Teacher - STARBASE

State of Montana•Fort Harrison, MT

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Montana Department of Military Affairs is seeking a STARBASE Program Instructor with exceptional teaching abilities and a strong passion for STEAM education. The STARBASE program aims to expose youth to technological environments and positive role models on military bases through hands-on STEAM instruction. This position is located at Fort Harrison in Helena, MT, and is funded by the Department of Defense. The role involves team-teaching approximately 30 classes per school year, primarily for 5th-graders, focusing on science, technology, engineering, art/design, and mathematics (STEAM). The position is 40 hours per week and requires on-site presence during the school year. Responsibilities extend to participating in outreach opportunities, coordinating and executing summer camps, and teleworking is available during school breaks and summer months, subject to supervisor approval. This position is dependent on federal funding.

Requirements

Bachelors degree in either education or a STEM field
Ability to learn and troubleshoot technological devices and equipment
Ability to plan, teach, and refine lessons in collaboration with another instructor
Solid understanding of science, technology, engineering, art/design, and mathematics concepts appropriate for elementary, middle school, and sometimes high school levels
Knowledge of inquiry-based and hands-on learning methods, differentiated instruction, and age-appropriate pedagogy
Understanding of curriculum design principles, alignment with educational standards, and integration of real-world applications
Strong classroom teaching and facilitation skills for active, student-centered learning
Knowledge of techniques to establish a positive, organized, and safe classroom environment
Ability to learn and comply with applicable DoD and State regulations and STARBASE-specific operational guidelines
Basic knowledge of facility cleaning standards and safe operation of classroom equipment and lab materials
Ability to manage educational resources, maintain cleanliness, and ensure a safe learning space
Ability to teach effectively in non-traditional spaces
Ability to adapt lessons to changes in class size, different age ranges, or student abilities
Ability to manage student group sizes of 1-35
Ability to work evenings, weekends, and overnight travel as needed for events and camps (~10-25% of the time)
Ability to participate in and apply new knowledge gained from training opportunities
Excellent teamwork, relationship-building, and communication skills for working with students, staff, families, and partners
Reliability and commitment to the STARBASE mission
Must pass a fingerprint check and background check in accordance with DoDI 1402.05
Must have a valid driver's license and good driving record

Nice To Haves

3 or more years of teaching experience
Montana Class 1 or 2 teaching license
Experience with hands-on, inquiry-based learning methods

Responsibilities

Provides inquiry-based, hands-on classroom instruction that utilizes smart boards, iPads, laptops, robotics, 3-D printing, scientific demonstrations, and more
Prepares facility and instructional materials for classes
Interprets and provides classroom instruction per DoD instruction and DoD STARBASE curriculum
Co-teaches with another STARBASE instructor
Organizes and manages the classroom, including educational equipment, daily cleaning, and janitorial duties
Researches, plans, and develops cutting-edge STEAM curriculum that incorporates effective practices in teaching and learning, integrates application of “real world” experiences, and broadens students’ awareness of STEAM careers
Utilizes a variety of strategies and teaching methods to encourage students’ curiosity and natural desire to experiment and discover
Evaluates and continuously improves program and curriculum based on assessment data, evaluations, observations, and educator/participant feedback
Collects, enters, analyzes, and interprets outcome data from student and program evaluations and activities to provide reports
Assists with and provides presentations and written information to promote community awareness of the STARBASE program
Assists with developing collaborative partnerships for support of the STARBASE mission and goals
Plans and carries out outreach events with local/state partners to provide greater visibility to the STARBASE program
Plans and carries out summer camps in Helena/Fort Harrison and throughout the state with occasional overnight travel
Participates in yearly professional development, including DoD STARBASE training
Assists with all other activities deemed necessary by STARBASE Director and performs related work as assigned to fulfill the STARBASE Montana mission