The Bell Museum is hiring a Schoolyard Ecology Educator! The purpose of the Museum Educator position is to develop and implement educational programming to diverse audiences, primarily K-12 students during field trips at the Bell Museum, in-person and virtual. This position will also support the Bell Museum’s Schoolyard Long Term Ecological Research Program, to develop and deliver urban ecology field trip experiences for middle school students and professional development workshops for teachers at the Bell and potentially at local middle schools.
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.
Major Areas of Accountability (with percentages):
School Programs Delivery (45%)
● Deliver programming that engages a range of diverse learners and encourages participation through the use of a variety of teaching techniques and skills.
● Greet teachers, chaperones and students, and direct students groups throughout the museum.
● During the school year, instruct up to 4 inquiry-based, hands-on, science lab experiences per day to K-8 students. Lab content spans astronomy, biology, arts, physical sciences, and engineering practice.
● Assist with visit preparation, materials management and other logistics for education programs with Reservations and Education staff.
● Present or moderate live, interactive, virtual natural history experiences to K-8 students, through Zoom or Google Meet.
Program Support and Development (45%)
- Inventory, order, and organize supplies needed for school programs/labs.
- Under the supervision of School Programs Coordinator and in collaboration with Bell educators and MSP LTER (see position overview above) scientists, develop, pilot, and revise educational programs, including field trip experiences and data collection/analysis activities for middle school students.
- Build a network of K-12 educators associated with MSP LTER, and regularly communicate about professional development and learning opportunities.
- Collaborate with other Schoolyard LTER sites, including the Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve, on cross-site projects and participate in monthly cross-site education and outreach meetings.
Support of Public Engagement and Science Learning (PESL) Programs (10%)
● Step in to support PESL programs on the museum floor, in classrooms, and off-site venues as needed, including delivery of public programs and participation in special event or outreach programming.
● Work with museum staff to compile program evaluation data for reports and for grant proposal submissions.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
- BA or BS in science or education or related field with at least 2 years of experience, or 6 years combined related education and work experience.
- A minimum of 2 years’ experience working with K – 12 youth in a formal, informal, or museum educational setting.
- Experience working with racially, culturally, and age-diverse populations, including experience with middle school students.
- Ability to work effectively with teammates as well as external contacts
- Demonstrated ability to create a welcoming and positive atmosphere for all (staff, volunteers, students/groups, general public, etc.)
- Access to reliable transportation to travel to program and partner sites, both within and outside of the Twin Cities metro area
Preferred Qualifications:
- At least 2 years’ experience working with middle school (grades 6-8) youth in a formal education setting.
- Knowledge of best practices in informal science education, processes of science, natural phenomena, urban nature, and inquiry-based learning.
- Formal education or experience in science and STEM curriculum delivery and program implementation, with demonstrated track record of excellence in teaching.
- Familiarity with technology, particularly virtual meeting platforms such as Zoom and Google Meet
- Creative, enthusiastic, and thrives working in a team setting.
- Ability to be flexible, dependable, adaptable, and have a sense of humor in a high stress, fast-paced environment.
Hours, Pay, Travel, Other
- Position start date: Summer 2023
- Hours: This position works primarily Monday- Friday, 8am-4pm
- Travel: Travel to program and partner sites, both within and outside of the Twin Cities metro area.
- Part Time Museum Educator opportunities are also available for the upcoming school year. For more information or to apply visit UMN Job ID: 356590
For more information or to apply:
Application Deadline: Open Until Filled
Schoolyard Ecology Educator
Posted: October 1, 2023 by icebergdev
Category: Bell Museum of Natural History
Qualifications
Qualifications