STEM Educator

POSITION TITLE: STEM Educator

DEPARTMENT: Science Department

REPORTS TO : Head of Upper School

FLSA: Exempt

TERM: 10 months

School Overview:

Nansemond-Suffolk Academy is an independent coeducational, college preparatory day school serving grades PreKindergarten – 12 at our main campus and Pre-K – Grade 3 at our Harbour View campus. Founded in 1966, the school has a current enrollment of approximately 900 students, 175 employees, and sits on two campuses, a 100-acre campus and a 3-acre campus, both located in Suffolk, Virginia. Nansemond-Suffolk Academy is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and the Virginia Association of Independent Schools.

Job Summary:

This individual will work with the Department Heads, instructional faculty and staff to model integrative STEM Education, oversee the state-of-the-art STEM Innovation Lab and grow NSA’s STEM Program. The successful candidate will collaborate with faculty across all three divisions - Lower, Middle and Upper School and in multiple STEM content areas.

Essential Functions: 

• Teach STEM and Project Lead the Way (PLTW) courses to Upper School, as well as support integrative STEM instruction in the Middle School, and Lower School, as needed

• Collaborate with fellow faculty members to integrate STEM education throughout NSA’s curriculum

• Model the STEM curriculum for faculty, staff, parents and other community members

• Collaborate and co-teach lessons and activities with NSA faculty and students that utilize the Lab

• Maintain and operate the STEM Innovation Lab

• Mentor students on individual projects in the STEM Innovation Lab

• Oversee the fabrication of class projects in the STEM Innovation Lab

• Direct the STEM internship program and students’ productivity

• Ensure the safety of students in the STEM Innovation Lab

• Actively seek out (and maintain) partnerships around the Commonwealth and the Hampton-Roads region to advance STEM offerings and opportunities for our learning community

• Develop new programs and partnerships to bolster NSA’s STEM programs working collaboratively with the Head of School, Department Heads and Directors, instructional faculty and staff

• Work with the Communications Director to market and promote STEM activities

• Troubleshoot technical equipment

• Perform other duties as assigned

Required Education/Background:

• A bachelor’s degree in computer science, education, engineering or related field from an accredited College or University. A master’s degree in STEM Education with CTE (Career Tech Educator) or certification to teach Project Lead the Way courses (PLTW) (i.e., Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics or Manufacturing) is preferred.

• Applied experience in STEM areas such as, engineering design, engineering and technology, additive and subtractive manufacturing, computer science and design-thinking, etc.

• Experience with design software (e.g. CAD programs like SolidWorks, Fusion 360, Adobe Illustrator, etc.) and hardware (e.g., FDM & SLA 3D printers, laser cutting, vacuum forming, injection molding, 3D scanning, as well as manufacturing with CNC Router, mill, and lathe machines)

• Ability to instruct students from all three schools (Lower School, Middle School, and Upper School) with developmentally-appropriate skills and pedagogy

• Experience troubleshooting technical equipment

• Strong oral and written communication skills and the ability to maintain a positive, collaborative working relationship with faculty, staff, students, parents and administration

• Proficient use of instructional technology in the classroom, including use of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and the use of SmartBoards and digital projectors

• 5+ years successfully teaching in a K-12 environment ● Ability to adapt quickly and effectively to new and evolving technology

• Exhibit innovation and vision in processing information related to this role

• Prior successful experience managing and motivating people.

• Experience in instructional technology, instructional design or educational technology.

Required Skills:

• Possess a strong educational and experiential background in STEM education and technology.

• Demonstrated experience using technology and STEM lab equipment; Experience with G Suite for Education Apps and Blackbaud, preferred.

• Excellent organizational and communication skills and be able to attend to detail.

• Ability to multi-task and meet deadlines.

Nansemond-Suffolk Academy offers a competitive salary, health, retirement, disability and life insurance benefits. Qualified applicants shall submit a letter of interest, resume with references, and completed NSA employment application (form posted online) to Amy Morrell, Executive Administrator, Office of the Head of School, at amorrell@nsacademy.org, for further consideration. Salary commensurate with experience. At Nansemond-Suffolk Academy, students are engaged in personal growth, inspired to discover their passion and empowered to make a difference in the world.