Innovation Curriculum Coordinator (PK-12)

Job Description

Department
Academic Leadership / PK-12 Program Innovation

Reports To
Head of School

Collaborates Closely With
Associate Head of School, Division Directors (Early Childhood/Lower School, Middle School, High
School), academic department chairs, Director of Learning Support and Wellness, library/media and
technology personnel, counselors, advancement team, admissions/marketing, and faculty across PK-12;
also collaborates with students, families, and external partners.

Position Summary

Canterbury School seeks an exceptional, visionary, and highly experienced educator to serve as
Innovation Curriculum Coordinator (PK-12). This is a senior-level academic leadership role responsible
for designing, advancing, and sustaining a coherent PK-12 strategy for innovation in teaching and
learning across the School.

Reporting directly to the Head of School, the Innovation Curriculum Coordinator serves as a key
strategic partner in shaping Canterbury's future-facing academic identity while honoring the School's
rigorous college-preparatory foundation. The Coordinator will lead the integration of educational
technology, artificial intelligence, STEAM, design thinking, and interdisciplinary, project-based learning
across divisions and departments. This role requires both intellectual leadership and practical execution.

The successful candidate must be able to move fluidly between vision-setting, faculty coaching,
curriculum design, parent communication, program implementation, and long-range planning.

The Coordinator will work across traditional academic boundaries to support faculty and school leaders
in creating meaningful, hands-on, inquiry-driven learning experiences that deepen student engagement,
strengthen transfer of learning, and prepare students to thrive in a rapidly changing world. The ideal
candidate is an expert practitioner, an accomplished coach of adults, a systems thinker, and an inspiring
communicator who can build trust and momentum across a diverse school community.

Strategic Facilities and Program Design Leadership is central to this role. The Innovation Curriculum
Coordinator will play a leading role in the visioning, planning, and implementation of Canterbury's nextgeneration
STEAM/Innovation Center, helping shape the project from earliest concept and educational
specifications through design collaboration, program planning, and launch readiness. This individual will
ensure that the physical environment, instructional model, and curricular experiences are developed in
tandem so that the Center is not simply a building, but a transformational engine for PK-12 teaching and
learning. The Coordinator will also serve as a central contributor to the School's next iteration of its
strategic plan and campus master plan, particularly in areas related to academic innovation, futureready
learning spaces, and program differentiation.

This role directly supports Canterbury's mission to maximize the potential of young people through a
challenging, enriching, and supportive learning environment in which students build the foundation for lives
of purpose, passion, and meaning. Artist. Athlete. Scholar.

Core Responsibilities

PK-12 Innovation Vision, Strategy, and Program Leadership
Develop and lead a coherent PK-12 vision for innovation in teaching and learning that aligns with
Canterbury's mission, academic standards, and strategic priorities.
Translate institutional goals into actionable, phased innovation initiatives with clear timelines, success
indicators, and accountability structures.

Serve as a strategic thought partner to the Head of School and academic leadership team on the future of
curriculum, pedagogy, learning environments, and student experience.
Identify and prioritize high-impact opportunities for innovation that are mission-aligned, developmentally
appropriate, and sustainable.

Help establish a shared language and framework for innovation across the School so faculty, families, and
students understand both the purpose and the practice of the work.

Technology Integration and Responsible AI Leadership

Lead the effective, ethical, and pedagogically sound integration of technology and AI tools across PK-12
classrooms to enhance teaching, deepen inquiry, and personalize learning.

Partner with faculty to ensure digital tools are used purposefully and in service of strong instructional
design, rather than as isolated add-ons.

Develop, implement, and regularly refine school-wide guidance for responsible AI use by students and
faculty, including considerations related to academic integrity, bias, privacy, age appropriateness, and
digital citizenship.

Evaluate emerging educational technologies and AI-enabled tools through a clear instructional lens,
including pilot design, feedback collection, and recommendation processes.

Collaborate with relevant school personnel to support implementation, training, and adoption of
approved platforms and tools.

Curriculum Innovation and Interdisciplinary Program Design

Work with faculty and academic leaders to design and implement interdisciplinary curriculum initiatives
that connect concepts and skills across subject areas and divisions.

Champion high-quality project-based and problem-based learning experiences that balance rigorous
content mastery with creative application, collaboration, and real-world relevance.

Integrate design thinking, maker-centered learning, and iterative problem solving into PK-12 curriculum
planning and instructional practice.

Support departments in revising units, assessments, and learning experiences to better reflect
contemporary competencies, including critical thinking, communication, creativity, collaboration, and
ethical reasoning.

