KANSAS CITY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Job Description 

Job Title:              iSpark Teacher 

Job Title Code:     01797

Salary Grade:       T01 –T06

Department:        Curriculum, Instruction and Professional Development

Reports To:          Building Principal

FLSA Status:        Exempt

Date Prepared:    November 2017    Revised  2019                           

PURPOSE OF JOB: 

The iSpark (Innovative Soft skills Proficiency And Real-world Knowledge) Teacher provides strong, effective instruction in the area of college and career readiness skills using an integrated curricular approach.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Supports the growth of the STEM curriculum by planning lessons and providing instruction for students in the areas of (but not limited to):
  • Coding
  • Robotics
  • Problem/Project Based Learning
  • Design Process
• Demonstrates a working knowledge of the Design Thinking process and its use in elementary education.
• Demonstrate success at using the Inquiry Process to create a student-centered learning environment.
• Provides one-on-one guidance and support for students pursuing individualized design and technology projects that may include the use of digital creation/fabrication tools
• Participates as a school instructional technology leader and is a member of the school leadership team.
• Proactively encourages thoughtful action and reflection throughout student project steps.
• Works collaboratively with the Director of Career and Technical Education and Building Principal to maintain iSpark classroom tools, equipment, and supplies.
• Work collaboratively with all stakeholders to ensure program outcomes are being achieved.
• Engage in ongoing professional development to remain current in emergent pedagogical and/or technological trends, and research, and model effective practice in 21st Century teaching and learning strategies.
• Ability to adapt to a rapidly advancing and changing industry and a willingness to research and experiment with new technologies.
• Strong analytical, classroom management and problem-solving skills.
• Other duties as assigned. 

• Applicant must agree to take a 16-hour training for PLTW certification upon accepting the position

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:  None

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s Degree.
• Hold or be eligible for Missouri teacher certification in Elementary Education and Early Childhood.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with students, staff, and parents.
• Demonstrated success at integrating curriculum.
• Demonstrated success at designing and maintaining a positive, collaborative culture.
• Demonstrated excellence in written communication.
• Knowledge of effective application of technology in K-6 classroom environment.
• Knowledge of the use of interactive software and hardware in the classroom. 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Knowledge of G-Suite for Education.
• Project-based learning teaching experience.
• Master’s Degree.
• Minimum of two (2) years teaching experience. 

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. 

This job requires that the employee be able to: sit, stand, walk, speak, hear, use hands, fingers, reach with hands and fingers; bend, stoop, lift objects of at least ten pounds.  Job requires the employee occasionally to stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.  Visual ability requires mono and color vision, close vision, distance vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. 

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:

Length of work year:   8 hours per day; 5 days/week; 187 workdays

Benefits:   Health and Dental Insurance are provided.

KCPS Defined Benefit Pension plan mandatory 9% contribution is required from employee and matched by KCPS; Voluntary retirement savings plans are also available.