Lower School Innovation Teacher

Description

The Village School of Naples is seeking a creative and forward-thinking Lower School Innovation Teacher for the 2025-2026 School Year to inspire young learners through STEM, design thinking, coding, and hands-on problem-solving. This role is ideal for an educator passionate about project-based learning, makerspaces, and technology integration. The Innovation Teacher will help students develop essential 21st-century skills such as critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and creativity.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and implement an engaging, hands-on innovation curriculum that integrates STEM, coding, robotics, engineering, and design thinking.
• Create a dynamic makerspace environment where students can explore problem-solving, prototyping, and creative expression.
• Teach students computational thinking, digital literacy, and foundational programming skills using tools such as Scratch, LEGO robotics, Makey Makey, and other age-appropriate platforms.
• Guide students through inquiry-based projects and challenges that encourage innovation and real-world problem-solving.
• Collaborate with classroom teachers, specialists, and administrators to integrate design thinking and technology into core subjects.
• Support school-wide STEM initiatives, competitions, and interdisciplinary projects.
• Foster a culture of experimentation, iteration, and resilience in the learning process.
• Stay current on emerging educational technology trends and best practices for innovation in the classroom.
• Manage and maintain makerspace materials, tools, and technology resources.
• Communicate effectively with students, parents, and faculty to showcase student learning and progress.
• Build a trusting, understanding, and caring relationship with the students
• Model Christ Skills, emphasizing this conduct model in all areas at all times
• Understanding of 21st-century classroom practices
• Sustain ongoing communication between parents and school, including conferences when necessary
• Support the mission and vision of the school’s learning philosophy
• Attend required faculty meetings, events, and training
• Maintain and follow daily routines and schedules
• Other duties may be assigned by the Head of School or Division Head

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, STEM, Instructional Technology, or a related field (Master’s preferred).
• Experience teaching innovation, STEM, technology, or makerspace-based learning at the elementary level.
• Knowledge of design thinking, project-based learning, and inquiry-driven instruction.
• Experience with coding (Scratch, Python, robotics), engineering challenges, and hands-on digital fabrication tools.
• Passion for student-centered learning, collaboration, and creativity.
• Strong classroom management skills in a flexible, hands-on environment.
• Ability to differentiate instruction to meet the needs of diverse learners.
• Experience in an independent school setting is a plus.
• Candidates must be able to articulate their faith and support the school’s Christian environment.
• Physically, the position of the teacher requires sitting, walking, and standing.