Design/Makers Lab Teacher- Aspen Middle School 2026/2027 School Year

Design/Makers Lab Teacher- Aspen Middle School

Position Title: Design/Makers Lab Teacher

Department: Aspen Middle School

Reports to: Middle School Principal

Classification: Certified Full-time Exempt

Contract Period: 9 Month (185 days with some variance depending on the year)

Compensation: Certified Salary Schedule

-For the 2026–2027 academic year, all new hires are eligible for a $1,500.00 signing bonus. Please note that this recruitment incentive will be prorated based on the individual’s FTE (Full-Time Equivalent) status.-

ASD offers district-funded employee and dependent health benefits including medical, vision, dental, and life insurance to benefit-eligible employees. Other benefits include (as eligible): paid leave, CO PERA (pension plan) enrollment with district contribution, TSA options, free transportation for employees from Carbondale to Aspen, employee assistance program, wellness program, and supplemental insurance (i.e. cancer, disability, etc).

Position Summary

Aspen Middle School includes students in grades 5-8 and is entering our second year in the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program.

We are seeking a unique candidate who has  both the heart of a teacher, and a deep knowledge about design thinking, 2D & 3D design, STEAM, building,  coding, engineering, project-based learning and tinkering. This candidate has a passion for igniting children's  curiosity, and also loves inspiring teachers to move outside of their comfort zones.  

The Design Maker’s Lab Teacher reports to the Principal and consults closely with teachers across the middle school.

Position Responsibilities

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

PART 1: DESIGN-Maker’s Lab Teacher: Teach weekly classes, and support Maker’s Lab Club at lunch/recess.

• Develop and teach design classes for 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th Grade. 
• Supervise lunch/recess student interest Design/Maker Club
• Post class assignments for students, maintain a gradebook and write progress reports & report cards in alignment with IB Assessment and 
• Attend faculty meetings, all-school events and perform weekly lunch, recess, and  duty obligations. 

PART 2: DESIGN LAB MANAGER: Develop, manage and maintain Design Lab classroom and materials.  

• Possess a working knowledge of tools, equipment, and lab safety 
• Purchase and maintain appropriate tools and supplies for Design Makers Lab and classrooms
• Manage inventory and handling of materials and consumables 
• Maintain a clean and organized lab and project storage space 
• Perform equipment and facilities repairs and preventative maintenance 
• Manage Design Lab calendar and equipment use 

PART 3: CURRICULUM INTEGRATION & FACULTY SUPPORT: Collaborate with faculty to create projects  and curriculum that integrate project-based learning, design thinking and Maker/STEAM and Core Academics.  

• Work with grade level teaching teams (5th-8th) to design project based learning units that bring the "real world" into the classroom. 
• Work alongside grade level teaching teams to integrate Design Thinking into pre-existing units.
• Integrate 21st century technology seamlessly into Design Thinking projects (3D Printing, Coding etc.)
• Connect Making and Design Thinking with our school mission and IB implementation. 
• Pursue appropriate professional development and remain abreast of changes in education
• Incorporate Outdoor Education Program into the Makers space as appropriate.

GENERAL SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND APTITUDES:  

• Bachelor degree required, preferably in Design Engineering / Design Technology / Mechanical Design/ Art or Education. 
• Teaching credential or masters degree strongly preferred.
• Energetic, patient and inspiring teacher and leader. 
• Experience with implementing technology and multimedia in the classroom. 
• Knowledge of and/or experience in IB schools or Outdoor Education Programs. 
• Clear alignment with institutional objectives, strategies and goals. 
• Highly collaborative and team-oriented style. 
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills. 
• Excellent organizational skills and experience managing multiple priorities and deadlines (i.e. student comments, grades). 
• A proven commitment to the development of young people as individual learners.
• Interest in curriculum development within and across disciplines. 
• Knowledge of and background in a range of technological areas such as 3D printing, maker projects, computer-aided design, On-Shape, academic and administrative computing including programming languages. 
• Respect and understanding for the educational needs of 5-8 grade students
• Passion and knowledge about the use of technologies to support creative, innovative and engaged learning. 
• Ability to collaborate, to be a team builder and mentor who is skilled at leveraging the talents of others, problem-solving and the ability to harness creativity and translate this into effective curricular programming 
• Relevant industry, job or hobbyist experience with a hands-on approach using maker skills such as woodworking, coding, electronics, sewing, etc. 
• Ability to improvise with the use of hand tools, electronics, computer software, hardware and various other technologies 
• High ethical standards and discretion 
• Experience working in an innovation-oriented setting / nonprofit or classroom setting strongly preferred.
• Ensures full attendance on all contracted workdays as outlined in the employment agreement, including arriving on time and remaining for the entire contracted day.
• Be present and actively engaged during the scheduled workdays according to the school’s academic calendar, observing holidays, breaks, and scheduled professional development days as appropriate.
• Arrive on time for all scheduled workdays and meetings, including the beginning of school, lunch breaks, and any special assignments, ensuring minimal disruption to the academic schedule.
• Notify the appropriate school personnel in advance for any anticipated absences, including following district procedures for requesting leave, and provide documentation when necessary.
• In the event of an absence, ensure that appropriate substitute plans are prepared and submitted in accordance with school policy, facilitating a smooth transition for students.
• Other duties as assigned or necessary.

(The above describes the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals hired into this job. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required. Aspen Middle School reserves the right to change any of this job description based on business/education needs.

Minimum Qualifications

• Candidates must possess a minimum of a Bachelor's degree and a current Colorado initial or professional secondary teaching license; the candidate will need to pursue CTE credentialing upon hiring

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's Degree
• IB MYP and/or DP experience and certification
• CTE credential(s)
• Minimum 5 years teaching at the Middle School level

Work Environment

• Mostly clean and comfortable surroundings
• May be exposed to body fluids

Essential Physical Requirements:

• Frequent lifting of up to 50 lbs., bending, squatting, standing, reaching, sitting, walking, and stooping, occasional climbing, and repetitive motion

Acknowledgement

• This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by this employee. The successful candidate will be required to follow any other instructions and to perform any other related duties as assigned by the Director. The Aspen School District reserves the right to update, revise, or change this job description and related duties at any time. 

Salary : $59,400 - $95,753