Curriculum Writer, Robotics Education

NYC FIRST seeks a Curriculum Writer, for approximately ten months in a half-time, contracted position. This person will have deep robotics education experience to support the development of a four-year high school robotics curriculum. This curriculum will serve as the foundation of a New York State CTE Pathway, aligned to Computer Science, Engineering, and CDOS standards, Portrait of a Graduate, and partially aligned with the FIRST Tech Challenge program. This is a remote position running through June 2027 and available between the hours of 9:00-6:00 EST for meetings. The Curriculum Writer will join an advisory board responsible for shaping the full four-year scope and sequence (grades 9-12), with the first year already developed as a foundation. Reporting to the Chief of Staff and Curriculum Project Manager at NYC FIRST, this person will collaborate closely with internal staff, advisors, educators, and community partners. The primary deliverable will be the writing and scripting of complete lesson plans and project materials for three years of the curriculum.

Responsibilities

Participate as a member of the advisory board to develop the full four-year robotics scope and sequence, drawing on the existing first-year curriculum as a model and foundation; Write and script comprehensive, classroom-ready lesson plans and project materials for three years of the scope and sequence, designed for grades 10-12; Ensure all curriculum materials are aligned to New York State CS, Engineering, and CDOS standards and fulfill the requirements of a NYS CTE Pathway, Portrait of a Graduate, and alignment to the FIRST Tech Challenge program; Incorporate feedback from internal reviewers, educators, and advisors through an iterative writing and revision process; approach all feedback with openness and a growth mindset; Engage actively and constructively with the advisory board, curriculum team, and other stakeholders in a remote environment, contributing ideas while remaining flexible and responsive to the direction of the group; Contribute to the creation of supplementary materials that support educators and students in engaging with the curriculum

Requirements

Experience coaching a FIRST robotics team, preferably at the FIRST Tech Challenge level; Deep familiarity with the FIRST ecosystem, competition structure, and the skills and mindsets it develops in students; Demonstrated ability to guide students through iterative, team-based technical challenges; Hands-on experience with robotics hardware and software, including components and tools commonly used in competitive robotics; Proficiency with CAD software, including Fusion; Strong proficiency with maker tools and fabrication equipment used in robotics contexts (e.g., laser cutters, 3D printers, metal-cutting machines and tools); Experience writing structured, standards-aligned lesson plans and instructional materials; Ability to translate complex technical concepts into engaging, accessible learning experiences for high school students; Comfort working in a remote, collaborative environment with responsiveness and professionalism; Proficiency with Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides, Drive); Openness to new and innovative ideas in robotics education and instructional design; Eagerness to learn, receive feedback, and grow as a curriculum developer; Availability for scheduled remote collaboration with the team and advisory board; Legal authorization to work in the United States

Nice to have

FIRST Tech Challenge level coaching experience preferred; Experience using these skills and teaching these skills to others; Familiarity with CTE, CS, or engineering curriculum frameworks; Experience with NotebookLM or similar AI-assisted research and writing tools