Makerspace Teacher

Mission 

We are travelers on the Aspen Ridge Trailways. It is our mission to think independently, participate in our integrated world, and achieve individual goals in order to gain knowledge and understanding. We will approach challenges with confidence and assist others in our community while learning and growing together on the trail of success.


Vision 

The Founders of the Aspen Ridge Preparatory School envision a community of students, teachers, parents, and administrators collaborating to create a rigorous, content-rich learning environment that fosters a lifelong love of learning and gives students a solid base of knowledge to compete in a global society. Students will participate in successful, research based curricula in the core content areas along with a focus on technology, international experience, natural environment, personal development, and enrichment programs. Students will be encouraged to think independently and question the world around them. Ongoing assessment of the students, both formally and informally, will take place regularly to ensure individual student goals are attained by adapting instruction appropriately.

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.

Requirements

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:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Makerspace Club or additional enrichment opportunities outside of contracted instructional time (optional, stipend-based)
Supervisory Responsibilities:

Supervise teacher assistant(s), volunteer(s), and student teacher(s) as assigned.
Equipment Used:

Computer, interactive whiteboards, document cameras, iPads, and instructional software.
Working Conditions:

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

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

Education/Certification:

Bachelor's degree from an accredited university
Valid Colorado teaching license with required endorsements for subject and level assigned
Special Knowledge/Skills:

General knowledge of curriculum and instruction
Knowledge of makerspace tools, materials, and project-based learning
Ability to instruct students and manage their behavior
Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
Language Skills:

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

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.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Work Environment

The work environment at Aspen Ridge Preparatory School described in this document is representative of the essential functions of this job.
The hours of this position may be long when specific needs arise, and some extended days and schedules will be necessary.  
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.