Makerspace Teacher

Join Our Team as a Middle School Makerspace Teacher

Aspen Ridge Preparatory School

Do you love sparking creativity, innovation, and problem-solving in young minds? Aspen Ridge Preparatory School is seeking a Middle School Makerspace Teacher to lead dynamic, hands-on STEAM learning. This is your chance to guide students as they design, build, and create using cutting-edge tools and imaginative thinking.

Position Summary

Middle School Makerspace Teacher will deliver engaging, hands-on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) instruction to middle school students. This role includes co-developing and teaching project-based lessons that align with engineering design principles and make use of digital fabrication tools. The ideal candidate will spark creativity, build confidence, and foster problem-solving skills in students while maintaining a safe, inclusive, and collaborative learning environment.

Salary range: $57,680.00 – $61,800.00 annually for a salaried exempt teaching role, depending on education and experience.

Mission Statement:

We are preparing the child for the path, rather than the path for the child.

Vision Statement:

Aspen Ridge Preparatory School will be the leading PreKindergarten–8 school for academic excellence, foundational knowledge, and character development.

Summary of Position – Makerspace Teacher

To provide students with appropriate learning activities and experiences in design, innovation, and hands-on learning to help them fulfill their potential for intellectual, emotional, physical, and social growth. To empower students to think independently, solve problems, and engage in creative exploration through makerspace experiences.

Responsibilities and Duties:

Instructional Strategies:

1. Develop and implement lesson plans that fulfill the requirements of Aspen Ridge’s curriculum program and show evidence of preparation as required.
2. Present makerspace content including design thinking, engineering concepts, and hands-on problem-solving in alignment with school and state guidelines.
3. Plan and use appropriate instructional strategies, activities, materials, and equipment that reflect an understanding of diverse student needs.
4. Work cooperatively with other teachers to modify curriculum for students with special needs (i.e., Special Education, 504, ELL).
5. Collaborate with staff to determine instructional goals, objectives, and methods in accordance with school requirements.
6. Use technology and tools to strengthen the teaching and learning process.
7. Facilitate hands-on learning experiences that encourage creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving.
8. Maintain and organize makerspace tools, materials, and equipment.
9. Provide opportunities for students to reflect on their learning and problem-solving processes.
10. Support a classroom environment that encourages innovation, collaboration, and safe risk-taking.

Makerspace Program Expectations:

1. Provide consistent makerspace instruction across K–8 aligned to grade level expectations
2. Develop student skills in creativity, problem-solving, and design thinking
3. Incorporate engineering, technology, and hands-on learning experiences into instruction
4. Create opportunities for students to design, build, and present projects
5. Support cross-curricular connections with classroom teachers where appropriate
6. Maintain a safe and organized makerspace environment that promotes exploration and innovation

Student Growth and Development:

1. Help students analyze and improve study methods and habits.
2. Conduct ongoing assessments of student achievement through formal and informal testing.
3. Be a positive role model for students and support the mission, vision, and beliefs of Aspen Ridge.

Classroom Management and Organization:

1. Create a classroom environment conducive to learning and appropriate for students' physical, social, and emotional development.
2. Manage students’ behavior in accordance with school policies, programs, and student handbook.
3. Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, tools, materials, equipment, and facilities.
4. Assist in selecting instructional materials, tools, and resources.

Communication:

1. Establish and maintain communication with parents, students, administrators, teachers, and support staff.
2. Maintain a professional relationship with colleagues, students, parents, and community members.
3. Use effective communication skills to present information accurately and clearly.

Professional Growth and Development:

1. Participate in staff development activities to improve job-related skills.

Other:

1. Keep informed of and comply with state, district, and school regulations and policies for classroom teachers.
2. Compile, maintain, and file reports, records, and other documents required.
3. Attend and participate in faculty meetings and serve on staff committees as required.
4. Perform other duties as assigned.

Stipend-Based Responsibilities:

1. Makerspace Club or additional enrichment opportunities outside of contracted instructional time (optional, stipend-based)

Supervisory Responsibilities:

1. Supervise teacher assistant(s), volunteer(s), and student teacher(s) as assigned.

Equipment Used:

1. Computer, interactive whiteboards, document cameras, iPads, and instructional software.

Working Conditions:

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

1. Be able to meet the mental demands of teaching assignment (i.e., maintain emotional control under stress).  
2. Be able to meet the physical demands of teaching assignment (i.e., frequent standing, stooping, bending, pulling, and pushing). 
3. Be able to maintain an environment conducive to teaching and learning (i.e., moving media equipment, desks, and other classroom equipment).

Qualifications:

Education/Certification:

1. Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university
2. Valid Colorado teaching license with required endorsements for subject and level assigned

Special Knowledge/Skills:

1. General knowledge of curriculum and instruction
2. Knowledge of makerspace tools, materials, and project-based learning
3. Ability to instruct students and manage their behavior
4. Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills

Language Skills:

1. Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, policy, and expectation documents, staff agreements, and evaluation rubric documents.
2. Ability to speak effectively before groups of students, parents, staff, teachers, and school administrators.

Physical Demands:

1. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
2. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work Environment

1. The work environment at Aspen Ridge Preparatory School described in this document is representative of the essential functions of this job.
2. The hours of this position may be long when specific needs arise, and some extended days and schedules will be necessary.  
3. Aspen Ridge Preparatory School is a dynamic, ever-evolving educational environment with a growing culture.  Adaptability to change is essential.

It is the policy of Aspen Ridge Preparatory School not to discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, marital status, age, or handicap. These policies apply to recruitment, employment, transfers and reassignments, compensation, and other conditions of employment.