The UVA Innovation Hub at Charlottesville Middle School is a new college partnership laboratory school between the School of Education and Human Development, the Center for Community Partnership, and Charlottesville City Schools. The mission of the UVA Innovation Hub is to engage all students in personally meaningful, computationally rich, and interdisciplinary learning experiences.
The vision of the UVA Innovation Hub at Charlottesville Middle School is to provide educational opportunities that inspire curiosity, fuel innovation, and empower all students to solve problems and pursue lifelong learning. The Innovation Specialist plays a crucial role in facilitating project-based, student-driven learning experiences in collaboration with UVA EHD Curriculum & Instruction faculty, the Science Learning Facilitator, the UVA Innovation Hub Lab Manager, and teachers at Charlottesville Middle School. This position involves collecting student feedback, coordinating schedules, collaborating with school administrators, and ensuring alignment with curriculum standards. Additionally, the Innovation Specialist will provide evaluation and feedback to students, oversee project-based assessments, and support teachers in integrating computer science into K-8 education.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Education: Bachelor’s degree
Experience: At least 3 years of relevant experience. Master’s degree will be considered in lieu of experience.

PREFERRED SKILLS

• Hold a Virginia teaching license and endorsement in middle or high school issued by the Board of Education or be eligible to hold and be working toward a license.
• Middle school education endorsement with science focus, secondary science (Biology, Chemistry, or Physics) endorsement, CTE endorsement, or equivalent science/technology background.
• Experience integrating computer science in K-8 school settings.
• Experience with designing and implementing project-based learning in middle school settings.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Experience providing professional learning experiences around computer science integration with K-8 teachers.
• Willingness and eagerness to learn and grow individually and as part of the lab school team.
• Demonstrated maturity, wise decision-making, and professionalism.

• Work with the UVA Lab Manager to develop a curriculum that aligns with grade-level standards and encompasses innovative, student-driven projects.
• Ensure the UVA Innovation Hub space is a safe, inclusive, and productive learning environment.
• Lead hands-on, project-based learning (PBL) experiences for students that leverage community-based resources.
• Support and facilitate students’ work, encouraging critical thinking, creativity, and computational skills.
• Mentor and co-teach with teachers who are new to project-based, computationally rich experiences in the classroom.
• Communicate regularly with parents and guardians about student progress, lab events, and any needs or concerns.
• Monitor and evaluate student progress through both formative and summative assessments.
• Implement and enforce safety protocols for all equipment and activities in the UVA Innovation Hub.
• Engage in professional growth opportunities, conferences, and networks to stay informed about best practices and emerging trends in technology education.