SparkLab Facilitator

SparkLab Facilitator 

SparkNC and Vance County Schools seek to hire a creative, innovative educator to support learners across a network of 18 North Carolina public school districts to engage in a new model focused on expanding pathways to high-tech fields. The model will offer learning experiences across the network through a unique, multi-district collaboration that is learner-centered, industry-relevant, and competency-based. 

Section I. About SparkNC (Who We Are) 

SparkNC will offer opportunities for learners to access rigorous and experiential pathways leading to jobs in the high-tech industry-in areas including artificial intelligence & machine learning, cybersecurity, software 

development, data analytics, computer systems engineering, and user experience design. 

SparkNC is an initiative of The Innovation Project (TIP), a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that brings together North Carolina public school district leaders to rethink, reimagine, and redesign public education using equitable, learner-centered strategies. Like other TIP initiatives, SparkNC will eventually expand to serve learners throughout North Carolina. 

The high-tech industry is growing rapidly in North Carolina and nationally, with a large and expanding pool of high-paying jobs available to those with the requisite interest, knowledge, skills, and abilities. Many of these jobs are going unfilled because young people aren't aware of the opportunities, view them as unattainable, or don't see clear pathways to pursue them. 

SparkNC will open doors for learners to discover, experience, and navigate pathways toward high-tech jobs. We will help learners expand skill sets, build networks, gain confidence, and chart personalized pathways toward these jobs through engaging, connected experiences, resources, and guidance along our Learning Continuum:

We are deliberative and strategic but also impatient and driven to action. We are passionate about transforming learning, particularly for those who have been disengaged or left behind by traditional systems. We believe strongly in public education and the power of innovative educators to build impactful, personalized learning experiences for all kinds of learners. 

Section II. The Role of the SparkLab Facilitator (Who You Are) The SparkLab Facilitator will join a unique network of innovative educators across North Carolina who will support learners as they progress through various in-person, blended, and virtual SparkNC learning experiences. This person will provide education, encouragement, and inspiration to learners enrolled in an experience called the "High-Tech Learning Accelerator." The ideal candidate will have a passion for creativity and transforming education. We are looking for someone who would be excited for an opportunity to work outside of the traditional systemic restraints to design and support learning experiences that meet the needs of each and every learner. The SparkLab Facilitator will collaborate with other SparkLab Facilitators, the SparkNC team, and partners from our business community to breathe life into learning experiences for learners. 

The successful applicant for this role will be deeply driven by two ambitions: (1) a desire to expand pathways into high-tech fields for North Carolina learners, particularly those disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 and those from groups that have historically been excluded from these fields; and (2) a deep and abiding

commitment to supporting learning experiences that make public schools more learner-centered, equitable, flexible, and adaptive. 

Section III. The Opportunity 

The SparkLab Facilitator will serve as the "lead learner" in a new and evolving model. The SparkLab Facilitator will be actively engaged in the iterative design of the model and will fulfill the following roles: 

• Deliver in-person, blended, or virtual instruction to learners across our interdistrict network for instructor-lead learning experiences. The SparkLab Facilitator will deliver at least three modules that may be accessed by learners across the network and at least three modules in-person to learners on site. Each module will cover the amount of content typically covered in three weeks in a traditional course. 
• Coordinate the technical components of learning experiences for student-led, self-directed learning experiences (e.g., guest speakers, technical supplies, or unlocking access to certain websites) 
• Actively recruit learners from across the district to enroll in the High-Tech Learning Accelerator, with a focus on learners disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 and populations historically excluded from careers in tech 
• Co-design new, modular learning experiences for learners aligned to SparkNC's design principles 
• Serve as a mentor to provide direction and support by co-creating progress checkpoints with learners to ensure they achieve their academic and career goals 
• Establish feedback loops to continually check for and validate student understanding of the learning experiences 
• Validate student work, and work with the district and SparkNC to issue credit accordingly 
• Create a safe and supportive learning environment with routines and structures that align with the district's values and promote a learning environment conducive to the intellectual, physical, social, and emotional development of all learners 
• Empower learners to take ownership of their learning and develop their problem-solving skills
• Develop strong partnerships within the district, interdistrict network, local community, and businesses 
• Act as a liaison between the district and SparkNC 

Section IV. Technical Details 

The ideal candidate will have: 

• Bachelor's or Master's Degree (preferred) 
• Middle or high-school teaching experience (preferred) 
• Strong commitment to student learning including providing support during and outside of traditional school hours, to meet student needs 
• Eagerness to embrace collaboration and willingness to adapt to rapidly changing needs and priorities 
• Knowledge of evidence-based pedagogical approaches that engage all learners 
• A deep commitment to engaging underserved learners 
• Agility to provide individual, small group, and whole group support ? Experience with, and dedication to, creating and refining engaging experiences in learner-centered environments 
• Experience with Design Thinking and/or Project-Based Learning (preferred) ? Familiarity with technology and with the use of technology in designing and delivering high-quality learning experiences 
• Desire to rethink foundational assumptions that have shaped existing systems, programs, and practices in K-12 education 
• An entrepreneurial drive to learn, build, and lead 

The SparkLab Facilitator will be a district employee and will carry out job duties outlined in the employee's contract, which will be aligned with an MOU between the district and SparkNC, an initiative of The Innovation Project. 

This is a 12-month position beginning in July 2023. The application deadline is April 28, 2023. This position is funded for one year with the possibility of an extension. 

Please submit a resume, cover letter, and a letter of recommendation to dross@vcs.k12.nc.us and include "SparkLab Facilitator" and Vance County Schools in the subject line.