Innovation Specialist, Part-Time Math Teacher, and Part-Time Science Teacher, Ricks Center for Gifted Children

University of Denver•Quinte West, ON

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Ricks Center for Gifted Children at the University of Denver is seeking one or more non-benefited teachers to support their final year, August 2026 – June 2027. This exemplary school has been serving the needs of gifted children since 1984, providing nationally recognized gifted education to approximately 75 students from three years of age through middle school. The Ricks Center offers a progressive model of education focused on developing the intellectual, social, emotional, creative, and physical needs of the gifted child, benefiting from small class sizes, expert teachers, a wide range of content offerings, cutting-edge instructional practices, integrated curriculum, and a focus on community, care, and engagement. The positions are non-benefited and not to exceed 1,000 hours in a calendar year, with specific hours and days open to negotiation. The pay range for these positions is $25.00 - $30.00 per hour, based on qualifications and expertise. Candidates can apply for multiple roles, but there is a hard limit of 1000 hours in Fall 2026 and 1000 hours in Spring 2027 (no more than 2000 hours from August 17, 2026 – June 1, 2027).

Requirements

Good classroom management, for students ages 3 – 13 (Innovation Specialist).
Good classroom management, for students ages 6 – 13 (Math Teacher).
Good classroom management, for students ages 6 – 13 (Science Teacher).
Expertise in teaching mathematics up to Algebra II (required for Math Teacher).
Expertise in teaching science (required for Science Teacher).
Highly reliable and consistent with attendance and performance (Math and Science Teacher).
Applied experience in STEM education, in such areas as instructional design and curriculum development, distance learning, program development and assessment, and ideally in computer programming or software development (Innovation Specialist).
Experience with design and fabrication-related software and hardware, such as CAD (computer-aided design) and 3D printers (Innovation Specialist).
Must exhibit innovation and vision and be able to adapt quickly to new and evolving technology (Innovation Specialist).
Must be proficient with software and devices that support instruction (Innovation Specialist).
3+ years teaching experience.
Candidates should hold degrees (preferably advanced degrees) in STEM education or in a STEM-related field, such as science, engineering, computer science, engineering education, educational technology, or mathematics.

Nice To Haves

Up to Geometry expertise (preferred for Math Teacher).
Elementary science or biology experience (preferred for Science Teacher).

Responsibilities

Teaching courses in grades PreK-8 that feature project-based learning, particularly related to robotics, First Lego challenges, programming, and 3-D printing.
Collaborating with other teachers on such projects.
Facilitating students hands-on learning.
Promoting, conceptualizing, and coordinating design and innovation projects throughout the curriculum and school.
Managing the innovation lab.
Supporting professional development of colleagues.
Supervising independent student projects.
Providing supplemental support for all technology within the school.
Ensuring that technological resources, both physical and online, are well maintained and can be implemented safely by students and faculty.
Exploring trends and helping to enable technology integration in teaching and learning.
Creating, maintaining, and operating an Innovation Lab.
Coordinating professional development in project-based learning across disciplines.
Identifying and disseminating STEM-related award opportunities to students and faculty.
Collaborating with advancement staff to identify and respond to STEM-related external funding opportunities.
Independently providing desktop support to Ricks staff and students, and maintaining all school technology.
Working with the University IT department to purchase and inventory software and technology hardware (including but not limited to computers, printers, etc..) and deploy to staff.
Teaching 1-3 math sections each week to elementary and middle school students (for Math Teacher role).
Teaching 1-3 science sections each week to elementary and middle school students, and occasionally to early childhood students (for Science Teacher role).
Teaching assigned courses, differentiating instruction for gifted and twice-exceptional students.
Fostering a creative learning environment with strong classroom management.
Collaborating with other teachers to support school-wide initiatives.
Being professional and treating colleagues, students, and families with respect and kindness.