Career Center

Friends Seminary, an independent Quaker school educating students in grades K-12 in New York City since 1786, seeks a Middle School teacher for the Creative Computing program to join the faculty in August 2022 as a member of the Department of Computer Science, Engineering and Design. In Middle School, Creative Computing happens in semester-long classes for each grade. The curriculum at each level is fluid and student driven, but stands firmly upon elements of design thinking, especially empathy and curiosity in understanding a challenge, creativity and prototyping at the solutions stage, and iterative thinking and learning from failure in order to strengthen final products. These engineering mindsets are practiced in high and low tech contexts and emphasis is placed on hands-on experiences. Students have access to individual computing devices and a variety of ‘maker’ type tools, such as 3D printers and laser cutters, as well as more traditional materials such as fabric and wood. 

The successful candidate will have experience with Middle School aged children and a passion for a hands-on, learn-by-doing environment which has characterized a Friends education since the late 19th century when “shop” became a required class in the Middle School. Educators with prior experience in classroom technology support or ed tech integration are encouraged to apply. Friends will also be naming a Department Chair for Computer Science, Engineering and Design, and candidates with leadership interest and experience are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

• Design, collaboratively plan and teach Creative Computing classes for students in grades 5-8 that emphasize creative problem-solving with computer science and robotics, as well as low tech formats such as fibers or recycled materials
  
• Collaborate with teachers in all subjects to integrate design thinking into their existing curricula or to develop new curricula
  
• Plan for and work to increase participation from underrepresented groups in computer science, engineering and design programs
  
• Identify opportunities to collaborate across disciplines with an emphasis on computer science, engineering and design
  
• Work closely with the other teachers of computer science, engineering and design to create a seamless K-12 curricular program
  
• Work to design, develop and program co-curricular activities related to the core curriculum, including club offerings in robotics, coding and 3D building; the annual Maker Day festival; and/or competitive engineering and computer science teams
  
• Serve as a Middle School advisor and club leader

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required, Master’s degree strongly preferred
  
• 3-5 years of teaching experience
  
• Interest and experience working with Middle School aged students
  
• Commitment to increasing participation from underrepresented groups in STEM fields
  
• Commitment to the School’s mission and the Quaker values which underpin it

Desired Qualifications

• Experience developing curricula
  
• Experience working with Google Apps and Learning Management systems
  
• Creative and self-driven technologist, tinkerer and educator
  
• Experience with programming, robotics and 3D design technologies, preferably Scratch, Arduino and Tinkercad
  

• Interest and experience in creating maker environments conducive to tinkering, designing and innovation
  
• Commitment to creating a safe, respectful and dynamic environment for students to learn and grow

Friends Seminary reserves the right to require all employees to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 as current and future health and safety guidelines are adopted by the School. All employees will be required to be tested for COVID-19 as the School deems necessary to protect our community and those around us.

To apply: Interested candidates must submit a completed Friends Seminary Employment Application, Cover Letter, Resume, Statement of Educational Philosophy and contact information for three references to jobs@friendsseminary.org. When submitting your required documents, kindly reference in the subject line: your first and last name, the position you are applying for and where you heard about the position, i.e: Smith, John – MS Technology Integrator - Friends Website. You will receive a confirmation email when you submit your application online. No phone calls, please.

Friends Seminary actively promotes diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism in all its programs and operations, including admissions, financial aid, hiring, and all facets of the educational experience. To form a community which strives to reflect the world’s diversity, we do not discriminate on the basis of race or color, religion, nationality, ethnicity, economic background, physical ability, sex, gender identity or expression, or sexual orientation. Friends Seminary is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates of color and members of other underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply. We urge all applicants to identify and express their individuality and the ways in which they might enrich and diversify the school community.

Moreover, all successful applicants, whether for a faculty or administrative staff post, must demonstrate an ongoing commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism in their professional lives. Applicants for a faculty position should highlight ways their curriculum, pedagogy, and classroom culture may advance these goals. Applicants for an administrative staff position should highlight ways they seek to promote these goals in their office work, programming, or operational endeavors.