Career Center

Pace Academy is an independent college preparatory school in Atlanta, GA, with an enrollment of 1,115 students in Pre-First through 12th grade. The school provides a learning environment that cultivates global citizenship, a spirit of service, respect for differences and strong character in its students. Our commitment to a diverse, equitable and inclusive culture is reflected in a community in which differences are embraced, and students, parents, faculty and staff have a sense of belonging.

Pace seeks a Lower School Design Thinking Specialist for the 2022-2023 academic year. The DT Specialist will work with students in a brand-new, state-of-the-art Design Thinking Studio housed in the Kam Memar Lower School, which opened in October 2021. The Lower School is characterized by joy in learning and in discovery amongst students and teachers. The division enrolls 360 students from Pre-First through fifth grade, with three homerooms of approximately 20 students at each grade level. We hire enthusiastic and energetic professionals who are dedicated to teaching and who are passionate about making a difference in the lives of children.

For Design Thinking, we are in search of a special candidate—someone who is highly motivated to do excellent work, but sensitive enough to lead with empathy. Someone who loves children, but is equally adept at collaborating with adults. Someone who is creative enough to be an expert in the field of design and Design Thinking, but who is also able to plan meticulously and follow-up consistently and conscientiously.

The ideal candidate understands the power of putting learning into the hands of students and can imagine how to take an existing curriculum and make it come to life in new and innovative ways. We are looking for someone who has a passion for igniting children's curiosity and talents and who can also collaborate with other teachers to integrate Design Thinking into their curricula and develop student projects together.

If you are equally at home working in a Design Thinking studio, makerspace lab, classroom and on the playground, we've got a spot for you. If you are energized by the thought of having a real impact on our students’ lives, our community and our school's future, we have the perfect position at Pace Academy.

At Pace, we hire culturally competent and responsive candidates who believe in the critical importance of diversity, equity and inclusion in the life of a school and can effectively incorporate those principles in their teaching. Pace actively seeks candidates from historically underrepresented populations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Teach Design Thinking classes to students in grades Pre-First through fifth grade
• Work with grade-level teaching teams, as well as technology, science, and art specialists to design project-based learning units that bring the "real world" into the classroom
• Develop new and innovative grade-level units that align with the Isdell Center for Global Leadership's annual theme and can be implemented in collaboration with teachers at each grade level (examples of past themes: Water, Food, Climate, Conservation, Energy, Waste, Global Health, and Education)
• Integrate new and evolving technology seamlessly into DT projects (3D printing, coding, etc.)
• Collaborate with the Middle School Design Thinking Specialist to design, structure and implement a well coordinated program that builds each
• Develop collaborative partnerships with local/national/global organizations that promote education challenges using DT and/or engineering principles
• Model and reinforce the Noble Knights’ Pillars of Character
• Communicate effectively with parents about their children in a timely manner, and write quarterly reports that summarize the skills and goals of DT
• Communicate the value of DT, and the students’ experience in DT, to Lower School families using a variety of media
• Participate in regular faculty and professional meetings, educational conferences and teacher training workshops
• Attend after-school faculty meetings, evening parent gatherings and weekend admissions events as necessary
• Assist with carpool duties one to two afternoons per week
• Other duties may be assigned

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in design engineering, design technology and/or mechanical design
• Advanced degree in design thinking, strategic design, design and management and/or design leadership strongly preferred
• Successful experience working with children in an innovation-oriented school and/or non-profit setting
• Successful experience collaborating with colleagues from a variety of backgrounds
• Knowledge of and experience with developing units using the Backward Design approach
• Love of young children and their development
• A positive outlook, sense of humor, flexibility and a collaborative, nurturing nature
• Belief in the critical importance of diversity, equity and inclusion in the life of a school so as to foster a sense of belonging
• Adherence with current school policies regarding COVID-19 must be followed, which may include: face masks, vaccination and/or testing requirements

Pace offers a complete benefits package, including medical, dental and vision insurances, a 403(b) plan with a generous match, paid term life and disability insurances, supplemental insurance plans, and Flexible Spending Accounts.

Learn more about the Pace Academy Lower School at: http://www.paceacademy.org/academics/lower-school

Learn more about our Action Plan for Racial Equity at: https://www.paceacademy.org/about/diversity-inclusion/action-plan-for-racial-equity

How to Apply:

Send resume, cover letter, statement of teaching philosophy and list of three references to:  Jobs@PaceAcademy.org.  Please indicate where you learned of this job and your required salary range. 

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer