Makerspace (IDEA Lab) Teacher and Lab Manager

Type: Full-Time, 10-month Supervisor: Director of Curriculum Design & Innovation Location: Chicago, IL, on-site Starting Date: August 2026 Why consider Catherine Cook School? Cook is a vibrant and inclusive learning community where curiosity, connection, and compassion are at the heart of everything we do. We are dedicated to developing creative, collaborative problem solvers who tackle global challenges from multiple perspectives. Our dedicated faculty and staff help students from preschool through 8th grade become empowered learners and leaders. All Cook employees are trained and supported in incorporating wellness and belonging into their work with students and adults. Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) and social-emotional learning (SEL) are the cornerstones upon which we build a curriculum and community. At Cook, we commit to all community members being active learners, from our preschool students to us as adults. We invite you to consider how Cook will benefit from having you, along with your experiences in educating and learning, as a part of our community. How will this role contribute to the growth of the Cook community? 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. How will I contribute and grow personally and professionally in this role? Connecting with and caring for students and colleagues through weekly duties and administrative tasks Growing as a life-long learner through active participation in meetings and Build capacity for teaching all learners, from our youngest students to leading small or large professional development for staff Applying skills as supported by training and protocols for proactive and responsive community building. Proactively and reflectively communicating through various platforms the vision, goals, and progress of your work with both internal and external collaborators Growing our culture of belonging and wellness through active participation in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and social-emotional learning (SEL) efforts Serving as an Ambassador for our Enrollment Management and Development efforts Employing Google and Outlook Applications for individual and team collaboration and communication What will the ideal candidate for this role embody? The ideal candidate is a flexible, curious, creative educator who believes students learn best by exploring ideas, asking questions, and constructing understanding through hands‑on making. They design learning experiences where curiosity leads, experimentation is encouraged, and mistakes are viewed as essential steps in the learning process. They are a collaborative partner who enjoys co?designing interdisciplinary projects with teachers across Preschool–8th Grade. They bring flexibility, enthusiasm, and a genuine love of building, tinkering, and imagining alongside students. They approach teaching as a facilitator of open?ended, student?centered learning, guiding students through brainstorming, prototyping, iterating, and reflecting as they bring their ideas to life. Their instruction emphasizes exploration over answers and process over perfection. They are a self starter who can persist through troubleshooting issues with makerspace equipment. In the IDEA Lab, they cultivate safe, inclusive, and well?organized creative spaces where students feel confident using tools, experimenting with materials, and pursuing their own questions with independence and joy. The ideal candidate will apply 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. Above all, they believe maker education is about people, process, and possibility. They inspire students to see themselves as capable creators and problem?solvers. They want to make the IDEA Lab a space where all students and teachers feel welcome. As an IDEA Lab Teacher 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 As a Lab Manager 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. As a Collaborator and Integrationist 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. As a Middle School Advisor 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. Ideal candidates will possess: 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. What is the salary range for this position? In compliance with IL’s Equal Pay Act, Catherine Cook utilizes a salary scale from $58,000 to $111,950 based on years of relevant teaching experience and relevant degrees. An example for this position is a teacher with 0-10 years of relevant teaching experience and a bachelor’s degree would earn between $58,000 and $76,800. When extending an offer, Catherine Cook considers factors such as (but not limited to) the position’s scope and responsibilities, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, and market and organizational considerations. Catherine Cook School is an equal-opportunity employer. We recognize that skills and insights are developed through a variety of professional and lived experiences. We seek to be more representative of the communities in which we live and who we teach. We are intentionally seeking candidates who can demonstrate the core qualifications of this role through a combination of both non-traditional and traditional personal and professional experiences. What else is there to know about employment at Cook? Catherine Cook offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the well‑being and financial security of our employees. Our benefits for full‑time eligible employees include: Medical, dental, and vision coverage 403(b) plan 100% of the premium covered for Basic Life insurance, STD, LTD, AD&D HSA, FSA, Dependent Care available Professional Development opportunities Generous paid time off Pet Insurance Identity Theft Protection #J-18808-Ljbffr