Lead Educator, Middle School Math & Science
Job Title: Lead Educator, Middle School Math & Science
Location: Kalamazoo Country Day School (KCDS), Portage, MI
Reports to: Head of School
Status: Full-Time, 2026-27 Academic Year (with Summer Institute Leadership opportunities)
Salary: $40,000+, commensurate with experience
The Vision
Kalamazoo Country Day School is moving past "STEM activities" toward a model of genuine inquiry. We are seeking a visionary educator to lead our Middle School Math and Science program. This individual will be the architect of our Beyond STEM Initiative, implementing a curriculum that treats students as scientists and mathematicians from day one.
You will not just be teaching from a textbook; you will be guiding students through OpenSciEd investigations, Art of Problem Solving (AoPS) challenges, and original research projects that culminate in public showcases.
Key Responsibilities
1. High-Level Instructional Leadership
- Science: Implement the OpenSciEd curriculum with fidelity, focusing on phenomenon-based learning and student-led investigations.
- Math: Lead rigorous mathematics instruction using College Preparatory Mathematics, moving beyond procedural memorization to deep conceptual reasoning.
- Research Mentorship: Direct the Research Apprenticeship Program, pairing 7th and 8th graders with university mentors for semester-long original projects.
2. AI & Technology Integration
- Technology Intelligence: Design and deliver a curriculum that teaches students how AI works (Large Language Models, neural networks) and how to use it ethically and effectively.
- Technology Integration: Offer school-wide leadership on integrating technology into classroom instruction
- Data Science: Teach students to use BBC micro:bit sensors and physical computing to collect, code, and analyze original field data.
- Future-Proofing: Ensure students can distinguish between "real" and "synthetic" media, preparing them for a world of information noise.
3. Competition & Extracurricular Excellence
- Serve as the lead coach for our MATHCOUNTS and Science Olympiad teams, building a culture of healthy intellectual competition.
- Direct the Spring Research Symposium, managing the transition from student inquiry to professional-grade public presentation.
Qualifications & Mindset
- Educational Background: Degree in Education, Math, Science, or a related field (Masters Degree or higher preferred).
- Experience: Proven track record of innovation and leadership in Math and Science
- Michigan Teaching Certification: Highly recommended
- Technical Fluency: Ability to work with educational technology, data visualization tools and AI platforms.
Why Join KCDS?
At KCDS, we are small by design. You will have the autonomy to innovate and the resources to execute high-level programming. You will work directly with Dr. Scott Kemple to redefine what middle school education looks like in Kalamazoo County.
We offer:
- A collaborative, high-trust professional environment.
- Opportunities to lead the Summer Math & Science Institute.
- Competitive salary and benefits commensurate with experience and expertise.
How to Apply
Please submit a cover letter that outlines your philosophy on education in the age of AI, your CV, and a portfolio of any original student research or innovative curriculum you have led.
Direct all materials to Dr. Scott Kemple at skemple@mykcds.org.
Kalamazoo Country Day School is an equal opportunity employer and values a diverse faculty that reflects our commitment to global citizenship.