Innovation Studio Teacher

Position Summary New England Innovation Academy seeks a full time Innovation Studio Teacher for the 2026-27 academic year. Full-time faculty teach four sections in Upper School, Middle School, or a mixture of both divisions with two or three different course preparations, participate in coaching two sports/activities or the equivalent, and serve as an advisor. The Innovation Studio Teacher inspires, instructs, and develops middle and high school students’ passions and curiosities, and will teach students integrated design, using human-centered design as a fundamental process to develop students’ empathy, passion, and curiosity in Innovation Studio courses. This role will help students think deeply about the world through various lenses of human needs, positive societal impact, and environmental sustainability, and enable them to take action through real-world, hands‑on projects. Essential skills utilized include 3‑D modeling, designing/sketching with Adobe Illustrator, engineering with electronics, coding, and producing artifacts in our state‑of‑the‑art maker space and woodshop. Innovation Studio courses are semester‑based, with a foundations course that all new students enroll in, and the remaining program is built on relevant electives. Teaching and learning revolve around a competency‑based education system aligned with our Pillars: Innovation & Entrepreneurship, Human‑Centered Design, Integrated & Experiential Learning, and Belonging & Togetherness. This system assesses “Pillar” competencies applicable across all academic departments, as well as department‑specific competencies, to demonstrate expertise in a particular subject. The NEIA values of equity, agency, and adaptability are deeply embedded in this approach, ensuring that students develop skills crucial for the next generation of leaders. NEIA’s educational process extends beyond traditional classrooms, encompassing activities such as advocacy groups, after‑school activities, residential programs, service projects, expeditions, and internships. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Embody NEIA’s principles of empathy, equity, personalization, authentic work, and collaboration in all work activities and actions. Develop engaging, educational, and exciting integrated and experiential curriculum and lesson plans tailored to students’ interests and needs. Implement classroom management strategies to maintain student focus and productivity. Adapt teaching methods and instructional techniques to accommodate students’ diverse needs and learning styles, aligning with individual learning plans where applicable. Regularly assess student progress through NEIA’s competency system, providing timely and constructive feedback and informing students about their performance. Build positive relationships with students to foster their academic growth and development. Collaborate with other teachers, administrators, and school counselors to enhance student learning experience. Identify students facing learning or emotional challenges or home situations, and work with the Student Support Team to provide necessary resources and support. Stay informed about and actively utilize individual learning plans in teaching and student interactions. Communicate effectively with parents and guardians regarding students’ performance and needs. Incorporate goals, competencies, and objectives into lesson plans that directly apply to students’ lives. Strive to achieve school and course‑wide performance goals for every student in class. Engage in ongoing professional learning in accordance with the school’s professional growth framework. Support the initiatives and strategic goals set forth by the School Leadership. Perform other related duties and responsibilities as assigned and required by the position and the School. Expectations for all Teachers Teaching staff are employed on a 12‑month, exempt basis, featuring a distinct vacation and paid time off (PTO) structure compared to non‑teaching staff. Preparation for Class Resumption: Teachers must be prepared to resume teaching immediately after school vacation. Responsiveness to Work Communications: Teachers are expected to respond to work‑related communications within a reasonable timeframe when school is in session — ideally within 24‑48 hours. Summer Vacation Responsibilities: Teachers are expected to prepare for the upcoming academic year during the summer break, including updating course outlines, organizing classes on Google Classroom, and planning lessons. As the school and academic programs grow, teachers may develop new curricula, under the oversight of the Director of Curriculum & Professional Learning. During the academic year, teaching staff are entitled to five (5) days of PTO, which can be used for sick or personal days. Over the roughly 32 weeks of the school year, teaching staff should expect to work up to 55 hours per week. Qualifications Ability to create a welcoming and supportive community for a diverse student body. Ability to work with professionalism, discretion, sound judgment, equity, honesty, and personal accountability at all times. Proficient knowledge of teaching strategies and methods. Ability to incorporate goals, competencies, and objectives into lesson plans in ways that directly apply to students’ lives. Ability to use technology effectively in teaching, learning, and administrative functions and willingness to stay current in technology skills and learn emerging technologies as needed. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Strong administrative and organizational skills. Strong creative and critical thinking skills. Ability to efficiently and effectively manage the time of self and others. Understanding and adherence to applicable laws, codes, policies, regulations, and safety practices and procedures. Education and/or Experience Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred. At least three years of teaching experience in a residential or day school setting is preferred. Salary Range The salary range for this position is $55,000 – $80,000 on a full‑time basis. Supervisory Responsibilities The Innovation Studio Teacher does not supervise any other employees at NEIA. Physical Requirements Stand/sit for long periods. Bend, lift, push, kneel, crouch, crawl, stoop. Capable of moving around the classroom while teaching a class. Capable of adapting to frequent changes in position throughout the workday. Hearing and speaking to understand and exchange information in person or on the telephone. Speak clearly so listeners understand. Use hands and fingers for manipulation, educational tools, play equipment, keyboarding, first aid, and CPR performance. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, and depth perception. #J-18808-Ljbffr National Association of Independent Schools