Lead Artisan: Math & Science Inquiry (4th–8th Grade)

Organization: Learning Blueprint ThinkerStudio

Reports To: Executive Director / Director of Curriculum & Instruction (DCI)

Start Date: Fall 2026

Status: Full-Time

Position Overview

The Upper Studio STEM Lead is the architect of the Physics of Doing for our 4th through 8th-grade cohorts. In this role, you transform abstract concepts into tangible investigations. You are responsible for maintaining a high-rigor, high-agency environment where students don’t just learn science—they practice it through mechanical engineering, digital logic, and ecological research.

You will oversee our specialized maker environments and technical equipment, ensuring that as our students grow into their secondary years, their technical mastery scales with their ambition.

Key Responsibilities

  • Technical Mentorship: Lead high-level inquiry in physics, engineering, and mathematics. You will guide students through projects like building sound booths, analyzing jet engine mechanics, or developing Python/JavaScript logic.

  • The Scientific Process: Facilitate Expert Arcs where students design their own experiments, collect data, and prototype solutions for real-world challenges.

  • Math Integration: Teach conceptual and applied mathematics, ensuring students see math as a powerful tool for creation and data analysis rather than a series of worksheets.

  • Studio Stewardship: Manage the safety and organization of the STEM lab and Maker Space (tools, materials, and digital hardware) for the older cohorts.

  • Documentation & Assessment: Use our Milestone system to track student progress in technical skills and scientific literacy, moving away from traditional grades toward portfolio-based evidence.

Qualifications & Experience

  • Education: Bachelor’s degree in STEM, Engineering, or Mathematics Education (Master’s or professional industry experience preferred).

  • Experience: 3–5 years in a STEM-focused instructional role or professional experience in engineering/science with a passion for mentorship.

  • Skills: Proficiency in at least two "Maker" domains (e.g., Woodworking, Robotics, Coding, Digital Fabrication, or Ecology).

Founding Mindsets

  • Radical Trust in Children: You believe that middle-school aged learners are capable of professional-grade work and profound agency.

  • The Player-Coach Spirit: You are comfortable working in a collaborative, non-hierarchical "Village" alongside other specialists and the Executive Director.

  • The Insider/Outsider Agility: The ability to teach rigorous content (the "Insider") while protecting the innovative, non-traditional culture of the school (the "Outsider").

Compensation

  • Salary: Budgeted at $65,000 annually.

  • Benefits: Comprehensive benefits and taxes package (budgeted at 27% of salary).

  • Schedule: Full-Time, Monday–Friday.