What are the responsibilities and job description for the Lower School Innovation Teacher position at The Village School of Naples, Inc.?
Description
The Village School of Naples is seeking a creative and forward-thinking Lower School Innovation Teacher for the 2025-2026 School Year to inspire young learners through STEM, design thinking, coding, and hands-on problem-solving. This role is ideal for an educator passionate about project-based learning, makerspaces, and technology integration. The Innovation Teacher will help students develop essential 21st-century skills such as critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and creativity.
Key Responsibilities:
- Design and implement an engaging, hands-on innovation curriculum that integrates STEM, coding, robotics, engineering, and design thinking.
- Create a dynamic makerspace environment where students can explore problem-solving, prototyping, and creative expression.
- Teach students computational thinking, digital literacy, and foundational programming skills using tools such as Scratch, LEGO robotics, Makey Makey, and other age-appropriate platforms.
- Guide students through inquiry-based projects and challenges that encourage innovation and real-world problem-solving.
- Collaborate with classroom teachers, specialists, and administrators to integrate design thinking and technology into core subjects.
- Support school-wide STEM initiatives, competitions, and interdisciplinary projects.
- Foster a culture of experimentation, iteration, and resilience in the learning process.
- Stay current on emerging educational technology trends and best practices for innovation in the classroom.
- Manage and maintain makerspace materials, tools, and technology resources.
- Communicate effectively with students, parents, and faculty to showcase student learning and progress.
- Build a trusting, understanding, and caring relationship with the students
- Model Christ Skills, emphasizing this conduct model in all areas at all times
- Understanding of 21st-century classroom practices
- Sustain ongoing communication between parents and school, including conferences when necessary
- Support the mission and vision of the school’s learning philosophy
- Attend required faculty meetings, events, and training
- Maintain and follow daily routines and schedules
- Other duties may be assigned by the Head of School or Division Head
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Education, STEM, Instructional Technology, or a related field (Master’s preferred).
- Experience teaching innovation, STEM, technology, or makerspace-based learning at the elementary level.
- Knowledge of design thinking, project-based learning, and inquiry-driven instruction.
- Experience with coding (Scratch, Python, robotics), engineering challenges, and hands-on digital fabrication tools.
- Passion for student-centered learning, collaboration, and creativity.
- Strong classroom management skills in a flexible, hands-on environment.
- Ability to differentiate instruction to meet the needs of diverse learners.
- Experience in an independent school setting is a plus.
- Candidates must be able to articulate their faith and support the school’s Christian environment.
- Physically, the position of the teacher requires sitting, walking, and standing.
