Destination Imagination Coach
THE POSITION
The Destination Imagination (DI) Coach leads an engaging, student-centered after-school experience that develops creativity, teamwork, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills through open-ended STEAM and engineering challenges. Students work collaboratively to solve long-term challenges while building communication, innovation, and perseverance in a supportive environment.
The team meets every Tuesday that school is in session from 3:15–4:30 p.m., beginning September 15, and works throughout the fall and winter in preparation for the Destination Imagination Regional Tournament and, if the team advances, the State Tournament (typically held in February and March). Because the experience is centered on the growth and continuity of the team, the position is intended to continue through completion of the team’s competitive season including all tournament participation through the team’s final competition.
The coach provides instruction and facilitation in creative problem solving, engineering design, collaboration, and project development using the Destination Imagination educational model.
Devoted to intellectual inquiry, a collaborative spirit of learning, and an appreciation for the diversity of human experience, The Park School of Baltimore is a community founded on positive expectations of our students and respect for individual differences.
We cultivate children’s innate curiosity by nurturing their interests and engaging them as active participants in their own education.
We support young people in becoming confident questioners and responsible citizens of the world.
The Park School is a non-sectarian, independent, gender inclusive day school of 786 students from Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12. Founded in 1912 as one of the early progressive schools, The Park School continues to practice a distinct educational philosophy. The core values today, as in 1912, are a belief in children’s capacity to love learning, to grow academically and emotionally when inspired by highly qualified, caring teachers, and to develop self-discipline, confidence, and creative problem-solving skills through deep exploration and constant challenge. At every grade level, from Pre-Kindergarten through Upper School, Park actively encourages questioning and conversation as essential elements of the learning process. The school philosophy emphasizes a belief in positive expectations and expects that students, as they mature, will take increasing responsibility for their own learning.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience working with elementary-aged students.
- Strong facilitation and relationship-building skills.
- Ability to encourage student ownership rather than directing solutions.
- Interest or experience in one or more of the following:
- STEAM
- Engineering
- Creative problem solving
- Theater or improvisation
- Design thinking
- Visual arts
- Project-based learning
- Previous Destination Imagination experience is preferred but not required. Training and coaching resources are available.
Characteristics of an Outstanding DI Coach
- Believes every child is creative.
- Asks thoughtful questions rather than providing answers.
- Encourages persistence through challenges.
- Creates an environment where students feel safe taking appropriate creative and intellectual risks.
- Celebrates collaboration as much as outcomes.
- Helps students develop confidence in their own ideas.
- Models curiosity, flexibility, and enthusiasm.
primary RESPONSIBILITIES
Facilitate Student Learning
- Foster a collaborative, inclusive environment where every student feels valued and empowered to contribute.
- Guide students through the Destination Imagination creative process while allowing them to develop their own ideas and solutions.
- Encourage creative thinking, innovation, risk-taking, and perseverance.
- Teach and develop teamwork, communication, leadership, creative problem-solving, and project management skills.Maintain compliance with all Destination Imagination rules regarding student-created solutions.
- Maintain a safe learning environment and comply with all applicable school policies and procedures.
Team Preparation & Competition
- Lead the team in preparing for its selected Destination Imagination challenge throughout the season.
- Design practices that balance progress on the long-term challenge with opportunities to build collaboration, creativity, and problem-solving skills through Instant Challenges.
- Help students establish goals, timelines, and individual responsibilities leading up to tournament season.
- Ensure the team is prepared for all required competition components, including presentations, challenge requirements, materials, and timelines.
- Coach and support students throughout the Regional Tournament and, if the team advances, the State Tournament.
- Attend and lead all required team activities associated with tournament participation, including competition days and any required meetings, check-ins, or preparation sessions.
- Foster a positive, encouraging environment that emphasizes teamwork, resilience, and learning regardless of competitive outcomes.
Communication & Organization
- Communicate regularly with families regarding practice schedules, tournament dates, competition logistics, and important team updates.
- Coordinate with the Director of Auxiliary Programming regarding space, supplies, registration, and scheduling.
- Complete or support all required Destination Imagination team registration, tournament paperwork, and logistical planning in collaboration with school administration.
- Ensure all competition deadlines and submission requirements are met.
- Maintain an organized workspace and ensure materials are properly stored after each session.
Time Commitment
The team meets every Tuesday from 3:15–4:30 p.m. beginning September 15, following the After-School Enrichment schedule.
In addition to the weekly practices, the coach is required to commit to the full Destination Imagination season, including all activities necessary to prepare the team for competition. This includes:
- Coaching the team from the start of the season through its final tournament.
- Attending and leading the team during the Destination Imagination Regional Tournament and, if the team advances, the State Tournament.
- Participating in any required coach meetings, tournament orientations, or other Destination Imagination activities associated with team participation.
- Communicating with families regarding tournament logistics and expectations.
- Coordinating with school administration to ensure the team is fully prepared for competition.
PAY AND BENEFITS
The stipend for the full season is $2,000. This position does not offer benefits, except those required by law.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Send cover letter, résumé, and a completed employment application to Park’s Director of Auxiliary Programming (Nate Edmunds; [email protected]).
The Park School of Baltimore does not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, ancestry, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, or any physical or mental disability unrelated to a reasonable performance of an employee’s duties.
