Starbase Teacher

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree in either education or a STEM field
• Must be able to pass a fingerprint background check

Preferred:

• 3 or more years of teaching experience
• Class 1 or 2 MT teaching license

Knowledge Ability and Skills:

• Ability to learn and troubleshoot technological devices and equipment
• Ability to plan teach and refine lessons in collaboration with another instructor
• Solid understanding of science technology engineering art/design and mathematics concepts appropriate for elementary middle school and sometimes high school levels
• Knowledge of inquiry-based and hands-on learning methods differentiated instruction and age-appropriate pedagogy
• Understanding of curriculum design principles alignment with educational standards and integration of real-world applications
• Strong classroom teaching and facilitation skills for active student-centered learning
• Knowledge of techniques to establish a positive organized and safe classroom environment
• Ability to learn and comply with applicable DoD and State regulations and STARBASE-specific operational guidelines
• Basic knowledge of facility cleaning standards and safe operation of classroom equipment and lab materials
• Ability to manage educational resources maintain cleanliness and ensure a safe learning space
• Ability to teach effectively in non-traditional spaces
• Ability to adapt lessons to changes in class size different age ranges or student abilities
• Ability to manage student group sizes of 1-35
• Ability to work evenings weekends and overnight travel as needed for events and camps (10% of the time)
• Ability to participate in and apply new knowledge gained from training opportunities
• Excellent teamwork relationship-building and communication skills for working with students staff families and partners
• Reliability and commitment to the STARBASE mission

The mission of STARBASE is to expose our nations youth to the technological environments and positive civilian and military role models found on Active Guard and Reserve military bases and installations nurture a winning network of collaborators and build mutual loyalty within our communities by providing 25 hours of exemplary hands-on STEAM instruction and activities that meet or exceed the national standards. This program is funded through the Department of Defense administered by the State of Montana and is located at the Montana Air National Guard - 120^th Airlift Wing in Great Falls MT.

During the school year STARBASE Great Falls instructs 30 classes for 5 days each (25 hours) of hands-on science technology engineering art/design and mathematics (STEAM) activities. This is a team-teaching approach with two instructors. Students are primarily 5^th-graders and are present at the STARBASE classroom from 9am-2pm Monday-Friday with teacher prep time available before and after instruction. This position is 40 hours/week and instructors are expected to be on site during the school year. Students are bused to the STARBASE classroom from the Great Falls Public School District and neighboring rural school districts.

STARBASE staff participate in outreach opportunities some of which take place during evenings and weekends and coordinate/execute summer camps in the summer months. STARBASE instructors are expected to actively participate and organize at least two weeks of summer camps in June with additional outreach in July and August.

Telework is available during school breaks and summer months.

This position is dependent on federal funding.

Duties:

• Provides inquiry-based hands-on classroom instruction that utilizes smart boards iPads laptops robotics 3-D printing scientific demonstrations and more
• Prepares facility and instructional materials for classes
• Interprets and provides classroom instruction per DoD instruction and DoD STARBASE curriculum
• Co-teaches with another STARBASE instructor
• Organizes and manages the classroom including educational equipment daily cleaning and janitorial duties
• Researches plans and develops cutting-edge STEAM curriculum that incorporates effective practices in teaching and learning integrates application of real world experiences and broadens students awareness of STEAM careers
• Utilizes a variety of strategies and teaching methods to encourage students curiosity and natural desire to experiment and discover
• Evaluates and continuously improves program and curriculum based on assessment data evaluations observations and educator/participant feedback
• Collects enters analyzes and interprets outcome data from student and program evaluations and activities to provide reports
• Assists with and provides presentations and written information to promote community awareness of the STARBASE program
• Assists with developing collaborative partnerships for support of the STARBASE mission and goals
• Plans and carries out outreach events with local/state partners to provide greater visibility to the STARBASE program
• Outreach activities include: STEAM activity nights at schools STEAM activities with library partners informational booths day camps with tribal partners professional development for teachers conference attendance and more
• May include evenings and weekends
• Plans and carries out summer camps in Great Falls and throughout the state with occasional overnight travel
• Participates in yearly professional development including DoD STARBASE training
• Assists with all other activities deemed necessary by STARBASE Director and performs related work as assigned to fulfill the STARBASE Montana mission

Must have demonstrated ability to work and engage in diverse working environments within and outside the Department.