Job Description

TITLE: Ruffing Design House Technology and Innovation Specialist (K-8)

STATUS: Full Time, Exempt/Salaried, 12-month position (in-person)

CORE HOURS: 8:30am – 4:30pm, Mon-Fri, 40 hours/week (minimum)

START DATE: July 1, 2025

Located on Cleveland’s east side in beautiful and historic Cleveland Heights, Ohio, Ruffing Montessori School seeks a full-time/year-round Technology and Innovation Specialist. Working closely with the Ruffing Design House Manager, the Technology and Innovation Specialist will help design and teach innovative and experiential curriculum utilizing old-world tools and modern technology for a new makerspace and design studio – the Ruffing Design House. The Innovation Lab is a multifunctional classroom designed for cardboard construction, 3D design and modeling, coding and robotics, 3D printing, and laser cutting, all working in harmony with an adjacent audiovisual (AV) production studio. This space supports hands-on, project-based learning, where creativity, engineering, and digital fluency meet in a way that is deeply aligned with Montessori principles.

The Technology and Innovation Specialist will collaborate with Montessori-trained guides, specialists, auxiliary programming staff, experts in residence, alumni, and community partners to go above and beyond the core experiences of the Montessori classrooms to facilitate hands-on projects with students to solve real-world problems and create real-world solutions in various areas of the Design House. This position is an exciting opportunity to come in on the ground level and work with a team of experienced faculty who are dedicated to a 150 year methodology and our mission: 

The mission of Ruffing Montessori School is to employ the philosophy and methods of Dr. Montessori to educate young people to their fullest potential, instilling a deep sense of personal independence and social responsibility. With the knowledge that they are citizens of the world, they will contribute to that world by making decisions based on the highest order of ethics and conscience.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Create and teach innovative programming and curriculum for K-8 students in collaboration with Montessori-trained teachers and scheduled experts-in-residence (internal and external) that will enhance, extend, and elevate hands-on work and projects in the Montessori classroom in the areas of humanities, science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics
• Provide programming for individual creativity through small group projects
• Provide support to Toddler and Children’s House teachers in the Studio—a dedicated STEAM space for preschoolers—as needed, and collaborate with Design House staff to co-design and deliver innovative, developmentally appropriate programming for Kindergarten students
• Assist in program budgeting process and requisition of ongoing programmatic needs
• Embrace opportunities to learn and utilize equipment and materials in other shops/studios throughout the Design House
• Adapt and remain prepared to work spontaneously in response to the creative, design, construction, and problem-solving needs of students of varying ages during their independent work time in the Design House
• Respect Montessori’s three-period lesson throughout the Planes of Development: i.e. ignite, research, and present
• Cultivate and steward safe, inclusive, diverse, and sustainable spaces that nurture creativity, support hands-on learning, promote student leadership, and ensure thoughtful care of materials, tools, and equipment
• Incorporate computer science principles to enhance and extend classroom learning and curricular projects
• Facilitate hands-on learning experiences incorporating various tools and technologies, such as 3D printers, laser cutters, and electronics
• Incorporate block coding software and robots such as Scratch, Ozobots, LEGO Spike
• Guide students through the design thinking process to conceptualize, prototype, and refine their ideas
• Support student-led design and construction projects that incorporate repurposed and upcycled materials—such as cardboard and found objects—fostering creativity, sustainability, and resourcefulness
• Be a team member who can support, inspire, motivate others, and execute a vision
• Foster and maintain excellent professional relationships with experts in residence, students, parents, faculty, administration, alumni, and community partnerships
• Foster respectful, appropriate, and ethical use of technology as a tool, aligning with our Technology Responsible Use Policy
• General support of the Ruffing Design House programs and projects that may occur outside regular work hours, within reason

  OTHER ACTIVITIES:

• Any tasks as appropriately assigned by the Head of School or Ruffing Design House Manager
• Assist with morning arrival, carline, crosswalk safety as requested
• Provide assistance to teachers, students, or parents as needed
• Attend meetings and school events as requested or required

QUALIFICATIONS: EDUCATION, SKILLS & EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent experience)
• Experience using digital media, design and print production methods, and fabrication tools and techniques which could include but is not limited to 2D and 3D design, coding and robotics, laser cutting and engraving, animation, basic photography/videography skills, and 3D modelling and printing
• Possesses working knowledge of and can confidently guide students and staff in the use of creative and educational tools such as Google Workspace, Scratch, Ozobots, Hopscotch, LEGO Spike, Adobe Suite, Tinkercad, and similar platforms
• Experience in design thinking, inquiry-based learning, and interdisciplinary and cooperative learning with a focus on student-centered approach
• Proven experience in classroom management and lesson planning
• Problem-solving mindset and enthusiasm for exploring new trends and tools for learning
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Experience working with children, adolescents, and adults
• Commitment, deep understanding and passion for Montessori pedagogy, prepared environment, and practice
• Flexibility, compassion, high degree of professionalism, and strong work ethic
• Time management skills and keen attention to detail are essential
• Unwavering commitment to safety standards and processes
• Unwavering ethical and legal standards required
• Commitment to Ruffing Montessori School’s mission and vision

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