MakerSpace Educator

Center City Public Charter Schools (Center City PCS) empower our students for lifelong success by building strong character, promoting academic excellence, and generating public service throughout Washington D.C. In this endeavor we are committed to attracting, developing, and retaining one of the best faculties in the District. Center City staff are teachers, mentors, and leaders, and they play an important role in ensuring each of our students maximize their potential. Our network serves over 1,400 students annually at our six campuses, located across the District, with a staff of over 250 dedicated individuals.

The Makerspace at Center City PCS provides curiosity-driven learning experiences that will have a lasting impact on our students. Through maker-centered learning, we connect personal passion with career and entrepreneurship opportunities, empowering the next generation of innovators and creators. Serving 6 campuses and 1,400+ students, The Makerspace aims to teach and show that everyone can be a maker.

Job Description/Position Overview

The Makerspace at Center City is looking for a dynamic, creative, and community driven Maker Educator to join us in teaching and developing programming at our newly built Makerspace facility. The Maker Educator will co-develop and teach makerspace programming, with principal responsibility for leading learning experiences with students PreK-8th infusing hands-on, project-based learning within existing curricula and district structures. This position requires STEAM/Maker content knowledge and willingness to develop pedagogy expertise. Willingness to be adaptable and flexible is required in this position as programs and experiences will be new for all of our students and teachers. The successful candidate will develop, teach and iterate student experiences and programs, build healthy and trusting relationships that foster a sense of creativity, and support community events throughout the year.

The Maker Educator will collaborate with the Director of Operations and the Manager of Maker Learning as well as Science Curriculum & Instruction Specialists to develop and teach developmentally coherent programming for Maker education across PK-8 throughout Center City. This role will have the opportunity to teach and develop programs that align with Center City’s mission, vision, existing curricula, and strategic direction. Familiarity and experience with Next Generation Science Standards, Project-Based Learning, Education Technology and general knowledge of the Maker movement is preferred.

Areas of Responsibility

• Lead groups of 15-30 K-8th grade students in an active, hands-on learning on-site at the Makerspace and at Center City Campus’ across DC
• Foster an inclusive learning environment that prioritizes student safety, engagement and empowerment
• Develop learning experiences for K-8 students, using a variety of tools, materials and technologies including but not limited to: laser cutters, 3D printers, sewing machines, vinyl cutters, ceramics kiln, wood tools, coding software, robotics and electronics
• Requirement to be certified in all lab equipment and technology
• Participate in professional development to enhance skill sets, and deepen your own teaching practice and pedagogical knowledge in maker education and education technologies
• Maintain the organization and cleanliness of various labs and workspaces
• Participate in community events throughout the year (some evenings and weekends required)
• Contribute to the development and revision of engaging content and curriculum
• Participate in First Aid training and certification program

This description is intended to describe the type of work being performed by a person assigned to this position. It is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities required by the

Education, Experience and Required Skills

• Demonstrated commitment to closing the opportunity gap and a deep belief that all students can learn
• Bachelor's Degree required (preferably in Math, Science, technical education or a related field)
• At least 5 years of teaching experience, in an urban environment with demonstrated results in increasing student achievement
• Familiarity and experience working in a creative arts environment or hands-on workshop that includes the safe use of fabrication machines and hand tools
• Familiarity with educational technology including, but not limited to science lab equipment, robotics, computer science software/hardware, 3D-printing, laser cutting, and multimedia production tools
• Familiarity and experience working in an interdisciplinary arts/science education program
• Familiarity and experience with Next Generation Science Standards, Project-Based Learning, Education Technology and general knowledge of the Maker movement is preferred
• Experience working with organizing and producing public and community events
• Ability to develop collaborative and trusting relationships with teachers and colleagues

Qualifications

• Degree required: Bachelors
• Years of experience required/preferred: 5
• References that reflect high standing with past employer
• Able to lift up to 10 pounds and able to stand for long hours
• Must be able to show proof of full vaccination for COVID-19

Benefits

Center City PCS offers the following benefits to all full-time employees.

• Medical, Dental and Vision insurance premiums subsidized by employer
• 401k Retirement Plan with employer match
• Pre-tax Flexible Spending Accounts
• Life and Disability Insurance
• Paid sick and personal time off

This description is intended to describe the type of work being performed by a person assigned to this position. It is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities required by the employee.

Center City PCS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Center City PCS is an anti-racist organization that believes in the importance of being diverse, equitable, and inclusive. We believe that enables us to better meet our mission and values while serving students and families throughout Washington, DC. BIPOC, women, gender expansive, LGBTQIA+, veterans, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

For more information about our schools, please visit our website www.centercitypcs.org.