Rockwern Academy, Cincinnati’s pluralistic Jewish Day School, is looking for a K - 8 STEAM lead teacher and program coordinator to begin in August. This teacher will also teach one section of fourth-grade math.

Who are we? 

Rockwern Academy’s mission is to expand minds, celebrate Judaism, nurture community, and commit to building a better world. An exceptional student-teacher ratio allows us to value each student as a true individual, discovering what gives them their inner spark. The school serves toddlers through eighth graders.

Rockwern is especially proud of its STEAM program and its newly built Curiosity Center, a 3,500-square-foot space located in the school that includes activity stations with LEGOs, robotics, audio-visual equipment, 3D printing, a Glowforge, and traditional crafting materials. 

Qualified applicants will have an Ohio teaching certificate (or be willing to obtain certification) and preferably a master’s degree. We especially welcome candidates with teaching experience in a STEAM-related discipline. Ideal candidates will have experience leading professional development, creating and managing learning experiences in museums, makerspaces, or other similar environments, and marketing educational programming to various constituencies.

Teaching responsibilities will fit into four days a week, with planning bells and time for coordinator responsibilities each day. One day each week when classes are not scheduled, there will be some flexibility for remote work. This position may be year-round or school-year.

Knowledge of Judaism is not required, and candidates of all experience and backgrounds are encouraged to apply. 

Objective

To support the school’s mission and offer a superior education by providing direct and differentiated instruction to children according to current best educational practices, as together we: 

• Inspire a lifelong love of learning

• Create a more compassionate world by focusing on social-emotional learning 

• Nurture our powerful sense of community, fostering strong relationships between students of all ages, teachers, staff, and families

• Inspire curiosity as we equip our students with critical thinking and problem-solving tools.

Reporting Relationship

The position is responsible to the Principal for teaching responsibilities and the Head of School for coordinator responsibilities. 

Teaching Responsibilities

1. Create and maintain a safe, organized, fair, effective, and inviting classroom that reflects the teacher’s awareness of students’ physical, social, and intellectual development and needs

2. Prepare and follow math and STEAM lesson plans that mirror the curriculum and support desired learning, adapting as appropriate

3. Manage classroom behavior in a positive and supportive manner

4. Present curricular material in a clear, fresh, and relevant manner, using various media, activities, and groupings

5. Identify and implement opportunities for multi-disciplinary project-based learning

6. Prepare and maintain materials and supplies that enhance learning

7. Individualize instruction to meet students’ needs:

   1. Learn students’ preferred learning modalities, current understandings, and skill levels 

   2. Work to close gaps in learning

   3. Seek additional resources

   4. Encourage students to help one another

   5. Create time to work individually with children

8. Design assessments that are reasonable and valid measures of student progress and understanding

9. Demonstrate consistency in grading and return graded materials promptly

10. Use assessment results to improve/refine instructional practice

11. Post relevant, accurate, and timely information to Rockwern’s Learning Management System

12. Provide bi-weekly grade-level communication to parents that highlights subject area content

13. Contribute, when asked, to the weekly e-newsletter or other communication or marketing vehicles

Coordinator Responsibilities

1. Be knowledgeable about the tools in The Curiosity Center (e.g. Glowforge, 3-D printers, various robots, digital recording and editing equipment and software) and educate and empower other teachers to use it

2. Offer professional development related to STEAM education to Rockwern teachers and outside educators

3. In partnership with the Head of School, work with other local Jewish institutions so that the Center can be a resource to them as well

4. Market The Curiosity Center both internally and externally to the greater Cincinnati community, including but not limited to writing about it and participating in public events where the Center is showcased

5. Consider offering and developing content for field trips for schools and other groups to visit The Curiosity Center

6. In collaboration with school administration, develop robust after-school programming and school break options in The Curiosity Center, either taught by Rockwern staff or outsourced to outside providers

7. Research and make recommendations regarding best practices in STEAM education

8. Educate faculty regarding opportunities to utilize The Curiosity Center and incorporate design thinking in their curriculum.

Professionalism

1. Suggest improvements in curriculum, assessment, policies, practices, etc.

2. Attend all required events; attend extra-curricular activities and PTO functions when possible

3. Assume responsibility for own professional development, exhibiting commitment to lifelong learning

4. Use an Individualized Professional Development Plan to communicate goals and objectives

5. Seek out and attend workshops, seminars, etc. that contribute to professional goals and enhance practice

6. Maintain all pertinent documentation relevant to Rockwern Academy’s required 8 hours of professional development activities yearly and for state licensure, if applicable

7. Demonstrate commitment to teamwork and collegiality by helping others and accepting suggestions for improvement