MIDDLE SCHOOL SEL/CTE INSTRUCTIONAL DESIGNER

PROJECT OVERVIEW:  We are a small company launching an innovative, AI-driven, online middle-school student success program focusing on “Purpose”.  (See more at DreamRoads.com).  We have a preliminary Scope & Sequence as well as 6th and 7th grade lessons spanning 6 units each, covering 30 sessions/school year for both grades.  We need a Middle School ID specialist to refine what we have (6th and 7th grade lessons, already successfully tested with 1000 students) and write what we don’t have (8th grade).  To create a highly engaging, structured online curriculum that aligns with middle school students’ development, meets Perkins V career exploration funding criteria, as well as state/national standards for SEL.

There will be other members of the team:  A HS Instructional Designer, an Adult ID, a Media Producer, and an AI Engineer.  The first task will be to work with these team members to lay out a Project Plan.  Identify the number of Phases required over time (to create a “Chevrolet” MVP by November 30, 2026 and move over time to a full-scale “Rolls Royce”).  What will be the Phases to go through (how many)?  What will be done (and by whom) in the first Phase, deliverables, timing, cost.  Then the second Phase, then following Phases.

Hopefully, after approval of the Projecct Plan by the Founder, the person hired for this role will continue, and produce the middle school materials as described in the Plan.  However, the DreamRoads Founder has the right to choose someone else to proceed with the Execution if she feels that is necessary.

• Develop final detailed Scope & Sequence of the middle school program
• Specify how AI should adjust language, complexity, examples, and depth for each middle school grade
• Upgrade existing 6th grade lessons (1. Suggest additional topics to be covered, better ways to deliver the existing topics  2. Modify/add/delete new lesson plans, worksheets, reflection prompts, interactive exercises, and short activities. 3.  Work with the Media Producter to add age-appropriate videos, graphics, badges, and interactive content 4. Add Parent materials (Questions for parents to discuss with their child for each unit; ways for parents to provide their observations of their child regarding the topic of each unit, etc.) 
• Work with AI Engineer to identify areas where AI will be used to personalize each lesson to each usser (based on their individual dreams, interests, strengths, values, etc.)
• Accomodate different learning styles; different cultural, demographic, and socio-economic backgrounds
• Include elements that are required to qualify for Perkins V Grant Funding
• Meet all national academic standards, any Arizona-specific standards, privacy and safety requirements for minor children (FERPA, CASEL)

• Do the same as above for the existing 7th grade curriculum, and writing the 8th grade curriculum
• Identify lessons to be included in a “Jumpstart” program (for students joining the program mid-stream), modify them and add new ones for this circumstance if necessary

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Deep passion for the program being developed
• 3+ years of significant middle-school SEL instructional design experience, preferably of online courses
• Deep understanding of early adolescent cognitive development, focus limits, and Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
• Familiarity with incorporating AI into curricula
• Familiarity with middle-school CTE programs
• Excellent written communication skills (without using AI)
• Ability to work independently, with teams, and meet tight timelines

TIMING

• Development of Initial Project Plan with other team members to be completed by September 1
• Phase 1 described in #2 above to be completed by October 15

PAYMENT

Payment for Initial Project Plan and completion of each Phase will be a flat fee.  No hourly billing.  Payment will be made as each Phase is completed.

Provied a brief cover letter, your resume, a portfolio or links to samples of your work if available, along with your desired fee for the Initial Project Plan to AndreaKeckhome@Outlook.com BY JULY 15.