promote their learning and engagement.
- Adapt STEM activities and projects to meet the diverse learning needs and skill levels of Club members.
- Utilize a variety of tools, technologies, and materials within the makerspace, fostering creativity and innovation among Club members.
- Monitor and assess the progress and engagement of Club members during makerspace activities, providing individualized support and guidance as needed.
- Maintain a safe and organized makerspace environment, adhering to safety protocols and procedures.
- Develop and maintain an inventory of makerspace materials, tools, and resources, ensuring their proper usage, maintenance, and storage.
- Cultivate positive relationships with members and parents/guardians, providing regular updates on makerspace activities and encouraging their involvement in supporting STEM learning at home.
- Collaborate with Club staff to recognize and celebrate Club members' achievements and progress in STEM.
- Participate in professional development opportunities, meetings, and workshops to expand knowledge and skills in STEM education and makerspace management.
- Maintain accurate records of makerspace activities, participant attendance, and project outcomes. Prepare reports as needed to track program effectiveness and impact.
- Comply with all safety and security procedures to ensure a safe and secure environment for Club members.
- Model all BGCNIC and school corporation policies and procedures.
- Communicate concerns to appropriate people, such as school principals and BGCNIC leadership and assist with corrective action plans for any person or site not meeting BGCNIC standards.
- Other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Valid driver’s license and comfortable driving a pickup truck which hauls an RV.
- Education background: A bachelor's degree in a STEM-related field such as science, technology, engineering, or mathematics is highly preferred.
- Teaching experience: Prior experience as an elementary school teacher is highly valuable. Experience in teaching STEM subjects or coordinating STEM programs is particularly relevant. Knowledge of the curriculum standards and teaching methods in elementary STEM education is beneficial.
- Knowledge of makerspace and technology: Familiarity with makerspaces and their integration into the curriculum is important. Proficiency in using various technologies and tools commonly found in makerspaces, such as 3D printers, coding platforms, robotics kits, and electronics components, is essential.
- Leadership and coordination skills: Strong organizational and leadership skills are crucial for overseeing the makerspace lab and coordinating STEM activities. The Makerspace YDI should be able to collaborate effectively with teachers, administrators, and other stakeholders to develop and implement STEM initiatives.
- Creativity and problem-solving skills: The ability to think creatively and encourage innovative thinking among students is important. A Makerspace YDI should be able to design engaging and hands-on activities that foster problem-solving, critical thinking, and teamwork.
- Communication and collaboration: Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, are essential for interacting with students, teachers, parents, and the wider community. The Makerspace YDI should be able to effectively communicate STEM concepts to diverse audiences and collaborate with others to promote STEM education.
- Professional development: Demonstrated commitment to ongoing professional development in STEM education is valuable. Attending workshops, conferences, and staying up-to-date with the latest trends and research in STEM education helps in providing the best educational experiences to students.
- Knowledge of Microsoft Suite
Skills and Abilities:
Must be self-motivated, competitive, creative, personable, and detail-oriented with excellent written and verbal skills. Strong emphasis on solution-based thinking, positivity, and ability to execute. Team player who is ethical, transparent in communication, and treats colleagues, Club members, and their families with the highest level of respect. Must be able to pass any and all required background screens and drug screens at any time.
DISCLAIMER:
The information presented indicates the general nature and level of work expected of employees in this classification. It is not designed to contain, nor to be interpreted as, a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications and objectives required of employees assigned to this job.
The information presented indicates the general nature and level of work expected of employees in this classification. It is not designed to contain, nor to be interpreted as, a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications and objectives required of employees assigned to this job.
