Position Description:
STARBASE Instructor positions combine 5 hours of teaching per day along with curriculum and assessment development with other responsibilities related to STARBASE Minnesota Inc.’s STEM programs and organization. Aptitude in science, math and technology and in developing lessons/curriculum essential; engineering helpful but not required (often learned on the job). Applicants must be licensed teachers in Minnesota, must have a strong passion for teaching/learning STEM and in helping students succeed, have a strong interest in STEM, have an excellent work ethic, and can communicate well with team members and stakeholders. They must enjoy continuous improvement, creativity and innovation in their work.
Position and Start Date: This full-time salaried instructor position (40 hours/week) starts, including initial training, as soon as August. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
Areas of Teacher Licensure may be among the following: Elementary Education K-6; Middle School Science 5-8; Middle School Math 5-8; Secondary Science; STEM Certification; other related. See further information on licensure, see Qualifications below.
Location, Hours, Calendar, Other: STARBASE Minnesota, Inc. - Duluth is located on the 148th Fighter Wing. STARBASE is a year-round program. Regular hours are 7:30-4:00 during the school year. Modified hours in the summer. STARBASE offers excellent benefits and a generous holiday and PTO package.
Duties and Responsibilities:
· Utilizing a variety of instructional strategies that meet the needs of diverse learners and build on students’ natural curiosity to explore, create and problem-solve, teach STARBASE STEM programs to students in grade 5 (and students entering 4-6 for summer program).
· Research, develop and implement cutting edge curriculum in STEM that is reflective of STARBASE Minnesota’s mission and goals, is in alignment with state and national standards, and incorporates effective practices in teaching and learning. Integrate the application of “real world” experiences and help students broaden their awareness of careers.
· Evaluate and continuously improve own instructional methods and strategies, engage in individual and team reflective practice; Evaluate and continuously improve and innovate with STARBASE programs and curriculum based on assessment data, evaluations, observations, customer feedback and bringing in new ideas.
- Utilizing a variety of instructional strategies that meet the needs of diverse learners and build on students’ natural curiosity to explore, create and problem-solve, teach STARBASE STEM programs to students in grade 5 (students entering 4-6 for summer).
- Research, develop and implement cutting edge curriculum in STEM that is reflective of STARBASE Minnesota’s mission and goals, is in alignment with state and national standards, and incorporates effective practices in teaching and learning. Integrate the application of “real world” experiences and help students broaden awareness of careers. Prepare and design curriculum to support nationwide program implementation.
- Evaluate and continuously improve own instructional methods and strategies, engage in individual and team reflective practice; Evaluate and continuously improve and innovate with STARBASE programs and curriculum based on assessment data, evaluations, observations, feedback, and bringing in new ideas.
- Develop and/or continuously improve STEM assessments by analyzing pre and post test results, teacher evaluations, student surveys, and standards and research.
- Participate in community STEM outreach activities that may include after hours or weekend commitments. (Up to eight shared events per year.)
- Enter and analyze participant and outcome data including growth and attitudes toward STEM. Provide reports as needed.
- Public relations skills – work with teachers, parents, volunteers, corporate and community partners; relay STEM messaging; Provide demonstrations, training and presentations in the community and at STARBASE Board meetings.
- Other non-teaching, program-related projects depending upon candidate’s skills & qualifications. Additional areas of work may be among the following STARBASE areas: educational and computer technologies, graphic design work, volunteer coordination, hosting pre-service educators for field experiences, STARBASE Advanced middle school mentoring program, working with other STEM nonprofits on project, other.
- Excellent skills, interest and/or aptitude in technology and/or strong desire to learn.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree or higher
- Valid Tier 3 or Tier 4 MN teaching license (Elementary Ed, Middle School Math/Science, Secondary Science, STEM, etc.)
- Experienced in curriculum development and evaluation; in STEM curriculum a plus.
- Education, training and/or experience in physical sciences or engineering a plus.
- Skilled or strong interest and aptitude in technology, including computers and a wide range of educational software (CAD, AR/VR, Robotics, etc.)
- Working knowledge of MN State Standards; knowledge of national standards a plus.
- Have an understanding of and appreciation for creating and supporting diverse teams.
- Ability to connect with students and adapt to a variety of learning styles, and/or students who could have limited English speaking or writing skills.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Desire and ability to work well as a member of a collaborative and dynamic team.
- Ability to analyze and interpret data.
STARBASE Minnesota, Inc. is a leading educational nonprofit organization founded in 1993 whose purpose is to inspire and educate youth in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Through engaging, authentic curriculum —designed and implemented by the STARBASE instructor team — combined with state-of-the-art technologies in an exciting, innovative and immersive STEM learning environment, STARBASE programs exemplify the best of educational curriculum and practices programs in high demand by area schools and districts.
STARBASE Minnesota, Inc., - Duluth, provides exciting, innovative, standards-based, five-day, 25-hour STEM programs for area students and schools. STARBASE Duluth is located on the very unique, STEM-immersive backdrop of the 148th Fighter Wing of the MN Air National Guard base. Volunteers from the MN Air National Guard, along with and volunteers from area STEM industries will be involved in various aspects of the program, such as assist in rocket launches, graduation speakers, demo “real world” STEM used in the workplace and more. STARBASE Duluth serves approximately 2,700 fifth grade students annually. Additionally, STARBASE Duluth offers a six-week summer program called STARBASE Explorers, which serves approximately 320 students entering grades fourth through sixth.
To apply visit: https://www.starbasemn.org/duluth/about-us/employment/
Include the following in your applicant packet and submit via email (director contact information found on STARBASE website):
1. STARBASE application (available at link above)
2. cover letter
3. Resume
4. Three (3) letters of recommendation
5. transcripts if recent graduate
6. Copy of MN teaching license
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $46,000.00 - $60,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
Education:
License/Certification:
- MN Teaching License (Required)
Work Location: In person
