Job Description

TITLE: Ruffing Design House Fabrication Lab Specialist (K-8 sewing and textiles studio instructor)

STATUS: Part Time, Non-Exempt/Hourly, 12-month/year-round position (in-person)

CORE HOURS: 8:30am – 12:30pm, Mon-Fri, 20 hours/week

START DATE: July 1, 2025

Located on Cleveland’s east side in beautiful and historic Cleveland Heights, Ohio, Ruffing Montessori School seeks a part-time/year-round Fabrication Lab Specialist. Working closely with the Ruffing Design House Manager, the Fabrication Lab Specialist will help design and teach innovative and experiential curriculum utilizing old-world tools and modern technology for a new makerspace and design studio – Ruffing Design House. The Fabrication Lab is our sewing and textiles studio and will offer hand sewing work, machine sewing and embroidery, vinyl heat press, screen printing, and more.

The Fabrication Lab Specialist will collaborate with Montessori-trained guides, specialists, auxiliary programming staff, experts in residence, alumni, and community partners to go above and beyond the core experiences of the Montessori classrooms to facilitate hands-on projects with students to solve real-world problems and create real-world solutions in various areas of the Design House. This position is an exciting opportunity to come in on the ground level and work with a team of experienced faculty who are dedicated to a 150 year methodology and our mission: 

The mission of Ruffing Montessori School is to employ the philosophy and methods of Dr. Montessori to educate young people to their fullest potential, instilling a deep sense of personal independence and social responsibility. With the knowledge that they are citizens of the world, they will contribute to that world by making decisions based on the highest order of ethics and conscience.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Create and teach innovative programming and curriculum for K-8 students in collaboration with Montessori-trained teachers and scheduled experts in residence (internal and external) that will enhance, extend, and elevate hands-on work and projects in the Montessori classroom in the areas of humanities, science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics
• Provide programming for individual creativity through small group projects
• Provide support to Toddler and Children’s House teachers in the Studio—a dedicated STEAM space for preschoolers—as needed, and collaborate with Design House staff to co-design and deliver innovative, developmentally appropriate programming for Kindergarten students
• Assist in program budgeting process and requisition of ongoing programmatic needs
• Embrace opportunities to learn and utilize equipment and materials in other shops/studios throughout the Design House
• Adapt and remain prepared to work spontaneously in response to the creative, design, construction, and problem-solving needs of students of varying ages during their independent work time in the Design House
• Respect Montessori’s three-period lesson throughout the Planes of Development: i.e. ignite, research, and present
• Cultivate and steward safe, inclusive, diverse, and sustainable spaces that nurture creativity, support hands-on learning, promote student leadership, and ensure thoughtful care of materials, tools, and equipment
• Facilitate hands-on learning experiences incorporating various tools and technologies, such as sublimation printer, vinyl cutter, heat press, and laser cutter/engraver
• Guide students through the design thinking process to conceptualize, prototype, and refine their ideas
• Support student-led design and construction projects that incorporate repurposed and upcycled materials and found objects—fostering creativity, sustainability, and resourcefulness
• Be a team member who can support, inspire, motivate others, and execute a vision
• Foster and maintain excellent professional relationships with experts in residence, students, parents, faculty, administration, alumni, and community partnerships
• General support of the Ruffing Design House programs and projects that may occur outside regular work hours, within reason

  OTHER ACTIVITIES:

• Any tasks as appropriately assigned by the Head of School or Ruffing Design House Manager
• Assist with morning arrival, carline, crosswalk safety as requested
• Provide assistance to teachers, students, or parents as needed
• Attend meetings and school events as requested or required

QUALIFICATIONS: EDUCATION, SKILLS & EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent experience) with a concentration in fibers/textiles/weaving/sewing/apparel design
• Experience in design thinking, inquiry-based learning, and interdisciplinary and cooperative learning with a focus on student-centered approach
• Proven experience in classroom management and lesson planning
• Problem-solving mindset and enthusiasm for exploring new trends and tools for learning 
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Experience working with children, adolescents, and adults
• Experience using digital media (proficiency in Adobe Suite), design and print production methods, and fabrication tools and techniques which could include, but is not limited to robotics, 3D printing, animation, sewing machines, embroidery machines, and laser cutting
• Commitment, deep understanding and passion for Montessori pedagogy, prepared environment, and practice
• Flexibility, compassion, high degree of professionalism, and strong work ethic
• Time management skills and keen attention to detail are essential
• Unwavering commitment to safety standards and processes
• Unwavering ethical and legal standards required
• Commitment to Ruffing Montessori School’s mission and vision

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