TITLE:                                          Design/Technology Teacher

DEPARTMENT:                              Instruction

REPORTS TO:                               Assistant Principal

EMPLOYMENT STATUS:                Full-Time, Exempt, 10-month

LAST REVISED:                             5/8/2020

Summary

Design is the link between innovation and creativity, taking thoughts and exploring the possibilities and constraints associated with products or systems, allowing them to redefine and manage the generation of further thought through prototyping, experimentation and adaptation. It is human-centered and focuses on the needs, wants and limitations of the end user.

Competent design is not only within the reach of a small set of uniquely skilled individuals but can be achieved by all. The use of well-established design principles and processes increases the probability that a design will be successful. To do this, designers use a wide variety of principles which, taken together, make up what is known as the design cycle.

Designers adapt their approach to different design situations, but they have a common understanding of the process necessary to form valid and suitable solutions. A designer has a role and responsibility to the community and the environment. Their decisions can have a huge impact and, therefore, their ethics and morals can and should be questioned regularly. A designer should have the ability to maintain an unbiased view of a situation and evaluate a situation objectively, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of a common product or system. Good communication is a key trait of any good designer through visual and oral presentation.

The Design/Technology Teacher plans, organizes and implements an appropriate instructional program in a learning environment that guides and encourages students to develop and fulfill their academic potential in accordance with Pan American Academy programs and initiatives.

Essential Duties

 (These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.)

• Has fluency in target language required (both written and spoken).
• Teaches academic content in target language and integrates the teaching of content area.
• Collaborates in the development, articulation, implementation, and stewardship of a specific language and culture elementary program.
• Understands the core purposes of the dual language program and research behind the program’s effectiveness.
• Is familiar with or is willing to acquire knowledge of dual language models and curriculum.
• Develop and implement effective, inquiry-based lesson plans, homework assignments and assessments that align with state standards and the instructional standards of Pan American Academy Charter School.
• Effectively and consistently implement school-wide classroom management procedures.
• Collaborate with other faculty to plan units and lessons, analyze student work, share best practices, and ensure student success for all Pan American students.
• Identify and select different instructional resources and methods to meet students' varying needs including students with specific learning needs (special education, English language learners)
• Assign, grade and provide feedback to students and parents for classwork, homework, tests and assignments
• Maintain accurate and complete records including but not limited to attendance, grades, discipline, home contact, lesson and unit plans using various online resources and systems
• Communicate necessary information regularly to students, colleagues and parents regarding student progress and student needs
• Communicate regularly with administration about instructional needs, student needs, and school wide programs
• Works cooperatively with students and their parents who are culturally, racially and linguistically diverse.
• Establish close relationships with families, including home visits, phone calls and conferences in order to maintain the important home/school connection.

Other Duties

• Respects the confidentiality of records and information regarding students, parents, and teachers in accordance with accepted professional ethics, and state federal laws.
• Maintains appropriate work habits, including regular and punctual attendance and appropriate use of conference and planning time.

• Strives to communicate the positive aspects of our school program to the public in word and deed.
• Establishes and maintains cooperative relationships with other staff members.
• Continues professional growth through attendance at workshops, seminars, conferences, and/or advanced course work at institutions of higher learning.
• Attends in-service training, staff and committee meetings as required.
• Upholds and enforces board policy, administrative procedures, and school rules and regulations, and is supportive of them to the public.
• Maintain a professional self-image and project the values of the organization at all time.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

Demonstrated knowledge of:

• the principles, practices and methods of grade level education.
• subject-specific expertise.
• the contents, materials, methodologies and practices utilized within education at the respective grade level.
• critical thinking methodologies and problem-solving techniques.
• the theories and principles of child growth and development.
• state standards and performance levels.
• the use and application of technological innovations, including pertinent software, in the development of solutions to learning problems.
• authentic performance assessment principles.

Demonstrated ability to:

• assess students’ needs and learning styles and to design appropriate differentiated instruction to meet their needs.
• use and apply simulations and technological innovations in the classroom in pursuit of instructional strategies.
• facilitate inquiry-based learning as well as whole class, small group and individual instruction, driven by student needs.
• communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• work both independently and engage in a collaborative, results-oriented team environment
• establish and maintain effective working relationships with faculty, administrators, supportive staff, parents, and students.
• prioritize time and resources and effectively manage student groups to execute on those priorities
• anticipate and overcome foreseen and unforeseen challenges

• A positive attitude and professional demeanor
• A desire to self-reflect, give/receive feedback, and continuously improve

As an equal opportunity employer, we hire without consideration to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, disability, age or veteran status, unless an applicant is entitled to the veteran’s preference.

Education, Experience & Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Education with Instructional I Teacher Certification; Additional Middle Years Certification in Science and/or Technology preferred
• Bilingual in Spanish and English preferred
• Strong commitment to an inclusion model of education with an understanding of the urban learning environment. 

Physical Demands

The physical demands 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.

1. While performing the duties of this job, the employee will frequently stand; walk; sit; use hands to handle, or feel objects, tools or equipment; reach with hands and arms; and balance. The employee will climb stairs frequently.
2. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
3. Operate related office equipment and use necessary tools.
4. Specific vision abilities required by the job include frequent reading and close vision; distance vision; color vision; peripheral vision; depth perception; and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics 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.

1. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
2. Although work is primarily indoors, you will be required to travel outside to client and community locations.
3. Position may require occasional travel in and out-of-state to attend conferences, seminars, and meetings.
4. Certain visits or work-related appointments might be scheduled outside of traditional work hours as necessary.