Adjunct STEAM Instructor

DESCRIPTION

The Adjunct STEAM Instructor will teach two sections of STM120: Introduction to Design Thinking for eighth-grade students at Oakwood School during the second semester of the 2026–2027 school year.

This part-time role combines classroom instruction and hands-on project mentorship in a student-driven environment focused on design, fabrication, and real-world problem solving. The instructor will guide students through open-ended projects, helping them develop skills in ideation, prototyping, testing, and iteration.

The instructor will have access to a fully equipped fabrication space, including 3D printers, CNC machines, laser cutters, and shop tools, allowing students to move from concept to physical prototype.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Teach two sections of STM120: Introduction to Design Thinking during the second semester, January 4 through June 10, 2027. Each section meets two to three times per week for 70 minutes.
• Introduce students to design thinking through hands-on projects and fabrication.
• Guide students through the full design process: ideation, prototyping, testing, and iteration.
• Support student-driven projects and independent work.
• Teach and reinforce safe, responsible use of fabrication equipment and shop tools.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the essential functions of this job, the incumbent must be able to do the following:

• Stand for extended periods
• Sit for extended periods
• Bend and reach for filing and other job-related functions
• Climb up and down stairs
• Bend, stoop, and lift to move and retrieve materials
• Pull, push, and lift
• Reach both above and below shoulder height.  

Specific visual abilities include the following:

• Close vision
• Color vision
• Depth perception, and
• The ability to adjust focus. 
• Must be able to visually inspect work. 
• Manual dexterity to operate computer and other office equipment required. 

The physical demands described above are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made.

Qualifications

REQUIREMENTS

• Some teaching experience is required; experience teaching middle school students is preferred.
• A background in engineering, design, fabrication, or a related field.
• Proficiency with Fusion 360 and Tinkercad.
• Experience with 3D printing, laser cutters, and general shop tools.
• Availability to work approximately 20 hours per week from January 4 through June 10, 2027, with classes scheduled between 8:45 a.m. and 3:45 p.m., Monday through Friday.
• Strong problem-solving and organizational skills.
• Ability to mentor eighth-grade students through open-ended, project-based work.