SparkLab Leader

Job Title: SparkLab Leader

Department: Curriculum & Instruction / Career and Technical Education

Reports To: School Principal and CTE District Administrator with support from the District SparkNC Implementation Team

Job Summary:

The SparkLab Leader plays a key role in advancing Mooresville Graded School District’s strategic priority to maximize opportunity, expand access to high-tech career pathways, and prepare students for postsecondary success. The SparkLab Leader leads the day-to-day implementation of SparkNC through the SparkLab, a learner-centered, industry-relevant, competency-based learning environment.

SparkNC offers students pathways into high-tech fields such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, software development, data analytics, computer systems engineering, and UX/UI design. Students build these pathways by selecting and completing learning experiences that stack toward competency-based credit while developing portfolios of authentic, real-world work.

This role is intentionally different from a traditional teaching position. The SparkLab Leader does not follow a pacing guide, deliver daily whole-group instruction, or assign letter grades. Instead, the SparkLab Leader serves as a coach, connector, and facilitator of learning, supporting students who move at different paces, pursue different interests, and demonstrate learning through projects and portfolios.

The SparkLab Leader works collaboratively with students, counselors, administrators, district staff, SparkNC staff, industry partners, and grant partners to ensure high-quality implementation and long-term sustainability.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Valid North Carolina teaching license or ability to obtain licensure
• Bachelor’s degree
• Experience working with middle or high school students
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships with students and colleagues

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong understanding of learner-centered and competency-based instructional practices
• Experience in computer science, STEM, CTE, or technology-rich learning environments
• Experience with project-based learning, design thinking, UDL, or personalized learning
• Experience working with community or industry partners

Responsibilities, Duties, and Expectations

• 
  Major Function: Student Learning and Support

• Advise and coach students as they explore SparkNC learning experiences and set personalized goals
• Support students in progressing through learning experiences at their own pace
• Provide timely, individualized feedback on student work and portfolios
• Support students in developing durable skills such as collaboration, communication, problem solving, and adaptability
• Build an inclusive, welcoming, and learner-centered learning environment

• 
  Major Function: Design and Delivery of Learning Experiences

• Design and deliver in-person, blended, and virtual SparkNC learning experiences
• Collaborate with SparkNC staff and SparkLab Leaders across an interdistrict network
• Coordinate experiential learning opportunities such as events, challenges, and industry-connected experiences
• Ensure learning experiences align with SparkNC competencies and district goals

• 
  Major Function: Program Operations and Implementation

• Manage day-to-day operations of the SparkLab during the school day, after school, and summer programming
• Support students in accessing the SparkNC learning platform and required technology
• Collaborate with district technology staff to maintain equipment and troubleshoot issues
• Maintain documentation related to student participation, progress, and credit eligibility
• Verify student learning and competency completion
• Coordinate with district leadership and SparkNC to issue credit when requirements are met
• Support students in building and maintaining digital portfolios

• 
  Major Function: Outreach, Partnerships, and Program Visibility

• Solicit grant funds for program implementation and improvement
• Conduct outreach to students to build awareness of SparkLab opportunities
• Collaborate with counselors and administrators to support informed student participation
• Actively recruit students with attention to populations underrepresented in high-tech fields
• Develop and maintain partnerships with community organizations, higher education institutions, and industry partners
• Host visits from other districts and state, business, education, and government leaders
• Support grant-related activities including site visits and reporting
• Share student work, celebrations, and program impact through approved district channels including social media and board updates

• 
  Major Function: Professional Learning and Collaboration

• Participate in required SparkNC professional learning including virtual PLCs and in-person convenings
• Collaborate regularly with district leadership and SparkNC staff
• Communicate student progress, challenges, and program needs to district leadership

Qualities and Dispositions

• Learner-centered and student-focused
• Life-long learner
• Coach and mentor
• Connector and collaborator
• Inclusive and equity-minded
• Encouraging and supportive
• Problem solver
• Innovative and willing to experiment
• Comfortable with ambiguity and iteration
• Authentically engaged with students and learning

Physical Requirements: The following list includes the physical requirements of the position:

• Ability to operate computers and instructional technology
• Ability to move throughout the SparkLab and school environment
• Ability to lift and move equipment and materials as needed
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and summer sessions

Outcomes and Success Measures: The SparkLab Leader will be evaluated based on impact, including:

• Student engagement and participation in SparkNC
• Quality of student portfolios and demonstrated competencies
• Effective implementation of SparkNC within district structures
• Strength of partnerships and learning experiences
• Feedback from students, district leadership, and SparkNC

Timeline of Employment

• April: Candidate selected and hired
• Spring Quarter 4: Candidate supports planning and launch preparation. Internal candidates will complete the current teaching contract using occasional substitute coverage as needed.

June 1: Official start date for the SparkLab Leader role, which is a 12-month position.