Middle School CDL (Collaborative Design Lab) Director

As the Middle School CDL (Collaborative Design Lab) Director at Thayer Academy, you will lead the Collaborative Design Lab program, design engaging learning experiences for students, oversee the labs, and collaborate with other teachers. Additionally, you will teach Arts electives, conduct workshops, and manage the budget for the lab spaces, ensuring that each area is equipped for productive and creative learning.

To apply for the Middle School CDL Director position at Thayer Academy, candidates are required to hold a bachelor's degree, with a master’s degree in Education or related fields preferred. Additionally, applicants should have at least three years of teaching experience at the Middle or Secondary School level, along with knowledge of maker spaces, design thinking, programming, and proficiency in creative software like the Adobe Suite.

The Middle School CDL Director at Thayer Academy plays a crucial role in fostering diversity and inclusion by applying inclusive practices in the classroom and supporting a curriculum that reflects diverse perspectives. This position involves building relationships with students from varied backgrounds and ensuring that all students feel a sense of belonging within the educational environment.

The Middle School CDL Director at Thayer Academy will have access to a variety of professional development opportunities aimed at expanding knowledge and enhancing teaching practices. These opportunities will allow the Director to draw on personal experiences while learning new skills that can be beneficial for their program and fostering personal growth within the educational community.

The salary range for the Middle School CDL Director position at Thayer Academy ranges from $75,350 to $81,000. This competitive salary reflects the Academy's commitment to attracting qualified professionals who are dedicated to providing exceptional education and supporting students' creative growth.

To lead the Collaborative Design Lab program effectively, I would begin by establishing clear goals aligned with the maker education philosophy, ensuring hands-on experiences for both students and teachers. Collaboration with faculty members to integrate CDL skills into their curriculum will be a priority, as well as fostering an environment of creativity and experimentation.

In my previous roles, I have incorporated programming and robotics into the curriculum through hands-on projects and workshops. My approach has always focused on encouraging students to explore these technologies creatively, fostering problem-solving skills through engaging activities that allow them to express their ideas.

Incorporating student-led learning in the CDL will involve creating a framework for students to share their ideas and lead workshops. I envision facilitating open-making times and drop-in sessions, where students can collaborate, experiment, and share their learning experiences with peers, promoting ownership of their education.

To foster equity and inclusion, I would implement diverse teaching strategies that recognize varying learning styles and backgrounds. This includes creating projects that resonate with all students and ensuring that classroom discussions and curricula reflect diverse perspectives, allowing every student to feel seen and valued.

Effective budget management for the Collaborative Design Lab involves regular assessment of resource needs and prioritizing expenditures that directly enhance student learning experiences. Collaborating with the administration and faculty to identify funding opportunities and ensuring transparent tracking of expenses will ensure optimal resources for our lab.

My teaching philosophy centers around creating an engaging, innovative learning environment where middle school students feel valued and inspired. I believe in fostering creativity and critical thinking, providing diverse learning opportunities, and building strong relationships to support each student's growth during these formative years.

One significant challenge I faced was addressing varying skill levels within a single class. I developed differentiated instruction strategies that catered to diverse needs. By providing tailored resources and activities, I created a supportive atmosphere where all students could participate and thrive, ultimately improving the overall learning experience.

Collaboration is vital in my role as a CDL Director. Engaging with teachers, students, and the community fosters a vibrant learning environment where ideas can flourish. I encourage joint projects and discussions that bring together various perspectives, enriching the educational experience and ensuring students benefit from interdisciplinary learning.

In handling conflicts among students, I would approach each situation with empathy, encouraging open dialogue and fostering understanding. By providing a safe space for students to express feelings and perspectives, I aim to guide them toward resolution and promote a culture of respect and cooperation within the school community.

I envision implementing innovative projects that intertwine technology with the arts, such as multimedia storytelling and environmental design challenges. Projects like creating short films or designing solutions for real-world problems would encourage students to think critically, collaborate, and apply their creativity to tangible outcomes.