What are the responsibilities and job description for the Grades 7-9 CTE Computer Science Teacher (Designer) position at West Valley Innovation Center?
Location West Valley Innovation Center
Minimum Qualifications
- Previous related industry and teaching experience.
- Experience in and/or passion for computer science, information technology, and project-based learning.
- Valid Washington State CTE Certifications:
- Business & Marketing Education (V078000) -OR-
Computer Applications and Related Programs (V521206) and Communication Technologies (V100100)
- Consideration may be given to applicants who can verify 6,000 hours of required experience for the needed OSPI VCodes. Submit documentation or an explanation of the required work experience with the application. For additional information, see: OSPI CTE Cert or VCode Chart. Applicants must complete CTE certification within 18 months of hire.
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous experience teaching computer science-related courses and content, and using related technology and equipment.
- Previous experience incorporating Common Core State Standards and CTE standards into Project-Based Learning and Mastery-Based Learning.
Position-Specific Job Duties
- Design and facilitate engaging lessons and activities for student learning around foundational computer science concepts: basic programming, coding languages, computational thinking skills, digital literacy and citizenship, typing skills, game design, hardware, graphic design, and connections to business and marketing.
- Develop project-based learning experiences – Facilitate interactive activities, such as coding projects, graphic design exercises, business simulations, drones, 3D printing, and robotics challenges (e.g., Spheros), to enhance students' problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
- Daily co-planning and co-teaching with subject matter expert peers to incorporate grade 7-9 ELA, social studies, and math standards into computer science and business-related activities.
- Foster a Collaborative & Innovative Classroom – Create a supportive learning environment where students can experiment with new technologies, work on group projects, and explore real-world applications of computer science.
Innovation Center General Job Duties
Instruction, Assessment & Planning
- Instruct blocked multi-grade classes using project-based learning and standards-based grading practices aligned with CTE Industry and Washington State Educational Standards in areas such as science, ELA, math, and History.
- Implement higher-level thinking in instruction and assessment, including project-based and hands-on approaches whenever applicable. This includes providing multiple attempts and approaches to assessment as aligned with Mastery-Based Learning practices.
- Document student mastery of skills and prepare lesson plans aligned with program goals and standards.
- Develop lessons, activities, and projects that align with the vision of the program, the mission of the school, and frameworks, and have these developed ahead of time with written evidence of preparation upon request.
Collaboration & Professionalism
- Co-plan and co-teach across content areas with other designers and content specialists, maintaining collaborative and professional relationships with all staff and stakeholders.
- Create relationships and establish open lines of communication with students, parents, and colleagues.
- Adhere to all district and building policies and expectations.
Classroom Management & Environment
- Foster a safe, welcoming, and positive learning environment for all students.
- Create a learning environment that reflects diverse student backgrounds, interests, and experiences. Use daily routines to create a culture of safety and belonging in the classroom and provide students with opportunities to learn through personal experiences and interests.
- Manage the purchasing, maintenance, and organization of materials and equipment used in the classroom. This includes ordering, maintaining, and organizing classroom supplies, lab spaces, and equipment.
Student Engagement & Instructional Strategies
- Actively engage students in the learning process through a dynamic, interactive, student-centered, hands-on instructional style. Provide students with opportunities to make connections between class content and career pathways.
- Use a variety of instructional strategies to engage students, such as station rotation, small group instruction, and the integration of technology.
- Facilitate student ownership of learning by using Universal Design for Learning strategies, including providing students with multiple ways to access content, monitor progress, and demonstrate learning.
Commitment to Educational Innovation
- Embrace innovation and adapt to evolving educational practices.
- Develop and implement project-based learning strategies.
- Dedicate time and effort to support all students, regardless of learning styles or challenges.
Career & Technical Education (CTE) Responsibilities and Extracurriculars
- Mentor and support student leadership organizations and clubs within CTSO.
- Maintain CTE certification in compliance with established guidelines.
- Collaborate with fellow CTE educators, industry professionals, and stakeholders through meetings, PLCs, and events.
Working Relationships
Work in partnership with both large and small groups of teachers and other professional staff. Communicate regularly with students, parents/guardians, and teaching staff. Team up with grade-level colleagues to plan lessons, analyze student data, and maintain a focus on continuous improvement. Cooperate with the building administrator in the observation and evaluation process. When working with instructional paraprofessionals, provide appropriate lesson plans and activity supervision. May deal with a wide range of student abilities and behaviors; may occasionally deal with distraught or difficult students.
Working Conditions
The daily work is performed in a classroom setting. The job incumbent is often required to stand or sit for prolonged periods, be exposed to a computer display terminal for prolonged periods, and meet externally imposed and inflexible deadlines. May be required to work outdoors in inclement weather; lift, move, and position students and equipment; supervise students, bus loading/unloading; attend to students’ personal hygiene; may be required to deal with distraught, angry, or hostile individuals; may need to take precautions to avoid exposure to student bodily fluids and cleaning or disinfecting compounds; required to work in non-routine positions for extended periods.
Working Environment
The usual and customary methods of performing the job’s functions require the following physical demands: occasional lifting (able to lift 50 pounds and assist in lifting over 50 pounds), carrying, pushing, and/or pulling; some stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling; and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally, the job requires 34% sitting, 33% walking, and 33% standing. The job related is performed under a generally hazard-free environment and in a clean atmosphere
Healthcare Benefits (SEBB): (All Employees who work 630 hours per school year are eligible.)
- Medical Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Life Insurance
- Long Term Disability
Additional Benefits:
- Washington State Retirement (PERS, SERS & TERS)
- Paid Leave:
- Paid Holiday (260-day employees and bargaining groups that have holidays included within their CBA)
- Sick Leave
- Personal Leave
- Vacation (260-day employees only)
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- VEBA (Non-Rep, WVEA, Principal, Directors and Superintendent(s) ONLY)
Salary : $59,342 - $111,850