Help define what innovation looks like at Canterbury in ways that are distinctive, mission-consistent, and
academically credible.

STEAM Program Development and Experiential Learning Expansion

Lead the ongoing development and alignment of STEAM programming across PK-12, ensuring progression,
coherence, and age-appropriate challenge.

Support and expand hands-on learning opportunities such as coding, robotics, engineering design
challenges, digital media creation, scientific inquiry, and maker projects.

Collaborate with division leaders and faculty to develop or strengthen electives, clubs, capstone
experiences, innovation blocks, or other structures that allow students to pursue passion-driven work.

Ensure that STEAM and innovation experiences are inclusive and accessible, engaging a broad range of
learners and interests.

Assess program offerings for quality, relevance, and impact, and make recommendations for refinement
or expansion.

STEAM Center Vision, Planning, and Launch Leadership

Serve as a lead academic voice in the creation of Canterbury's comprehensive STEAM/Innovation Center,
helping shape the project from early concept through implementation and launch.

Partner with the Head of School, advancement team, architects, consultants, and school leadership to
define the educational vision, design principles, and programmatic priorities that should drive the
Center's planning.

Develop educational specifications for the space, including flexible use zones, maker/design areas,
collaboration spaces, technology infrastructure needs, safety considerations, storage, display/exhibition
opportunities, and age-appropriate PK-12 access and progression.

Ensure the Center's design is driven by pedagogy and curriculum, not simply equipment acquisition or
aesthetics.

Lead planning for the curricular experiences, faculty training, operational systems, and program
structures required to bring the Center to life in meaningful and sustainable ways.

Collaborate on phased implementation plans, including pilot programs, budget priorities, equipment
recommendations, staffing considerations, and launch sequencing.

Help define how the STEAM/Innovation Center will function as a signature element of Canterbury's
academic identity and long-term strategic differentiation.

Faculty Coaching, Professional Development, and Adult Learning

Design and deliver high-quality professional learning for faculty and staff related to technology
integration, AI literacy, instructional design, project-based learning, interdisciplinary curriculum, and
innovation pedagogy.

Provide sustained instructional coaching to teachers across divisions, including co-planning, lesson
redesign, classroom modeling, observation, feedback, and reflective follow-up.

Differentiate support for faculty based on experience, readiness, and role, while maintaining high
expectations for growth and implementation.

Curate and create practical faculty resources, guides, exemplars, and just-in-time supports that
strengthen consistency and reduce implementation barriers.

Foster a culture of experimentation, professional curiosity, and continuous improvement while grounding
innovation work in evidence and student outcomes.

Curriculum Review, Alignment, and Academic Program Modernization

Conduct ongoing review of existing PK-12 curriculum and selected advanced offerings to identify
opportunities for modernization, deeper relevance, and stronger alignment with future-ready
competencies.

Partner with academic leaders to recommend updates to courses, unit structures, assessments, and
instructional pathways that preserve rigor while increasing authentic application and interdisciplinary
learning.

Support vertical alignment across divisions so that innovation experiences build progressively over time
and complement the School's broader academic goals.

Ensure innovation efforts are integrated into the fabric of the academic program rather than existing as
isolated initiatives.

Scheduling and Structural Design for Innovation

Collaborate with school leadership to explore and design schedule and calendar structures that create
meaningful space for interdisciplinary work, innovation labs, project intensives, and cross-grade
collaboration.

Provide research-informed recommendations on scheduling models that support deeper learning and
faculty collaboration while remaining practical within Canterbury's context.

Pilot and assess new structures when appropriate, including short-term intensives, thematic weeks,
flexible blocks, or embedded innovation periods.

Strategic Planning and Master Planning Contribution

Play a central role in the School's next strategic planning cycle, especially in articulating future-facing
academic priorities, innovation goals, and programmatic investments.

Contribute substantially to campus master planning conversations as the lead academic/programmatic
voice for innovation and STEAM learning environments.

Help ensure alignment among the School's strategic plan, academic program goals, facilities planning, and
fundraising priorities.

Provide research-informed recommendations about how space design, schedule design, and curricular
design can work together to support Canterbury's long-term mission and market distinction.

Student Engagement and Community Learning

Partner with division leaders and faculty to design student-facing innovation experiences such as
workshops, design challenges, exhibitions, and interdisciplinary showcases.

Help create opportunities for students to experience creative problem solving, entrepreneurship,
prototyping, and collaborative inquiry across grade levels.

Support parent education efforts that build understanding and trust around innovation initiatives,
including sessions on digital citizenship, AI in education, and future-ready skills.

Communicate the purpose and value of innovation work in ways that are accessible, thoughtful, and
aligned with Canterbury's culture and expectations.

Communication, Change Management, and Culture Building

Serve as a visible and credible change leader who builds buy-in through clarity, transparency, relationship building,
and consistent follow-through.

Communicate progress, goals, and outcomes to internal and external stakeholders through updates,
presentations, written communications, and program showcases.

Celebrate early wins and faculty leadership while addressing concerns thoughtfully and constructively.

Help cultivate a school culture in which innovation is understood as a disciplined, mission-driven process
of improving student learning, not change for its own sake.

External Partnerships, Networking, and Institutional Advancement Support

Identify, develop, and sustain partnerships with universities, industry professionals, nonprofit
organizations, and peer schools to enrich Canterbury's innovation ecosystem.

Bring external expertise and opportunities into the School through guest speakers, mentorships,
collaborative projects, and other mission-aligned experiences.

Stay connected to leading networks and professional communities in educational innovation and
independent schools to inform Canterbury's ongoing work.

Collaborate with the Head of School and advancement team to articulate a compelling vision for
innovation initiatives, learning spaces, and programmatic investments in donor and grant conversations.

Contribute expertise to planning for future learning environments, makerspaces, or design labs so that
facilities align with instructional goals and long-term program needs.

Professional Responsibilities and School Life

Participate fully in faculty, divisional, and leadership meetings as appropriate to the role and provide
regular updates to the Head of School and relevant school leaders.

Maintain current expertise in educational innovation, AI in education, instructional design, STEAM
pedagogy, and change leadership through ongoing professional learning.

Uphold the highest standards of professionalism, confidentiality, sound judgment, and ethical practice.

Contribute positively to school culture and collaborate respectfully and effectively with colleagues across
all divisions and departments.

Complete other duties as assigned in support of the School's mission and the successful implementation
of Canterbury's academic innovation priorities.

Job Requirements

Required Qualifications

The School seeks a true expert in the field. Candidates should bring a record of distinguished practice and
demonstrated leadership in curriculum innovation, instructional design, and educational transformation.

Advanced degree required (Master's or higher) in Education, Curriculum and Instruction, Educational

Technology, Learning Sciences, Instructional Design, STEAM Education, or a closely related field

Substantial K-12 experience (minimum 8 years required; 10+ years strongly preferred) in teaching and/or
academic leadership, including a significant track record of leading innovation, technology integration,
curriculum redesign, or STEAM initiatives

Demonstrated leadership across multiple grade bands (elementary, middle, and/or high school), with the
ability to design developmentally appropriate programming within a coherent PK-12 vision

Expert-level understanding of instructional design and pedagogy, including project-based learning,
interdisciplinary curriculum design, authentic assessment, and student-centered instructional models

Demonstrated expertise in educational technology integration, including the ability to evaluate, pilot, and
scale tools in ways that improve teaching and learning rather than simply increase technology use

Strong, current knowledge of AI in education, including classroom applications, ethical and policy
implications, academic integrity concerns, bias and privacy considerations, and faculty/student guidance
practices appropriate for school settings

Proven success as an instructional coach of adults, including designing and delivering professional
development, providing one-on-one coaching, modeling practice, and leading sustained implementation
efforts across a faculty

Demonstrated ability to lead change in complex organizations, including building faculty buy-in,
communicating vision clearly, managing resistance productively, and maintaining momentum through
implementation challenges

Strong curriculum leadership and program design experience, including developing or revising PK-12
programs, units, or cross-divisional initiatives and aligning them to clear learning goals and outcomes

Demonstrated ability to translate research and emerging trends into practical school-based strategy,
including discernment about what is worth adopting and what is not

Demonstrated experience leading or substantially contributing to the design, launch, or expansion of
innovation-focused academic programs, STEAM initiatives, makerspaces, or future-ready learning
environments

Demonstrated ability to translate educational vision into program architecture, including curricular
planning, operational planning, faculty capacity-building, and implementation sequencing

Experience collaborating with senior leaders and cross-functional stakeholders (academic leaders,
operations, technology, advancement, facilities, and external consultants) on complex institutional
initiatives

Strong ability to think at both strategic and operational levels, including long-range planning, phased
execution, and change management in school settings

Strong project management and execution skills, including planning, prioritization, timeline management,
coordination across stakeholders, and follow-through on complex initiatives

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with
faculty, students, parents, school leaders, trustees, and external partners

High level of professional judgment, discretion, and relational intelligence, especially in a role that
operates across divisions and in close partnership with senior leadership

Demonstrated commitment to equitable and inclusive learning environments, and to designing innovation
experiences that broaden access, participation, and student belonging

Clear alignment with Canterbury's mission and values, including a deep belief in rigorous, human-centered,
future-facing education

Preferred Qualifications
Doctorate (EdD or PhD) in a relevant field

10+ years of increasingly responsible leadership in curriculum innovation, instructional technology,
STEAM, or academic program development

Prior experience in an independent school or other mission-driven college-preparatory environment

Experience leading PK-12 strategic initiatives that required cross-divisional alignment, faculty training,
communication, and measurable implementation outcomes

Specialized training or certifications in areas such as design thinking, project-based learning, instructional
coaching, educational technology leadership, AI in education, maker education, or robotics/coding
instruction

Prior experience helping design or launch a school-based innovation, STEAM, or maker-centered learning
space from concept through implementation

Experience collaborating with architects, designers, or facilities planners on educational space design and
educational specifications

Experience contributing to institutional strategic planning and/or campus master planning processes in a
school setting

Experience in capital campaign planning or donor engagement related to academic program/facilities
initiatives

Experience developing or managing innovation spaces (makerspaces, design labs, fabrication spaces,
media labs) and aligning facilities design to instructional priorities

Experience supporting grants, donor-facing presentations, or fundraising strategy for academic and
programmatic initiatives

Experience teaching innovation-related courses, electives, seminars, or workshops (coding, design,
engineering, entrepreneurship, media production, etc.) in a school setting

Evidence of thought leadership in the field (conference presentations, publications, workshop leadership,
professional association involvement, or recognized program leadership)

Personal Attributes and Professional Dispositions

The successful candidate will be intellectually serious, imaginative, and execution-oriented. They will combine
strategic vision with humility, warmth, and credibility; lead adults with respect and clarity; and remain deeply
grounded in what best serves students. This person must be both ambitious and disciplined, able to inspire
innovation while honoring the realities of implementation in a thriving independent school community.

Mission

The School's mission centers on maximizing the potential of young people through a challenging, enriching,
and supportive learning environment, helping students build a foundation for lives of purpose, passion, and
meaning. Artist. Athlete. Scholar.

Nondiscrimination and Equal Opportunity

The School is committed to nondiscrimination in its educational programs and employment practices. It
admits students and hires employees without unlawful discrimination, and it does not discriminate in the
administration of its educational policies, financial assistance programs, hiring practices, or other school administered
programs.

Seniority and Program Leadership Expectations

To signal the senior level of this role clearly, the Innovation Curriculum Coordinator is expected to function as
a PK-12 academic leader, not solely a technology integrator. In addition to supporting classroom
implementation, the Coordinator is expected to:

Shape and advance school-wide strategy for innovation in teaching and learning

Build faculty capacity through coaching, professional development, and sustained implementation
support

Lead cross-divisional program design and systems alignment

Serve as a trusted advisor to the Head of School on future-facing academic priorities

Play a central role in the educational visioning, planning, and launch strategy for Canterbury's
STEAM/Innovation Center

Serve as a key academic/programmatic contributor to the School's next strategic plan and campus master
plan

Translate ambitious ideas into sequenced, measurable, mission-aligned initiatives

First-Year Success Indicators

Success in the first year is typically reflected in outcomes such as:
A clear PK-12 innovation roadmap with priorities, timelines, and decision-making structures
Strong faculty engagement in coaching and professional learning, with evidence of classroom
implementation in multiple divisions
Development and/or launch of high-quality interdisciplinary or STEAM initiatives that are visible, well supported,
and instructionally sound

Established responsible AI guidance and practical faculty support for classroom use

Improved coherence across divisions in innovation language, goals, and student experiences

Clear communication to families and the broader community about the purpose and value of innovation
efforts

A clearly articulated educational vision and program framework for Canterbury's STEAM/Innovation
Center, aligned with School mission and PK-12 academic goals

A draft or finalized educational specifications document for the STEAM/Innovation Center (in
collaboration with leadership and design partners)

A phased implementation plan linking space, curriculum, staffing, faculty development, and launch
priorities

.Meaningful contribution to the School's next strategic plan and master plan, with innovation priorities
clearly integrated into both

Terms of Employment and Hiring Practices

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of all pre-employment requirements outlined by the
School, which may include reference checks and a background screening consistent with school policy and
applicable law.