Instructor, School Programs - Early Childhood / Elementary

Summary : P articipate s in all aspects of structured i nquiry-based environmental education programming at the Garden including curriculum development, program preparation, and delivery for early childhood and elementary school youth and teachers (grades PreK-5). T eaches school outreach and partnership programs during tradi ti onal school hours and out of school hours , and makes presentations for community outr each programs. L eads teachers in science professional development. Participates in some program activities which include middle or high school youth, adults, or special populations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities :

• Plans, prepares and delivers quality, engaging environmental educational programs for early childhood and elementary school children and teachers . Provides lessons and activities that stimulate curiosity and appreciation of the natural world , exploration, and problem-solving.
• Creates a positive, healthy and safe classroom climate that supports developmentally appropriate socio-emotional growth, culturally appropriate practices , and inquiry-driven learning.
• Delivers programs primarily at the m ain Garden campus and may deliver programs at any of the Garden's three remote sites (The Butterfly House, Litzsinger Road Ecology Center , and Shaw Nature Reserve) or at designated off-site locations (outreach programs , school / district partnerships , after-school programs, and community events).
• Assists with creating, procuring , maintaining , and organizing program and instructional resource supplie s .
• Assists with procuring and maintaining program supplies, s, arranging outreach or partnership programming, and holding special events such as Family Nights at the Garden .
• Participate s in team planning sessions with staff to ensure well-coordinated and effective delivery of instruction to meet program goals and objectives .
• Assist s in presenting professional development workshops and sessions for early childhood and elementary educators .
• Coordinates teaching schedule with Garden staff, informal science colleagues , and teachers as nee ded for educational programming.
• Ensures that all applicable safety standards are followed; informs employees / students / volunteers of safety guidelines and safe working practices and routinely monitors to enforce them . Adapts or modifies work methods to reduce hazards . Reports all accidents, injuries , and near-miss accidents immediately .
• Meets expected attendance guidelines.
• Follows and adheres to established policies and procedures, including but not limited to Employee Handbook, Garden Safety Guidelines and Department Policies.
• Behaves and communicates in a manner that promotes and fosters a culture of teamwork and cooperation, within our division and throughout the Garden, with co-workers, supervisors / managers, volunteers, visitors , and employees.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities : This position does not have supervisory responsibilities. May assist in training an d leading work of volunteers.

Core Competencies

Qualifications / Experience :

25% is required through use of personal vehicle throughout Missouri and Illinois with o ccasional overnight stays.

Education :

Language Ability : Ability to communicate effectively in English (oral / written).

Reasoning Ability :

Computer Skills :

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations :

Physical Demands :

Work Environment :

Contacts with Individuals / Organizations inside / outside the Garden :

Supervisor : Mana ger, School Programs and Partnerships