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STARBASE Program Instructor

The Montana Department of Military Affairs is seeking a STARBASE Program Instructor who has exceptional teaching abilities and strong passion for STEAM education. The mission of STARBASE is to expose our nation's 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 Fort Harrison in Helena, MT.

During the school year, STARBASE Fort Harrison 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 5th-graders and are present at the STARBASE classroom from 9am-2:05pm, 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 Helena Public Schools 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.

The following items must be submitted with the online state application form to be considered (be sure to mark your attachments as relevant):

• Cover Letter
• Resume

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

o   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

o   May include evenings and weekends

         Plans and carries out summer camps in Helena/Fort Harrison 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

Education and Experience:

         Bachelors degree in either education or a STEM field

Preferred Qualifications:

         3 or more years of teaching experience

         Montana Class 1 or 2 teaching license

         Experience with hands-on, inquiry-based learning methods

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

Typical Work Environment:

• Classroom environment located at Fort Harrison, Helena
• Must be able to work physically on-site at the military installation during the school year
• This position performs outreach to communities throughout Montana with occasional overnight travel

Condition of Employment:

• Must pass a fingerprint check and background check in accordance with DoDI 1402.05
• Must have a valid driver's license and good driving record
• 100% federally funded position through Department of Defense

Telework:

• Telework available during summer and school breaks, per supervisor approval

Travel:

• Yes, 5% of the Time