UVA Innovation Hub Innovation Specialist

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.

Key Responsibilities:

• 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

Minimum Requirements
Education: Master's or terminal degree
Experience: Five years of specialized experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• 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.

Physical Demands: This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The job does occasionally require traveling some distance to attend meetings, and programs.

Salary Range: Salary will be commensurate with education and experience

Position Type & Work Location: This is an exempt-level, benefited position. Learn more about UVA benefits.

Funding Details: This is a restricted position, which is dependent on funding and is contingent upon funding availability.

Work Arrangements: This position is based in Charlottesville, VA, and is eligible for a hybrid schedule of # days on Grounds per week, with additional on-site presence as needed, in accordance with UVA's remote work guidelines.

About UVA and the Community: To learn more about UVA and in the Charlottesville area, visit UVA Life and Embark CVA.

Application Timeline: Application review will begin after [DATE].

Additional Requirements: Background checks will be conducted on all new hires prior to employment.

Visa Sponsorship: This position will not consider candidates who require immigration sponsorship now or in the future.

How to Apply: Please apply online, by searching for requisition number R0075473. Complete an application with the following documents:

• Resume

• Cover Letter

Upload all materials into the resume submission field. You can submit multiple documents into this one field or combine them into one PDF. Applications without all required documents will not receive full consideration.

Internal applicants: Apply through your Workday profile by searching "Find Jobs."

Reference Check Process: Reference checks will be completed by UVA's third-party partner, SkillSurvey, during the final phase of the interview. Five references will be requested, with at least three responses required.

Contact: For questions about the application process, please contact Margaret Weeks,

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Click here to read more about UVA's commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.