I coordinated the largest STEAM program in the district. Implemented over 50 STEAM elective courses. Changed the system of instruction with an emphasis on challenge-based learning and collaborative practices to improve college readiness of our students to become leaders of 21st century education practices. Built a team of highly motivated teachers who helped drive STEAM courses and lead collaborative processes. Led meetings with STEAM teachers to coordinate curriculum and build shared practices. Partnered with universities, businesses and industry professionals to build the success of our program and provide students with an opportunity to learn and conduct science experiments in settings designed for student success. Led a team of teachers to design new curriculum for STEAM course offerings, providing students with a challenging authentic college course experience at a high school level. Consulted with other schools in STEAM program design (Lake View, DePaul College Prep, Deerfield, Lake Forest, Hamilton Elementary, Bell Elementary, Burley Elementary (CPS)). My newest project is the MOBILE MAKERS AND INCUBATOR course for the upcoming school year 2017/2018.
Four years ago Lane Tech opened a brand new, state-of the-art STEM wing. This new STEM facility includes two multipurpose laboratories, three lecture facilities, and a new Aquaponics facility. In addition to this new facility, Lane has expanded its Alpha STEM curriculum.
Lane offers over 50 STEM courses including Aquaponics, Application Development, Engineering, Robotics, and Web Design. Lane’s Alpha STEM program includes a wide variety of Advanced Placement (AP) and Honors classes. A number of Alpha STEM students conduct their research at a university or professional lab with the assistance of professors or professional researchers.
Lane Tech has also expanded its Computer Science offers. Current offers include AP classes in Computer Science, and Honors classes in Computer Programming, Elements of Computer Systems, Exploring Computer Science, Media Computation, Software Design, and Web Development. Currently, Lane Tech offers more computer science classes than any other Selective Enrollment High School.
It’s latest computer addition is its Innovation and Creation Lab, where students create products using 3D printers and carvers. The lab includes six 3D carvers, five 3D scanners and nine 3D printers.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Collaborated with teachers and administrators to coordinate program development, professional development, and promote interdisciplinary STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics) activities.
Integrated successful strategies and multiple technologies to promote standards driven teaching and learning, to help ensure that students gain the necessary competencies and skills to compete and succeed in the global economy.
Collaborated with teachers and administrators in integrating technology to promote high tech learning for the purpose of improving student achievement.
Provided direct leadership in the STEAM content areas for the purpose of improving student achievement.
Compiled data from a variety of sources for the purpose of evaluating and developing programs.
Coordinated professional development activities for licensed staff.
Co-Directed implementation of new programs.
Facilitated meetings, workshops, seminars, etc.
Collaborated with internal and external for the purpose of establishing and maintaining a STEAM interdisciplinary instructional framework across all grade levels.
Managed curriculum content and conforming to district and state curriculum instructional objectives.
Monitored budget allocations, expenditures, fund balances and related financial activities.
Participated in professional associations, networks, workshops, seminars and conferences.
Performed personnel functions (e.g. interviewing, evaluating, training, supervising.)
Presented information on a variety of topics such as current practices, methods, and innovation.
Damir Ara Online Portfolio 