Middle And Upper School Maker Lab Teacher

Riverdale Country School is a Pre-K through grade 12 independent school in New York City committed to empowering lifelong learners by developing minds, building character, and creating community in order to change our world for the good. Riverdale seeks to reflect the diversity of the New York metropolitan area in its students, faculty, and staff. Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) is the foundational core of community-building that supports the school's mission and empowers all community members to be their whole selves and thrive-- especially those who historically have been and continue to be marginalized because of their cultural, ethnic, racial, linguistic, national, gender, sexual, spiritual, or socioeconomic identities and their physical, mental, or emotional well-being. Riverdale enrolls about 1,200 students who collectively reside in 117 different zip codes. Approximately 44% of our student body identify as students of color. 

We seek to employ people who engage in all aspects of work with a student-centered approach, an open mind, passion, and a willingness to support the greater community. At Riverdale we recognize that the work of DEIB is iterative and requires a consistent commitment. Ideal candidates display that commitment in their work and/or in their approach to teaching and learning. 

Riverdale seeks an experienced, full-time teacher for our Middle and Upper School Maker Lab. We seek a candidate enthusiastic about creating art and design projects and supporting students' work in discovering and developing their creative abilities regardless of their experience or skill.

Candidates should have a considerable knowledge base in digital fabrication, operating a laser cutter and CNC machine, general carpentry, woodworking, welding, and sewing, in addition to fluency in programming languages, microcontroller programming, mechanics, electronics (i.e., Arduino, bicycle repair and design, EV and circuit design, repurposing electronic toys/junk, solar power).

The Visual Arts department values the collective aspects of studio work, critique, connection to the global histories of art and design production, and the possibilities of art and design to describe and change the world. The department works collectively in an atmosphere of mutual respect and support. 

Riverdale is an inclusive community dedicated to the principles of DEI; our hiring practices reflect this commitment, and we seek collegial candidates eager to expand this work in the classroom, in our curricular work, and the pedagogical principles of the department. 

Necessary Requirements

• A Bachelor's Degree or higher in Industrial Design, Physical Science, Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field with a broad range of experience working with modern engineering tools and software OR an artist, educator, designer, or maker with a portfolio of realized physical computing or electronics projects with an undergraduate degree in any field;
• 3-5 years experience teaching at the Middle and/or Upper School level;
• Experience with one or several fabrication skills, including 3D printing, laser cutting, vinyl cutting, CNC router, sewing, circuit design, and other design and prototyping equipment;
• A working knowledge of all local, state, and national building and fire codes and other regulations applicable to an area of responsibility, including but not limited to NFPA, OSHA, and the EPA;
• Prior experience mentoring, organizing, and managing design and engineering projects at the individual level and in collaborative groups, including creating events or showcases for student art and design;
• Prior experience running and maintaining a workshop;
• Prior experience in creating and implementing shop safety guidelines/standards;
• Prior experience managing a purchasing budget for supplies and other materials.

Preferred Qualifications

• An interest in engaging students in a supportive and rigorous environment;
• An interest in growing the Maker program for students to address real problems with an understanding of how the arts intersect with society and how empathy informs design; 
• Has experience in interdisciplinary teaching and learning, particularly incorporating art and design into and alongside other disciplines;
• A desire to participate in community activities, including advising groups, service opportunities, or other co-curriculars; 
• Demonstrated collegiality, collaboration, teamwork, and organization;
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging work.

$57,850 - $138,414 a year

The salary range for this position is based on our faculty salary scale.  Faculty are placed on "steps" on the scale based on years of experience and education. 

The sample steps for the academic year 2023-2024 are shown below in five-year increments:

Step 1:  $57,850

Step 5:  $65,073

Step 10: $75,393 

Step 15: $84,299

Step 20: $94,455 

Post Step 25:  $138,414

To apply for this position, please click on the red "Apply for this Job" button. Please submit a resume and cover letter.  If there are pronouns we should use in potential future communications, we invite you to share that information with us.  For information about this position and all open positions, please visit the Careers page of Riverdale's website.

Working at Riverdale Country School is a purposeful and meaningful career choice that comes with many benefits including:  

Transportation: Shuttle service is available to/from the 242nd St / Broadway subway station. Limited stops are also available near transit hubs in Manhattan including the Metro North Harlem Station and subway lines - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, N, Q, R, A, B, C, and D. If there is need in the community, we can also run a shuttle from the Henry Hudson Parkway / 246th St bus stop which connects to the #7, #10, and Express Buses to/from Manhattan.

Professional Development: A generous professional-development budget provides for conferences, skills training, and onsite training in areas such as mindfulness, coaching, and diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.

Grants and Stipends: All employees are eligible for Frankel Fellow grants, known as "passion grants," which pay for enrichment activities. More than 120 grants have been made to faculty and staff since the program started in 2014. Stipends are available for coaching, affinity group facilitation, advising clubs with significant out-of-school time, and chaperoning trips (including global trips!).

Sabbatical:  Full time teaching faculty are eligible for a sabbatical after 10 years of employment.  

Health Benefits: Riverdale offers and subsidizes health, dental, and vision insurance.  In addition, the school offers a flexible spending account through which employees can use pre-tax dollars to pay for health-related expenses.  

Retirement:  Employees are eligible to join our Defined Contribution retirement plan through TIAA.  The school contributes 7% of an employee's annual salary to their retirement account.  

Vacation:  Riverdale Country School has a generous time-off policy for staff in addition to vacations afforded by the school calendar.