We are looking for individuals to join our team who are inspired by our mission to ignite curiosity and wonder, explore our connections to nature and the universe, and create a better future for our evolving world. We believe that difference is a strength and are looking for candidates that reflect and respect diversity. We encourage you to apply for the position even if you do not believe you meet every qualification.
The School Programs Coordinator will coordinate, deliver, and assist in the development of innovative, interdisciplinary science content for students in grade PreK – 12. This will take the forms of experiential learning labs, self-guided museum experiences, and interactive activities for school, homeschool, and community groups. The person in this position will ensure all programs are innovative, engaging, effective, and support the Museum’s mission. They will be a strong advocate for science education and inspire a passion for learning by drawing from University research and resources.
The person in this position will supervise Bell educator staff, and assist with scheduling and training University student staff.
Additionally, this individual will assist the Education Programs Manager with developing school program budgets, growing and maintaining school/district partnerships, creating teacher professional development opportunities, providing creative programmatic insights, identifying opportunities to improve program offerings based on evaluation, and supporting grant writing initiatives.
This position will directly report to the Education Programs Manager. They will also work closely with specific members of operations, visitor services, statewide engagement, programs, exhibits and planetarium teams on program operations and development, and will participate in various team meetings.
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES
School Program Development and Delivery (45%)
● Oversee and deliver experiential STEAM-based learning labs for PreK – 12th grade students spanning a wide range of science content from life, Earth and space sciences.
● Create, foster, and maintain a welcoming and inclusive environment for all museum visitors, program participants, and staff.
● Collaborate with program team members to maintain and update a series of self-guided Discovery Journals for the permanent gallery and activities and experiences for the temporary exhibit area and outdoor learning landscape, for student tours.
● Implement school program evaluations; gather and analyze data on program content, engagement and effectiveness to inform program improvement.
● Develop and/or revise lab and tour curricula on an on-going/annual basis, utilizing relationships within the University to support content development and the museum’s mission of bringing scientific research to the larger public, and aligning with MN state academic standards, and Next Generation Science Standards. (NGSS)
● Work with the PESL team and the statewide engagement team to co-create universally applicable curricula for school / student groups.
School Program Operations and Logistics (45%)
● Hire, train, and supervise 2-5 Bell educators on an annual/on-going basis for the delivery of learning labs. Schedule Bell educators and students (in collaboration with their supervisors) on a regular basis using the online scheduling system, When I Work.
● Design/Identify on-going training, mentoring and professional development for Bell educators on topics such as diversity, equity and inclusion, customer service, and education philosophies.
● Plan and implement a logistical daily schedule for all in-person and virtual field trips including communication with bus drivers, chaperones, students, and museum staff. Lead daily stand-up meetings to communicate group schedules to other program staff.
● Welcome, orient, and serve as the main contact person on the day of the school groups’ visit. Ensure that groups’ identified accessibility needs are anticipated and met on the day of their visit and troubleshoot any day-of issues.
● Collaborate with the program team to develop and update training manuals/materials, policies and procedures for all school programs.
● Participate in regular meetings/trainings for University student staff.
● Assist in managing/tracking school program budget expenses and revenue.
● Inventory, purchase, organize and maintain materials required for school groups and labs.
● Oversee materials preparation before groups’ arrival, distribution during their experiences, collection, and sanitation upon transitions or departure.
Internal and External Relations (10%)
● Collaborate with marketing, statewide engagement, and education teams to host professional development events for local educators.
● Represent the Museum at education and science-related conferences and events.
● Attend staff, education team, program team, and Pre-College Network meetings as well as occasional project-based meetings.
● Attend conferences, workshops, seminars as part of professional development opportunities, including on a variety of diversity, equity and inclusion topics.
● Provide content support for grant proposals and marketing materials.
Other Duties as Assigned
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
● B.A./B.S. in education, science or other related field with three years relevant experience in development and implementation of formal and informal STEM education programs for grades PreK-12
● Experience with program delivery and staff management.
● Ability to interact with a variety of cultural and socioeconomic groups.
● Ability to work effectively with teammates as well as external contacts.
● Able and willing to occasionally work non-traditional work hours as needed for events to include occasional weekends.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
● Master’s degree in education or related field
● Current Minnesota teaching license
● Possesses a working knowledge of the research, development and trends in the fields of education, informal science learning, and experience with program research and evaluation.
● Understanding of trends in the use of technology-based learning.
● Proven ability to lead projects from planning phase through completion that are within budget.
● Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple competing priorities in a fast paced environment with close attention to detail.
● Creative, flexible, solid analytical and problem solving skills.
● Fluency in Spanish, Somali or another language in addition to English
● Proficient using Google suite
Pay Range: $19.12- 28.62/ hours
How to Apply:
Questions about the position can be directed to Kate Sigurdson, ksigurds@umn.edu
Application Deadline: November 15, 2021
Bell Museum School Programs Coordinator
Posted: October 28, 2021 by MAEE Administration
Category: Bell Museum of Natural History