Computational Thinking Teacher & Educational Technology Specialist
Reports to: Director of Research + DesignClassification: Exempt, full-time Beaver Country Day School is an independent day school serving 460 students in grades 6-12, and located in Chestnut Hill, just outside of Boston. Founded in 1920 and propelled by our progressive roots, our goal is to expand the nature of school. With over 40 local and national partnerships, almost daily field trips, a thriving performing and visual arts program, and a best-in-class research and design center, we are able to combine rigorous academics with real-world application, focusing on teaching content combined with experience applying it to current issues. Our athletic program offers first-rate athletic and fitness opportunities that prioritize the whole athlete. The school fosters a joyful environment where students feel confident taking risks and being their authentic selves, where everyone—students and adults alike—feels a sense of belonging, and where teachers have the freedom to innovate and grow alongside their students. About the Position:The Computational Thinking Teacher & Educational Technology Specialist will help maintain momentum and build support for incorporating computational thinking, artificial intelligence, and educational technology into the curriculum in both the Middle and Upper School in an interdisciplinary way, in addition to teaching classes on these topics. Beaver seeks to equip students with an understanding of the inherent capabilities, risks, and limitations of technology so that they can responsibly leverage technology to influence and navigate their world. This position will be part of the Research + Design Team that works to imbue their work throughout the school, in and out of the classroom. Key Responsibilities:
- Teach computational thinking, computer science classes and/or artificial intelligence classes, as well as workshops, professional development sessions, and other formats as needed.
- Develop new course offerings that provide deeper exploration of CT/CS/AI, such as Algorithms and Data Structures, First Principles: NAND to Tetris, and other interdisciplinary applications.
- Collaborate with academic leadership on faculty professional growth opportunities in CT/CS/AI and coordinate opportunities for growth in the CT/CS/AI space, providing exposure, support, and training for tools in the classroom and beyond—and the encouragement for students and faculty to try new things.
- Work with the Director of Technology, the Director of Teaching, Learning, and Innovation, Division Directors, and other key stakeholders to define what CS/CT/AI/EdTech means to Beaver.
- Serve as a member of the Research + Design Team. Support school needs/events hosted on the Research + Design Level, as well as engage in the development and execution of Research + Design programming for students and colleagues.
- Collaborate with other faculty to identify meaningful ways to leverage CS/CT/AI/EdTech to extend and enhance learning goals and incorporate computational thinking concepts into their courses.
- Partner with academic leadership (Division Directors; Director of Teaching, Learning, and Innovation; Chief Engagement and Inclusion Officer; Department Heads, etc.) to help identify needs, priorities, and next practices inCS/CT/AI/EdTech and to shape a mindset about technology that is equitable, empathetic, and flexible.
- Work with students on Student-Directed Projects (SDPs) related to CS/CT/AI/EdTech and projects that include programming in Python, P5, Javascript, Swift, and other programming languages.
- Facilitate conversations with—and collect feedback from— faculty to fully understand their CT/CS/AI experience, needs, and goals.
- Strategic planning to help identify educational technology needs and priorities, as well as evaluate and vet new technologies.
- Serve as an advisor to a small number of students, club advisor, or other student support roles as needed or assigned, and participate in and contribute to the life of the school outside of the department.
- Other responsibilities as assigned.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent in the subject area; A Master’s degree in Computer Science or Educational Technology (or international equivalent) is strongly preferred.
- A strong understanding of emerging technologies, including AI, and their practical, ethical application in teaching and learning.
- At least three years of teaching experience or relevant work preferred
Other Attributes:
- Demonstrated advocacy for equitable technology access/literacy and inquiry-based learning. You should have proven expertise in technology instruction, instructional design, and seamlessly integrating educational technology into the curriculum.
- Experience developing innovative curricula and engaging in pedagogical practices that focus on hands-on experiential learning
- An understanding of independent schools and enthusiasm for Beaver’s mission
- Commitment to professional growth and continuous improvement, including remaining knowledgeable about current instructional and curricular trends
- Experience with diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging practices and commitment to ongoing growth in this area
- Sense of humor
Salary Range:The salary range for this position is $73,000 –$144,000. Please visit our Working at Beaver webpage for information about benefits and more. Beaver Country Day School is an equal-opportunity employer. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, creed, handicap status, national origin, ethnicity, military veteran status, or other legally protected status in hiring or other employment practices.