High School STEM Research Teacher/Director

Job Description

ABOUT THE POSITION

The Ingenuity Research Director is responsible for leading introductory research courses for sophomores to advanced mentorship and guidance for juniors and seniors engaged in independent research projects. Primary responsibilities include teaching STEM research skills and guiding students through 18 month independent research projects that culminate in a senior research club focused on competition preparations. The role also requires curriculum development, overseeing student research progress over the summer, and organizing a summer research bootcamp.

The Ingenuity Research Director reports to the Deputy Director and is part of the organization’s High School team at Baltimore Polytechnic Institute (Poly). The Research Director collaborates with Ingenuity and Poly teachers and staff to achieve the goals of the research program.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in science, math, computer science, engineering, or related field. Master’s Degree preferred but not required.
• Previous experience teaching or mentoring high school students or coordinating STEM learning experiences and competitions for high school students.
• Experience conducting research in a lab setting or working on projects involving software development, data science/statistics, or applied mathematics, preferred.
• Experience preparing for and submitting research for competition and publication, preferred.
• Knowledge of or experience within Baltimore City and Baltimore City Public Schools preferred.
• Generally, just be awesome-sauce to be around.
  
  

What You’ll Do

• General Teaching Duties
• Develops or refines a well-organized syllabus aligned with Ingenuity’s research program goals that is shared with parents, students, and the program team at the start of the school year.
• Plans for and teaches engaging lessons.
• Provides frequent and timely feedback to students on tests, quizzes, classwork and homework.
• Records grades and attendance online according to the district and school grading policies.
• Communicates progress (successes and challenges) with students, families, and Deputy Director.
• Expects students to complete homework and provide opportunities for make up or late work as outlined within your course syllabus.
• Works with the Deputy Director to identify field trips and guest speakers to support the class’ goals.
• Utilizes external resources and Ingenuity staff to support student needs and interests (trips, speakers, mentoring, tutoring)
• Agrees to annual observations with the Deputy Director or designee.
• Communicates research expectations and responsibilities through Research Information Sessions and after-school meetings as needed.
• Teaches the Sophomore Introduction to Scientific Research Course
• The goal of this course is to expose students to STEM careers, areas of STEM research, and common methods used in those fields. Prepare students to identify their STEM interest that will jumpstart their independent research project in their junior year.
• This is a one-quarter course spread throughout the school year. There are three sections of the class that meet approximately 4 days a month.
• The Research Director coordinates teaching days, schedules, and student assignments with the chemistry teacher who teaches the remaining three-quarters of the course.
• Supports the Sophomore Mentor/Advisor Search Process (Spring Semester)
• Works with the Deputy Director to ensure students pursuing Ingenuity’s Research Practicum fit the required criteria.
• Assists the Deputy Director in the off-site mentor and on-site advisor search by facilitating meetings between potential mentors and students.
• Oversees Junior On and Off-Site Research Practicums
• The goal of the course is for students to conduct an independent research project either with the guidance of an off-site mentor or onsite with guidance from content advisors and the Research Director.
• Leads instruction every Monday to develop student’s skills in science communication, oral and written work, and technical writing.
• Conducts individual or group biweekly meetings with all students (Tuesday - Friday).
• Manages mentor and advisor relationships with students and keeps the Deputy Director up to date on concerns and progress.
• Prepares students to present their posters at Ingenuity’s May STEM Research Symposium.
• Leads the Senior Research Class
• The goal of this class is to guide students to complete their research papers and supplemental material for STEM competitions and foster strong science communication and presentation skills.
• Writes educator recommendations for students applying to Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS).
• Accompanies students to some STEM competitions.
• Summer Responsibilities
• Organize and oversee individual and group meetings with rising juniors starting their research practicums, and rising seniors completing their projects.
• Organize and oversee Research Bootcamp in August and ensure students are prepared for the upcoming school year.
  

Keys to Your Success

• Possess a genuine love and a deep respect for young, talented students from culturally and economically diverse populations.
• Foster inclusivity by building strong relationships with students, honoring diverse perspectives, and modeling values that inspire curiosity, collaboration, and a passion for excellence.
• Set ambitious, results-driven goals and anticipate challenges with proactive, practical solutions.
• Show a commitment to racial equity and social justice by recognizing and addressing disparities, welcoming feedback, and continuously learning.
• Embrace opportunities to prepare students from all backgrounds to achieve competitive levels in STEM.
  
  

Additional Notes: Work is mostly performed in the school, however there is flexibility to work from home when planning instruction and grading. This position may require occasional evenings and weekends. There will be travel to meetings and visits to other sites within the district. Travel beyond one location in a day is reimbursed.

Benefits and Compensation: Salaries are commensurate with experience and Baltimore City’s Salary Structure and ranges from $70,000 - 90,000. Positions employed by The Ingenuity Project receive comprehensive benefits including health care, health savings account, vision, dental, life and disability insurance, and matched 403B retirement plans.

The Ingenuity Project is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a diverse workforce. We celebrate and value diversity of thought and background, including persons of different race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, and abilities.

Company Description

The Ingenuity Project is a long-standing 501c3 nonprofit offering advanced math, science, and research programs preparing the next diverse generation of nationally competitive STEM leaders from Baltimore City Public Schools. The mission of The Ingenuity Project is to prepare and launch the next diverse generation of nationally competitive STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) leaders from Baltimore City Public Schools. Our vision is to educate and support a diverse cohort of Baltimore City students for seven years (grade 6-12) through an advanced, socially responsible STEM curriculum and leadership program that cultivates a passion for excellence, deep sense of curiosity, and strong desire to innovate and change systems for the greater good.

In everything we do, we model Ingenuity’s core values for STEM leadership:

• nurture a passion for excellence, not perfectionism;
• cultivate curiosity about others and the world around us;
• encourage innovation through taking risks and embracing new opportunities;
• expect collaboration where we listen to and share the spotlight with others;
• foster inclusivity that honors the interests and perspectives of others from different cultures, identities and backgrounds.
  
  

The Ingenuity Project is a long-standing 501c3 nonprofit offering advanced math, science, and research programs preparing the next diverse generation of nationally competitive STEM leaders from Baltimore City Public Schools. The mission of The Ingenuity Project is to prepare and launch the next diverse generation of nationally competitive STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) leaders from Baltimore City Public Schools. Our vision is to educate and support a diverse cohort of Baltimore City students for seven years (grade 6-12) through an advanced, socially responsible STEM curriculum and leadership program that cultivates a passion for excellence, deep sense of curiosity, and strong desire to innovate and change systems for the greater good. In everything we do, we model Ingenuity’s core values for STEM leadership: - nurture a passion for excellence, not perfectionism; - cultivate curiosity about others and the world around us; - encourage innovation through taking risks and embracing new opportunities; - expect collaboration where we listen to and share the spotlight with others; - foster inclusivity that honors the interests and perspectives of others from different cultures, identities and backgrounds.