Makerspace (IDEA Lab) Teacher and Lab Manager

Catherine Cook School•Chicago, IL

9d•Onsite

About The Position

The IDEA (Innovation, Design, Engineering, Art) Lab Teacher & Lab Manager will strengthen the Cook community by expanding access to creative, maker learning that encourages students to build, experiment, and think like designers. Developing and implementing lessons in the makerspace will help Cook middle school students build fluency in the design process as well as competency with digital and traditional tools. By integrating STEM, art, and design thinking into engaging projects, this educator will help students develop curiosity, confidence, and collaborative problem‑solving skills. This role will also serve as a student advisor to Middle School, building rapport and trust with advisees while creating a safe, approachable, and confidential environment. Through partnerships with teachers across Preschool–8th Grade, the role will bring maker tools and design thinking into classrooms, enriching learning school‑wide. As the Lab Manager, this individual will maintain safe, organized, and welcoming creative spaces where all students feel empowered to take risks and explore new ideas. By documenting and celebrating student work and supporting community events, the IDEA Lab Teacher will help cultivate a culture of innovation, joy, and shared creativity that strengthens the entire Cook community.

Requirements

Experience teaching middle school learners with a strong understanding of adolescent development and student‑centered instructional practices.
Bachelor’s Degree in Education — or a related field such as STEM, Engineering, Art, Computer Science or Instructional Technology
A strong background in STEM, art, design, or engineering with experience teaching or supporting creative, standards aligned, hands-on learning for grades 5–8.
Experience designing inquiry‑based, project‑centered learning where students explore questions, test ideas, and construct understanding through making.
Experience using, maintaining, and problem solving maker tools and materials such as 3D printers, laser cutters, sewing machines, woodworking tools, electronics, and digital design platforms.
Skill in guiding students through the design thinking process—from ideation to prototyping, iteration, and reflection.
Ability to cultivate safe, inclusive, and well‑organized creative spaces where students feel empowered to take risks, make mistakes, and pursue their ideas with confidence.
Experience collaborating with teachers across disciplines to co‑design cross‑curricular maker projects that deepen academic learning.
Strong organizational and classroom‑management skills suited to high‑energy, tool‑rich environments.
Enthusiasm for creativity, flexibility, and continuous learning along with a genuine love of building, tinkering, and imagining alongside students.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to support diverse learners and colleagues with patience and care.

Nice To Haves

Globally recognized standards in STEM and digital learning, creating a high standard for student engagement and learning.
These standards and related curriculum should be organized and accessible to the staff and parent community at Cook.
Maker education is about people, process, and possibility.
Inspire students to see themselves as capable creators and problem‑solvers.
Make the IDEA Lab a space where all students and teachers feel welcome.

Responsibilities

Design and facilitate age‑appropriate 5-8th grade, project‑based maker lessons aligned with Catherine Cook School’s learning goals and globally recognized educational standards (ISTE, CSTA)
Integrate STEM, art, design thinking, computational thinking / coding, and digital literacy into meaningful, hands-on challenges.
Introduce and guide students through the design thinking process, from ideation to prototyping and iteration.
Provide individualized feedback to all students, helping them reach their unique potential.
Model and teach safe, responsible, and intentional use of maker tools and technologies, including: Sewing machines, 3D printers, Laser cutter, Basic woodworking tools, Knitting and textile materials, Embroidery machines, Basic electronics (circuits, microcontrollers, LEDs, sensors), Adobe Suite design tools
Foster a classroom culture that values curiosity, resilience, collaboration, and growth mindset, where mistakes are embraced as part of the learning process.
Facilitate optional open maker time during recesses or designated periods.
Balance the social needs of middle school students with the safety requirements of the makerspace
Manage inventory, maintenance, and organization of all makerspace equipment
Ensure all equipment is well maintained, safely stored, and ready for instructional use.
Oversee safety protocols, documentation, and training related to tools and machinery.
Support faculty during classes by operating machines and assisting with technical setup when needed.
Collaborate with classroom teachers (Preschool-8th grade) to co‑design cross‑curricular maker projects that reinforce core academic concepts.
Support classroom teachers in integrating maker tools and design thinking into their curricula.
Help plan and support school‑wide STEM or innovation events, showcases, and exhibitions.
Document and celebrate student work through displays, digital portfolios, showcases, and community events.
Serve as an advisor to a small group of Middle School students, fostering belonging and connection.
Lead advisory activities aligned with Catherine Cook School’s mission and developmental goals.
Support students’ academic, social, and emotional growth through goal‑setting, reflection, and problem‑solving.
Act as a primary point of contact for families regarding student well‑being.
Collaborate with grade‑level teams to support student transitions and growth.