Assistant Director ASD Partnership

The Da Vinci Science Center (Da Vinci) and the Allentown School District (ASD) have established a multi-year partnership to expand next generation teaching and learning experiences for students, teachers, and families.  The signature program is the development of the Central Elementary STREAM Academy, ASD’s first theme-based school.  The PreK-5 STREAM Academy provides ASD students with engaging, hands-on immersive learning experiences in Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics (STREAM). Through this innovative collaboration, students gain access to state-of-the-art learning spaces—both at Da Vinci’s new downtown Allentown facility and within Central Elementary—while teachers receive support aligned with Pennsylvania’s next-generation science standards.

We are seeking a collaborative, creative, and student-centered Assistant Director to support the development, coordination, and implementation of the Central STREAM Academy and educational programs for preK-12 students and families across the District. In this role, the Assistant Director will work closely with Chief Learning Officer, Da Vinci and Central Elementary educators, Da Vinci STEAM Technology Specialists, district partners, community organizations, and families to ensure high-quality learning experiences.  The Assistant Director will co-lead curriculum development, integrate hands-on technology and engineering experiences, support teacher professional learning and coaching, engage families and partners, and coordinate key STEAM initiatives across PreK–12. This role also supervises several program managers and serves as a key liaison between Da Vinci and the District for communications, community engagement, and program coordination.

What You Bring:You are a collaborative educator with experience in STEAM or elementary instruction, a passion for hands-on learning, and the ability to work closely with teachers, families, and partners. You communicate well, think creatively, and are committed to building inclusive learning environments where all students can thrive.Join our dedicated team of educators committed to providing an exceptional STEAM education. As an Assistant Director, you will have the opportunity to shape the learning experiences of our students, foster a lifelong passion for STEAM, and prepare them for future success in scientific fields and beyond.

MAJOR JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Curriculum development for STREAM Academy experiences at Central (co-lead) and Da Vinci (lead)

• Integration of hands-on exploration of advanced technology topics e.g. AI, computer science, engineering, digital fabrication, and media production. (Implementation with Da Vinci STEAM Technology Specialists)

• Design of PreK STREAM experiences involving multi-disciplinary activities that integrate STEAM and literacy into playful exploration (with Da Vinci PreK team and Central teachers)

• Professional learning sessions for Da Vinci and Central STREAM educators (co-lead)

• Non-evaluative coaching observations of Central teachers

• Access to Da Vinci expertise, fully-equipped classrooms/workshops, and exhibit experiences for:

• Inquiry based learning using real-world phenomenon

• Project-based learning using the engineering design process

• Authentic experiences exploring real-world problems

• Internal and external communication (with Da Vinci Marketing/PR Department), coordinated with ASD

• Engagement of Central families, community partners, and external STREAM professionals in STREAM programs

• Data collection and reporting to support ILI evaluation

• Da Vinci liaison with the District for the ASD Family Membership Program; Coordinates Da Vinci outreach, community engagement, and events

• For Career Pathways Program, promotion and coordination of middle and high school programs, including expansion of strategic partnerships with colleges and universities and employers

• Manages ASD Partnership Manager, Career Pathways Manager, and Little Learner’s Lab Manager

• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in a STEM, education, early childhood, instructional technology, or related field; advanced degree preferred.

• Experience teaching STEAM subjects in a K–12 environment (formal and/or informal), with PreK–5 settings preferred.

• Demonstrated knowledge and enthusiasm for STEAM learning, including hands-on science, engineering, and/or technology integration.  Knowledge and experience teaching children to read a plus.

• Experience designing or adapting curriculum, projects, or hands-on learning activities in alignment with science standards for diverse age groups .

• Experience facilitating professional learning and/or instructional coaching ( with a strong interest and capacity for  growth in this area).

• Familiarity with PA STEELS Standards (and/or Next Generation Science Standards) and PA Career Education and Workforce Standards.

• Knowledge of local industry, in-demand jobs and skill requirements, and career pathways a plus

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships and collaborate effectively with teachers, administrators, and community partners.

• Familiarity with educational technologies and digital tools, especially related to AI, engineering design, digital fabrication, computer science, or media production.

• Ability to manage multiple projects, coordinate programs, and support data collection/reporting.

• Creative problem-solving mindset and the ability to work in dynamic, cross-organizational environments.

• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation to travel between multiple learning sites.

• Satisfactory work record and completion of required background checks (Acts 34, 114, and 151).