Coding and Robotics Teacher at Discovering Talents Academy

Location: Gwarinpa, Abuja (FCT) 

Job Summary

• The Coding and Robotics Teacher at Discovering Talents Academy (DTA) is responsible for delivering dynamic and effective instruction in both coding and robotics to primary school pupils. This role involves fostering computational thinking, engineering design skills, and a passion for innovation.
• The teacher will guide students through practical projects, from building and programming robots to developing games and mobile applications.
• This position is crucial in upholding DTA's mission to "create an atmosphere of fun where kids can enjoy being kids" and its vision to "discover and bring out the uniqueness in every child," by ensuring individualized teaching and promoting academic excellence within the SHRID niche, particularly focusing on Skill Acquisitionin STEM fields.

Key Responsibilities
Instructional Delivery & Curriculum Implementation:

• Plan, prepare, and deliver high-quality, engaging lessons in coding (e.g., Scratch, MBlocks, Python, Website Development, Mobile App Development) and robotics (e.g., Car Robots, Smart Devices, Home Automation, Robotics Basics).
• Implement DTA's SHRID niche, particularly focusing on:
  • Driving Skill Acquisitionin programming, electronics, mechanical design, and problem-solving.
  • Applying Individualized Teachingstrategies to cater to diverse learning styles and technical proficiencies.
  • Promoting clear Dictionand logical communication in explaining technical concepts and project designs.
• Utilize a variety of teaching methods, hands-on projects, simulations, and technology to make complex concepts accessible and exciting for all pupils.
• Set clear learning objectives for each project and provide constructive feedback to students to support their progress.
• Prepare pupils for internal and external competitions or projects related to coding and robotics.

Practical Application & Project-Based Learning:

• Guide students through the entire project lifecycle, from ideation and design to building, programming, testing, and debugging.
• Ensure students gain practical experience with various hardware components (sensors, motors, microcontrollers like Arduino) and software platforms.
• Foster creativity and innovation by encouraging students to develop their own unique solutions and projects.
• Oversee the safe and proper use of all tools, equipment, and materials in the robotics and coding labs.

Assessment & Reporting:

• Design and administer fair, valid, and reliable assessments (project evaluations, coding challenges, practical demonstrations) to evaluate student understanding and applied skills.
• Analyze project outcomes and assessment data to identify learning gaps, inform instructional adjustments, and provide targeted support to students.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of student attendance, project progress, and grades.
• Prepare comprehensive progress reports for parents, highlighting technical achievements and areas for development.

Classroom Management & Environment:

• Create a positive, inclusive, and stimulating learning environment conducive to technical exploration, experimentation, and problem-solving.
• Implement effective classroom management strategies to ensure an orderly and respectful learning atmosphere, especially during hands-on activities.
• Encourage active participation, critical thinking, and collaborative teamwork among students.
• Ensure the coding and robotics labs are well-resourced, organized, and maintained, with equipment in good working order.

Student Welfare & Support:

• Monitor the academic and social-emotional well-being of students, identifying and addressing any concerns promptly.
• Provide individualized support and interventions for students who require additional assistance in understanding concepts or completing projects.
• Collaborate with parents, support staff, and other teachers to ensure holistic development and address student needs.
• Serve as a Form Tutor/Class Teacher as assigned, overseeing general welfare and academic progress of a designated class, which may include teaching other subjects.

Professional Development & Collaboration:

• Actively participate in departmental meetings, school-wide professional development sessions, and training programs, particularly those related to advancements in coding, robotics, and AI.
• Collaborate with colleagues to share best practices, develop curriculum materials, and enhance the overall academic program.
• Contribute to school events and activities, such as STEM fairs, coding clubs, and robotics competitions, as required.
• Utilize the DTA software for academic tracking, communication, and appraisal processes.

Policy Adherence:

• Strictly adhere to all DTA policies and procedures, including those related to punctuality, dress code, safety, and ethical conduct.
• Uphold the professional standards and values of Discovering Talents Academy at all times.

Qualifications

• Education:Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, Software Engineering, or a related STEM field. A Post Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) or National Certificate in Education (NCE) is an added advantage.
• Experience:Minimum of [e.g., 2-4] years of proven experience teaching coding and/or robotics to primary or early secondary school students. Practical experience in building and programming projects is highly desirable.
• Subject Matter Expertise:Strong knowledge of programming concepts (block-based and text-based), basic electronics, mechanical principles, and problem-solving methodologies relevant to robotics.
• Technological Proficiency:Proficient in relevant software (e.g., Scratch, MBlocks, Python IDEs, app development platforms) and comfortable working with various robotics kits and hardware.
• Communication:Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts clearly and concisely.
• Interpersonal Skills:Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport with students, parents, and colleagues, and to inspire young learners.

Key Competencies:

• Coding & Programming Expertise
• Robotics & Engineering Principles
• Project-Based Learning Facilitation
• Classroom Management
• Differentiated Instruction & Individualized Teaching
• Problem-Solving & Critical Thinking
• Innovation & Creativity
• Communication & Technical Explanation
• Patience & Enthusiasm for STEM Education
• Commitment to DTA's Vision, Mission, and SHRID Niche