Position Description:

Description: STARBASE Minnesota is a leading educational nonprofit organization founded in 1993 whose purpose is to inspire and educate youth in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Through engaging, authentic curriculum —designed and implemented by the STARBASE instructor team — combined with state-of-the-art technologies in an exciting, innovative and immersive STEM learning environment, STARBASE programs exemplify the best of educational curriculum and practices programs in high demand by area schools and districts.

STARBASE Minnesota Duluth, provides exciting, innovative, standards-based, five-day, 25-hour STEM programs for area students and schools. STARBASE Duluth is located on the very unique, STEM-immersive backdrop of the 148th Fighter Wing of the MN Air National Guard base. Volunteers from the MN Air National Guard, along with and volunteers from area STEM industries will be involved in various aspects of the program, such as assist in rocket launches, graduation speakers, demo “real world” STEM used in the workplace and more. STARBASE Duluth serves approximately 2,700 fifth grade students annually. Additionally, STARBASE Duluth offers a six-week summer program called STARBASE Explorers, which serves approximately 320 students entering grades fourth through sixth.

STARBASE classes maintain an outstanding environment for differentiated learning and student success. STARBASE students’ average pre to posttest improvement in STEM knowledge and skills is 52%; 96% of students reported STARBASE made learning fun; 84% reported an increased interest in STEM; and 94% of over one hundred teachers participating in STARBASE over the last year gave STARBASE the highest rating of “excellent” (6% “very good”). STARBASE programs are exciting, STEM is integrated in “real world” ways, curriculum is relevant and aligned with state standards and the instructor team is top notch. Schools consistently report that STARBASE programs help them achieve outstanding student outcomes in STEM in ways they are unable to. STARBASE instructor positions also provide opportunities for professional growth, development and leadership in several other areas from the start, something not always found in other educational settings.

STARBASE Instructor positions combine 5 hours of teaching per day along with curriculum and assessment development with other responsibilities related to STARBASE Minnesota’s STEM programs and organization. Aptitude in science, math and technology and in developing lessons/curriculum essential; engineering helpful but not required (often learned on the job). Applicants must be licensed teachers in Minnesota, must have a strong passion for teaching/learning STEM and in helping students succeed, have a strong interest in STEM, have an excellent work ethic, and can communicate well with team members and stakeholders. They must enjoy continuous improvement, creativity and innovation in their work.

Funding for STARBASE is from Department of Defense, the State of Minnesota, local STEM corporations and individuals. There are 80 other STARBASE sites in the country in 35 states.

Position and Start Date: This is a year-round 40 hour/week instructor position. The position starts, including initial training, spring/summer of 2023.

Areas of Teacher Licensure may be among the following: Elementary Education K-6; Middle School Science 5-8; Middle School Math 5-8; Secondary Science; STEM Certification; other related. See further information on licensure, see Qualifications below.

Location, Hours, Calendar, Other: STARBASE Minnesota Duluth is located on the 148th Fighter Wing. STARBASE is a year-round program. Regular hours are 7:30-4:00 during the school year. Summer program hours may be different. STARBASE offers excellent benefits and a generous holiday and vacation package.


Duties and Responsibilities:
•Utilizing a variety of instructional strategies that meet the needs of diverse learners and build on students’ natural curiosity to explore, create and problem-solve, teach STARBASE STEM programs to students in grade 5 (and students entering 4-6 for summer program).
•Research, develop and implement cutting edge curriculum in STEM that is reflective of STARBASE Minnesota’s mission and goals, is in alignment with state and national standards, and incorporates effective practices in teaching and learning. Integrate the application of “real world” experiences and help students broaden their awareness of careers.
•Evaluate and continuously improve own instructional methods and strategies, engage in individual and team reflective practice; Evaluate and continuously improve and innovate with STARBASE programs and curriculum based on assessment data, evaluations, observations, customer feedback and bringing in new ideas.
•Develop and/or continuously improve STEM assessments by analyzing pre and post test results, teacher evaluations, student surveys, and standards and research.
•Enter and analyze participant and outcome data. Provide reports as needed.
•Public relations skills – work with teachers, parents, volunteers, corporate and community partners; relay STEM messaging; Provide demonstrations, training and presentations in the community and at STARBASE Board meetings.
•Other non-teaching, program-related projects depending upon candidate’s skills & qualifications. Additional areas of work may be among the following STARBASE areas: information technology, educational technologies, liaison with schools and working with other STEM nonprofits on project, other.
•Excellent skills, interest and/or aptitude in technology and/or strong desire to learn a plus.

Qualifications:
•Bachelor’s degree and valid Minnesota elementary or secondary teaching license; STEM licensure a plus.
•Qualified to teach elementary/middle school course content in science and math.
•Experienced in curriculum development and evaluation; in STEM curriculum a plus.
•Education, training and/or experience in physical sciences or engineering a plus.
•Interest and aptitude in technology, including computers and a wide range of software.
•Working knowledge of MN State Graduation Standards; knowledge of national standards a plus.
•Interest and desire to learn engineering design software and applications.
•Technology skills required; experienced in various educational applications a plus.
•Ability to work with students who are culturally and ethnically diverse, who have a variety of learning styles, and who could have limited English speaking or writing skills.
•Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
•Desire and ability to work well as a member of a small team.