STARBASE Program Instructor
The Montana Department of Military Affairs is seeking a STARBASE Program Instructor who has exceptional teaching abilities and strong passion for STEAM education. The mission of STARBASE is to expose our nation’s youth to the technological environments and positive civilian and military role models found on Active, Guard, and Reserve military bases and installations, nurture a winning network of collaborators, and build mutual loyalty within our communities, by providing 25 hours of exemplary hands-on STEAM instruction and activities that meet or exceed the national standards. This program is funded through the Department of Defense, administered by the State of Montana, and is located at Fort Harrison in Helena, MT.
During the school year, STARBASE Fort Harrison instructs ~30 classes for 5 days each (25 hours) of hands-on science, technology, engineering, art/design, and mathematics (STEAM) activities. This is a team-teaching approach with two instructors. Students are primarily 5th-graders and are present at the STARBASE classroom from 9am-2:05pm, Monday-Friday, with teacher prep time available before and after instruction. This position is 40 hours/week and instructors are expected to be on site during the school year. Students are bused to the STARBASE classroom from Helena Public Schools and neighboring rural school districts.
STARBASE staff participate in outreach opportunities, some of which take place during evenings and weekends, and coordinate/execute summer camps in the summer months. STARBASE instructors are expected to actively participate and organize at least two weeks of summer camps in June, with additional outreach in July and August.
Telework is available during school breaks and summer months.
This position is dependent on federal funding.
The following items must be submitted with the online state application form to be considered (be sure to mark your attachments as relevant):
Duties:
- Provides inquiry-based, hands-on classroom instruction that utilizes smart boards, iPads, laptops, robotics, 3-D printing, scientific demonstrations, and more
- Prepares facility and instructional materials for classes
- Interprets and provides classroom instruction per DoD instruction and DoD STARBASE curriculum
- Co-teaches with another STARBASE instructor
- Organizes and manages the classroom, including educational equipment, daily cleaning, and janitorial duties
- Researches, plans, and develops cutting-edge STEAM curriculum that incorporates effective practices in teaching and learning, integrates application of “real world” experiences, and broadens students’ awareness of STEAM careers
- Utilizes a variety of strategies and teaching methods to encourage students’ curiosity and natural desire to experiment and discover
- Evaluates and continuously improves program and curriculum based on assessment data, evaluations, observations, and educator/participant feedback
- Collects, enters, analyzes, and interprets outcome data from student and program evaluations and activities to provide reports
- Assists with and provides presentations and written information to promote community awareness of the STARBASE program
- Assists with developing collaborative partnerships for support of the STARBASE mission and goals
- Plans and carries out outreach events with local/state partners to provide greater visibility to the STARBASE program
o Outreach activities include: STEAM activity nights at schools, STEAM activities with library partners, informational booths, day camps with tribal partners, professional development for teachers, conference attendance, and more
o May include evenings and weekends
- Plans and carries out summer camps in Helena/Fort Harrison and throughout the state with occasional overnight travel
- Participates in yearly professional development, including DoD STARBASE training
- Assists with all other activities deemed necessary by STARBASE Director and performs related work as assigned to fulfill the STARBASE Montana mission
Education and Experience:
- Bachelors degree in either education or a STEM field
Preferred Qualifications:
- 3 or more years of teaching experience
- Montana Class 1 or 2 teaching license
- Experience with hands-on, inquiry-based learning methods
Knowledge, Ability, and Skills:
- Ability to learn and troubleshoot technological devices and equipment
- Ability to plan, teach, and refine lessons in collaboration with another instructor
- Solid understanding of science, technology, engineering, art/design, and mathematics concepts appropriate for elementary, middle school, and sometimes high school levels
- Knowledge of inquiry-based and hands-on learning methods, differentiated instruction, and age-appropriate pedagogy
- Understanding of curriculum design principles, alignment with educational standards, and integration of real-world applications
- Strong classroom teaching and facilitation skills for active, student-centered learning
- Knowledge of techniques to establish a positive, organized, and safe classroom environment
- Ability to learn and comply with applicable DoD and State regulations and STARBASE-specific operational guidelines
- Basic knowledge of facility cleaning standards and safe operation of classroom equipment and lab materials
- Ability to manage educational resources, maintain cleanliness, and ensure a safe learning space
- Ability to teach effectively in non-traditional spaces
- Ability to adapt lessons to changes in class size, different age ranges, or student abilities
- Ability to manage student group sizes of 1-35
- Ability to work evenings, weekends, and overnight travel as needed for events and camps (~10% of the time)
- Ability to participate in and apply new knowledge gained from training opportunities
- Excellent teamwork, relationship-building, and communication skills for working with students, staff, families, and partners
- Reliability and commitment to the STARBASE mission
Typical Work Environment:
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Classroom environment located at Fort Harrison, Helena
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Must be able to work physically on-site at the military installation during the school year
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This position performs outreach to communities throughout Montana with occasional overnight travel
Condition of Employment:
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Must pass a fingerprint check and background check in accordance with DoDI 1402.05
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Must have a valid driver's license and good driving record
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100% federally funded position through Department of Defense
Telework:
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Telework available during summer and school breaks, per supervisor approval
Travel:
Applicant Pool Statement: If another department vacancy occurs in this job title within six months, the same applicant pool may be used for the selection.
Training Assignment: This agency may use a training assignment. Employees in training assignments may be paid below the base pay established by the agency pay rules. Conditions of the training assignment will be stated in writing at the time of hire.
Salary: $ 67,267.20 - 67,267.20 Yearly
Telework Eligibility: Telework Eligible (Full-time telework is not available. Telework schedule must be supervisor approved.)
Benefits Package Eligibility: Health Insurance, Paid Leave & Holidays, Retirement Plan
