STEAM Lead Teacher

Position Summary: Quest Academy is seeking an innovative, student-centered, self-motivated STEAM Lead Teacher experienced in the delivery of technology education to middle school students. The STEAM Lead Teacher will teach leading-edge computer science concepts to middle school students while also setting the strategic direction for our educational technology platforms.

Quest Academy hires talented individuals to work with a dynamic student population of gifted learners who also understand the importance of providing nurturing guidance through the development of essential student relationships. Quest educators know their students, understand their students, and see students as individual thinkers and human beings. Quest seeks to hire educators who possess a passion for service and a desire to grow personally and professionally in the field of education.

STEAM Lead Teacher duties include:

• Plan, organize and deliver lessons in the latest technologies including Python programming, artificial intelligence, 3D printing/laser cutting, and physical computing/electronics.
• Establish a dynamic classroom environment that stimulates learning growth and reinforces learning goals of both the collective class and the individual students.
• Foster compassionate engagement with the students that supports their personal development and instills trust between them and their teachers.
• Work closely with other classes to incorporate cross-curricular learning.
• Maintain a safe, student-focused classroom that promotes student well-being, supports learning objectives, and reflects the curriculum as it changes throughout the school year.
• Create a strong partnership with the parents through consistent communication and responsiveness to parent concerns or questions.
• Attend weekly staff meetings and participate as a member of the Middle School team.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in teaching or technology is required
• Illinois teaching certification is preferred
• 3+ years teaching classes in current technology, gifted experience preferred
• 5+ years managing technology infrastructure, preferably in an educational setting
• Experience creating strategy and enforcing standards
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Maintain up-to-date First Aid and CPR certification
• Experience or knowledge of the following technologies preferred: 3D printing, laser cutting, vinyl cutting, hydraulics, microbit, arduino, raspberry pi, python, HTML, makecode arcade, machine learning, LLM like ChatGPT, AIY kids, artificial intelligence

In accordance with State of Illinois law, a criminal background check will be required, prior to beginning employment. Quest Academy does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations.

It is the responsibility of all Quest employees to:

• Understand and support Quest's mission and philosophy and promote a positive image of the school.
• Contribute to a harmonious school atmosphere by working cooperatively with all colleagues.
• Attend some events outside of the normal school schedule, such as open houses and graduation.
• Respect the confidentiality of private information relating to students, colleagues, and the operations of the school.
• Refrain from establishing close relationships with colleagues, students, parents, or trustees that would compromise professional integrity.
• Demonstrate responsibility and punctuality.
• Display flexibility in responding to new situations and expectations, as well as a positive attitude and a helpful, nonjudgmental demeanor.
• Show willingness to consider and implement suggestions for improvement.
• Model the good character traits that Quest students are expected to embody.

Please submit your application and resume at www.questacademy.org/employmentor for more information contact hiring@questacademy.org.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $60,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday