Hiring Process
Star Search
CSA is always on the lookout for high-quality applicants with a growth mindset and the ability to “think outside the box” when creating project-based experiences for learners. In Colorado, spring is the busiest hiring season, yet CSA always accepts applications throughout the school year for great additions to the CSA team.
Facilitators (Teachers)
After applying, the first step toward a full-time facilitator position is being invited to one of our Star Search hiring events, held throughout the school year. Star Search is a full-day, interactive job interview involving multiple stakeholders (facilitators, learners, and parents/guardians). Typically, eight to ten candidates are invited to a Star Search event following the initial screening process.
The day’s focus:
- Receive an orientation on our history, philosophy, and culture.
- Mingle with staff.
- Teach a 45-minute class appropriate to their content background. Following the lesson, learners (students), and staff complete feedback forms.
- Informally interview with staff, learners, and parents/guardians.
About the Star Search Process
During the Star Search, the candidate goes through a half-day process that includes teaching a lesson, learning more about Colorado SKIES Academy’s vision and philosophy, and being interviewed by a panel consisting of facilitators, learners, and parents/guardians. We ensure staff members are qualified based on background, training, and preparation. All facilitators are required to participate in a state-approved teacher preparation program. Sometimes potential employees substitute in our schools to gain exposure in teaching in a project-based environment. Many employment opportunities arise from substitute experiences, student-teaching opportunities, and college internships.
We strive to ensure that a candidate’s educational philosophy and skills align with our instructional approach and mission. The Star Search process allows us to find the best fit for our learners and the CSA community.
Star Search Half-Day Schedule:
8:00 – 8:30 AM: Greeting and Tour
The CSA administrative team shares videos and other information about Colorado SKIES’ history and vision for its learners. Each administrator will share their “why” for being a part of the CSA team. Candidates are able to learn firsthand the philosophy of CSA’s administrative team and how it connects to the mission and vision of project-based learning with an aerospace focus.
8:30 – 10:30 AM: Candidates Rotate Through 2 Phases
- Demo Lesson Facilitation: The candidate is assigned to a class within their comfort zone to showcase their abilities to facilitate a lesson.
- Project Creation/Design
Each group will be assigned a mentor facilitator who will guide them through the process of creating their own project ideas. These ideas will revolve around their individual expertise (credentials) and show how the project will flow from start to finish.
10:30 – 11:00 AM: Project Share-Out and End-of-Day Briefing
Each group will share with all staff their project creation and field questions on the process of developing their project.
Candidates are asked for feedback on how effective the morning has been and whether they feel Colorado SKIES Academy is a good fit for them.
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