Bell Museum Part Time Museum Educator

The Museum Educator position supports the mission of the Bell Museum by delivering innovative, interdisciplinary science content for diverse audiences, mostly for students in grades K–12, during field trips. Additional responsibilities of this position include materials management, on-site preparation, conducting the logistics of the day, and contributing to programs maintenance and improvement. 

This position works collaboratively with other members of the education team to provide engaging, memorable, and effective experiences for youth. They are a strong advocate for science education. The person in this position will also support other aspects of the on-site visitor experience including summer/community groups and other museum visitors. 

This position directly reports to the School Programs Coordinator and is a member of the Education Programs team; this team sits within the larger Public Engagement and Science Learning team (PESL), which is responsible for onsite K–12 science education, planetarium shows and astronomy programming, exhibits and gallery programs, and public programming. The position will collaborate with other teams across the Bell on program operations and delivery.

This is a 50% time position, working 20 hours a week.
This position is a school year appointment, with possibility for renewal.

Position Overview:

Major Areas of Accountability (with percentages):

School Programs Preparation and Delivery (80%)

• Create, foster, and maintain a welcoming and inclusive environment for all program participants, museum visitors, and staff.
• Prepare materials (signs, passes, bins, discovery journals, etc.) before groups’ arrival, for use during their experiences, and distribution upon departure.
• Prepare classrooms for labs, set-up table/chairs, lab materials and technology.
• Greet teachers, chaperones, and students, and direct students groups through the museum.
• Troubleshoot any early/late group arrivals according to established procedures or escalate complex issues to Bell staff as appropriate.
• Introduce and reinforce behavior guidelines during the visit.
• Deliver STEM-based learning labs for K–8 grade students spanning a wide range of science content from life, Earth, and space sciences. Lead up to 4 inquiry-based, hands-on, science lab experiences per day.
• Adjust program delivery to engage a range of diverse learners and encourage participation through the use of a variety of teaching techniques and skills.

Support of Public Engagement and Science Learning (PESL) Programs (15%)

• Under supervision of School Programs Coordinator, and guidance of the Education Programs Manager, contribute to the updating and revision of education programs by participating in activities such as troubleshooting, providing feedback, and testing new materials.
• Inventory, organize, and maintain materials required for school groups and labs.
• Step in to support PESL programs on the museum floor, in classrooms, and off-site outreach venues as needed, including the delivery of public programs and participation in special event programming.

Other Duties as Assigned (5%)

• This might include attending staff/project meetings, assisting other departments, and working on projects

Required Qualifications:

• BA or BS in science or education or related field with at least 2 years of experience, or 4 years combined related education and work experience
• A minimum of 2 years’ experience working with K–12 youth in a formal, non-formal, or museum educational setting.
• Proven experience working with culturally and age-diverse populations
• Flexible schedule with daytime availability, within the hours of Tuesday-Friday 8am-2pm
• Ability to commit to a 9 – 10 month appointment
• Demonstrated ability to create a welcoming and positive atmosphere for all program participants, staff, volunteers, general public, etc.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of best practices in informal science education 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
• 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
• Occasional weekend/ evening availability for outreach events