Instructional Experience Designer (Esports Learning Architect) 2026-2027

Tempe School District No.3•Tempe, AZ

20h•Onsite

About The Position

About You: You have a sense of urgency, are conscientious, and want your work to have an impact. You enjoy being part of a strong, collaborative team and contribute positively to a culture where people support one another and share in collective success. You are both a designer and facilitator of learning—someone who can build structured, high-engagement experiences while maintaining a clear focus on academic outcomes. You are comfortable navigating both: The complexity of competitive environments, and The intentional design of rigorous, standards-aligned learning You see the big picture and act with purpose, always aligning your work to student growth and opportunity. About Us: Established in 1874, Tempe Elementary School District serves over 10,000 students across 21 schools. Our district is grounded in the belief that students should be prepared to productively and innovatively make a positive impact in their communities. At Immersive 9 at Arredondo, we are designing a different kind of school—one where students engage in immersive, mastery-based learning experiences that connect academic content to real-world application. Esports is not an extracurricular activity within this model. It is a learning studio where students develop: Strategic thinking Communication and collaboration Data analysis and decision-making Performance under pressure This role plays a critical part in building that experience and ensuring it translates into meaningful student outcomes. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS : (Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, skills, and other characteristics. This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and is not a comprehensive listing of all duties and responsibilities performed by the incumbents of this class.) About the Role: Why the role exists: The Instructional Experience Designer (Esports Learning Architect) is a classroom-based educator who designs and facilitates immersive, student-centered learning experiences through esports. This role exists to leverage competitive gaming as a platform for developing critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and problem-solving, while ensuring alignment to academic standards and measurable student growth. The Esports Learning Architect builds structured systems where students learn through strategy, performance, reflection, and iteration.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Education or related field (Master’s preferred)
Valid Arizona Teaching Certificate
Demonstrated success in project-based, student-centered, or immersive learning environments.
Experience working with students in team-based, competitive, or performance-driven settings.
Foundational understanding of esports systems (team roles, communication, strategy, performance analysis).
Gifted Endorsement required or willingness to obtain (in accordance with Arizona requirements for serving gifted students)

Nice To Haves

Experience coaching or facilitating esports teams, gaming communities, or competitive environments
Ability to connect esports experiences to academic standards (math, literacy, STEM, media)
Experience with game analysis, streaming, or digital production tools
Familiarity with platforms such as OBS, Twitch, Discord, or competitive gaming systems
Capacity to design performance-based learning experiences rooted in strategy and collaboration
Commitment to continuous improvement, reflection, and innovation

Responsibilities

Design and implement standards-aligned learning experiences using esports as a primary instructional medium.
Integrate core academic skills into esports contexts, including: Mathematical reasoning (data, statistics, probability) Literacy (communication, analysis, reflection) Systems thinking and strategic decision-making
Develop structured team systems including: Defined roles (e.g., strategist, analyst, communicator, support) Practice routines and performance cycles Data-informed reflection and improvement
Connect esports experiences to broader immersive learning studios and interdisciplinary opportunities.
Facilitate learning environments that promote student voice, agency, and ownership
Support students in developing skills related to: Collaboration Communication under pressure Reflection and continuous improvement
Coach students in both individual performance and team dynamics.
Use formative assessment and performance data to personalize instruction and support student growth.
Develop and manage a structured esports program aligned to the Immersive 9 model.
Organize and facilitate: Team practices Competitive matches Tournaments and exhibitions
Establish and maintain partnerships with leagues, organizations, and community partners.
Ensure access and participation opportunities for all students
Collaborate with Instructional Experience Designers and campus leadership to integrate esports into interdisciplinary learning experiences.
Co-design projects that connect esports to: Digital media and broadcasting Storytelling and production STEM and innovation-based learning
Engage in reflective dialogue and public sharing of professional practice aligned to Innovation Enterprise priorities.
Participate in design cycles focused on continuous improvement and innovation.
Expose students to real-world applications and pathways connected to esports, including: Game design Broadcasting and content creation Data analytics Event production
Support students in producing authentic work for real audiences (e.g., livestreams, commentary, analysis, showcases).
Connect learning experiences to community, industry, and future opportunities.
Establish and maintain a positive, inclusive esports culture grounded in respect, teamwork, and sportsmanship
Teach and reinforce expectations related to: Digital citizenship Online safety Responsible technology use
Monitor student interactions and address inappropriate behavior, including toxicity, exclusion, or unsafe conduct
Promote healthy participation habits, including balance, self-regulation, and awareness of student wellbeing
Communicate with families regarding student participation, growth, and opportunities within the esports program
Promote the esports program within the school community to increase awareness and engagement
Support showcases, events, and competitions that connect student work to authentic audiences