Atelier Teacher

REPORTS TO SCHOOL DIRECTOR, CURRICULUM DIRECTOR

SUMMARY

Preschool Art and Science Facilitator

Imagine being in a highly interactive education setting that combines the materials, freedom, and creative inspiration of an artist’s studio with the excitement and experimental methods of a science lab. Imagine it buzzing with young children all around you, eager to both play AND learn. Imagine yourself, and the environment that you help create, being the central hub of activity and energy for an entire preschool. Welcome to the “STEAM Experience” program at Amazing Explorers Academy! Sometimes called “atelierista,” this position’s role is to support children’s creative and scientific learning by facilitating ongoing projects and experiments that engage students on multiple levels of exploration. Each day you will work with a wide range of materials and methods, each designed specifically to make STEAM concepts fun, emotional and accessible to the preschool mind. You will interact with all the students and teachers in the school (in rotation,) helping them to form theories, test hypotheses and bring creative ideas to life. Once made visible, you will document these experiences in photos and videos that can be watched by parents, teachers, even other students on the Amazing Explorers Academy App. Throughout the process, you will value each individual child’s unique ideas and various means of expression, taking them on a co-created adventure that inspires a lifelong love of learning. The ideal candidate has a background or talent with visual arts, music, or design. You do not need to be a “rocket scientist,” but must be comfortable working with basic scientific concepts at the preschool level. All candidates must also possess some proficiency with everyday modern technology such as iPads, mobile phones and App-based programs. This is an extremely hands on role so candidates must not be afraid to roll their sleeves up and get messy.

JOB DUTIES, TASKS, AND KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Follow the established STEAM Experience curriculum and activity guidelines to plan and execute daily lessons in collaboration with other teachers, curriculum Director or the School Director.
• Plan, monitor, request and organize program materials for each month.
• Create a stimulating environment for both children and staff to work on long-term projects and engage in a “self-directed” process of learning.
• Provide a wide range of materials that give children an opportunity to express themselves through as many “languages” and sensorial mediums as possible, recognizing that creativity is part of the makeup of every individual.
• Assist Director in developing staff and customer awareness of the various components of the STEAM Experience program and the benefits of incorporating STEAM concepts at the preschool level.
• Produce “documentation boards” that showcase the range of projects, learning, and development happening in the STEAM Experience program at any given moment.
• Develop staff understanding of the documentation process and encourage their participation in designing and maintaining documentation boards.
• Encourage children to experiment in creative ways and to innovate beyond the guidelines of the STEAM Experience curriculum.
• Assist teachers and students in preparing project-based learning (PBL) presentations for the parents.
• Sometimes act as official “school photographer” at certain school events.
• Strive to make the STEAM Experience area the “beating heart” and “center of culture” for the entire preschool.

MINIMUM JOB QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum 18 years old.
• Must meet state licensing requirements for education including maintaining in-service hours as required by state licensing agencies or accrediting bodies.
• Must meet all standards and requirements relating to education and experience as set by the state and accreditation agent.
• Must possess a high school diploma or its equivalent.
• Prefer experience in a licensed or accredited childcare center.
• Prefer Staff Credential or degree in Early Childhood Education or related field, but not required.
• Prefer CPR and First Aid certification, but not required.
• Must be able to communicate, both verbally and in writing, in the English language.

EDUCATION

• Required, High School Diploma.
• Prefer Staff Credential or degree in Early Childhood Education or related field, but not required.