Creative Applied Technologies Teacher

As part of the expansion of an innovative, nationally-recognized Creative Applied Technologies Program, Greenwich Country Day School (GCDS) seeks an experienced, creative, and entrepreneurial faculty member to contribute to the continued development of the program. In addition, this faculty member will also have the opportunity to architect exciting new computer science and technology initiatives and to contribute to the mentorship of underrepresented identities in STEM fields. 

I. The GCDS Creative Applied Technologies (CAT) Program

Now in its 6th year, the GCDS Creative Applied Technologies (CAT) Program integrates the Computer Science, Maker, and Design programs. A robust, 4-sequence computer science curriculum joins with diverse maker and engineering pathways, as well as comprehensive design, architecture, and graphics curricula. Close partnerships and team-taught courses with the Math, Arts, Economics, and Engineering faculties are also core to this program. Depending on their area of expertise, this new faculty member would teach a total of 2-3 CAT courses each semester. Additionally, and depending on the skills and interests of the faculty hire, there will be opportunities for this role to contribute to the Middle School (6-8) Computer Science program.

The CAT program was founded with the explicit mission to push the boundaries of emerging pedagogy in these fields. Through the development of interdisciplinary initiatives and faculty partnerships, this program also seeks to promote and advance an inclusive curriculum for girls in science and technology. Through the continued cultivation of partnerships with leading private and public organizations in the technology space, the CAT program continually generates faculty professional learning and student research opportunities across the Upper School curriculum. 

This new faculty member will have the opportunity to contribute to a dynamic and interdisciplinary CAT faculty team. This team encompasses a range of professional backgrounds, including colleagues with deep professional and applied experience in engineering, CS, and design, as well as career high school educators. Significant resources for skill development, professional learning, and professional mentorship will also be available to this faculty position. In addition, GCDS benefits from an active and collaborative parent and alumni community with deep representation in the tech, finance, and design spaces. These groups offer significant support for the CAT program in the form of partnership, curricular support, internships, and direct resources.

This new faculty member will continue to support these efforts. Through a close partnership with the Endless Foundation, a nonprofit organization, this faculty member will work with colleagues in the CAT program not only to continue to advance extant initiatives but also to gain the skills and knowledge to implement Endless software tools within the CAT curriculum. The integration of game design into this curriculum will enhance the interdisciplinary approach of the CAT program, weaving together art, engineering, design, production, and go-to-market skills. This faculty member will also have the opportunity to develop and lead a game design club, and to work with faculty across departments to integrate game design tools into curricula, projects, and assessments.

II. Summary of Responsibilities:

• Advise/mentor Independent Studies and Junior Thesis research projects for students interested in pursuing advanced level computer science, applied computer science and economics, as well as game design and development.
• Team teach other CS/STEM/Econ courses, and lead mentorship programs for student research related to computer science and engineering (based on the faculty member’s expertise). 
• Work closely with the CAT faculty team to integrate virtual game design and development into Computer Science, Engineering, and Economics courses; Strong potential for a modulated course to run also in the Middle School (tailored by level).
• Participate in a broader network of global professional development, design, and learning around game design and game development education 
• Design and manage the Virtual Game Design & Development club in the Upper School, engaging students with other schools around the world.
• Engage in professional development networks and communities to share the best practices developed at GCDS
• Represent an accomplished student and practitioner of technology research and design who could serve as a mentor to girls in engineering and STEM research fields; Co-advise the FEMS IN STEM organization (for girls in STEM fields).
• Work closely with the Academic Dean and Dean of Faculty to develop partnerships and professional learning with colleagues across disciplines; Serve in robust consultative role for integration of Endless programs into select (pre-identified) humanities courses in the High School and the Middle School.
• Facilitating and further developing the GCDS FEMS IN STEM and Girls Who Code student organizations.
• Advising Junior Thesis, Independent Research Studies, and Senior Internships for students in the FEMS IN STEM student organization.
• Work with faculty in the STEM + Economics Programs to contribute to policy development, programming, and advising to encourage and enhance girls’ participation.
• Collaborating with department faculty to establish additional, focused advisory, research, and interest groups and competition participation.
• Joining with the Alumni and Development Office to coordinate regular discussions and events with parent and alumni leaders in STEM + Economics fields.

III. Requirements:

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree 
• Significant industry and/or academic research expertise in computer science, program development, graphic design/video game design,  and/or tech venture
• Demonstrated desire to translate professional experience into teaching and mentorship of high school students (teaching/instructional experience preferred, but not required)
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Commitment to building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive school community, including cultural competency and the ability to communicate and collaborate effectively across difference
• Personal traits appropriate for nurturing the growth of students - must be energetic, creative, flexible, patient, and have an inexhaustible sense of humor

Interested candidates are invited to use the link provided to send a cover letter and resume to:

Raquel Salcedo, Director of Recruiting & Talent