SparkLab Leader for the 2026-2027 School Year

NATURE OF WORK: 

Lead and manage the implementation of the SparkNC initiative at White Oak High School, guiding students in the exploration of high-tech career pathways in areas such as artificial intelligence, software and game development, computer systems engineering, and cybersecurity. The SparkLab Leader operates a modern, learner-centered lab environment, designs and delivers competency-based learning experiences, and serves as a collaborative partner within SparkNC's statewide interdistrict network.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Working knowledge of emerging high-tech fields, including artificial intelligence, software development, cybersecurity, and computer systems engineering.
• Ability to support self-directed, learner-centered, and competency-based learning environments.
• Ability to design and deliver engaging learning experiences in in-person, blended, and virtual formats.
• Ability to build and maintain relationships with industry partners, community organizations, and post-secondary institutions.
• Ability to provide iterative, personalized feedback to students and support the development of student portfolios.
• Ability to conduct outreach to diverse student populations, including those historically underrepresented in high-tech fields.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to coordinate technical components of lab operations, including learning platforms, hardware, and software tools.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with students, school staff, district personnel, and external partners.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING:

• Bachelor's degree required; degree in education, computer science, information technology, or a related field preferred.
• North Carolina educator's license preferred; candidates eligible for licensure may be considered.
• Experience in K-12 education, workforce development, instructional technology, or a high-tech industry field preferred.
• Minimum 2.5 GPA required

• ETTP course completion and dated certificate must be obtained within the first school year of employment (to register for ETTP, contact ETTP@onslow.k12.nc.us)

TERM OF EMPLOYMENT:  12 months

SALARY:  State Teacher Salary Schedule

FLSA Status:  Exempt

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Conducts outreach to students at White Oak High School to promote awareness of and participation in SparkNC, with a focus on students disproportionately impacted by COVID-19, students not engaged in traditional school settings, and populations historically underrepresented in high-tech careers.
• Designs and delivers in-person, blended, and virtual learning experiences to students at White Oak High School and, as applicable, to students across SparkNC's interdistrict network.
• Manages the day-to-day operations of the SparkLab, including scheduling, equipment maintenance, and coordination with district technology staff to ensure all hardware, software, and digital resources remain accessible and functional.
• Advises students as they explore available learning experiences, set personalized goals, and progress through SparkNC's competency-based pathways at their own pace.
• Reviews student work and provides timely, detailed, individualized feedback through SparkNC's learning platform and in person, supporting students in building a strong portfolio that demonstrates college and career readiness.
• Verifies learner understanding, validates completed work, and collaborates with district leadership and the SparkNC team to issue course credit in accordance with applicable guidelines.
• Coordinates with local and regional industry partners to design and deliver career-connected learning experiences, including internships, job shadowing, mentorships, and other real-world engagements.
• Participates in all required professional learning opportunities provided by SparkNC, including virtual sessions and up to four in-person convenings per year.
• Engages as an active member of SparkNC's statewide Professional Learning Community (PLC) of SparkLab Leaders, contributing to the sharing of promising practices across the interdistrict network.
• Collaborates with the District Lead, principal, and OCS Instructional Technology Services to ensure ongoing compliance with SparkNC program requirements and district policies.
• Supports program evaluation efforts by cooperating with the SparkNC team and external evaluators as requested.
• Dedicates a minimum of 40 hours per week to implementation of the SparkNC initiative; any additional duties outside of SparkNC are to be performed outside of these hours and compensated separately.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to be physically active, which includes, but is not limited to, standing, pushing, pulling, squatting, bending, sitting, and walking, including repetitive motions.
• Must be able to stand, sit, or walk for prolonged periods of time.
• Must be able to visually, auditorily, and physically monitor student performance and conduct.
• Ability to lift 15–25 pounds routinely and 25–50 pounds occasionally as necessary.
• Must be able to tolerate a busy work environment with varying noise levels.
• Ability to maintain composure in challenging situations.
• Must be able to facilitate the evacuation of students during emergency situations and/or drills.
• Must be able to drive to a variety of school and community sites.

The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees to this job.

Onslow County Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs and activities.

EOE