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Instructor, School Programs - Early Childhood / Elementary

Instructor, School Programs - Early Childhood / Elementary

Missouri Botanical GardenSt. Louis, MO, United States
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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

  • Communication - Listens to others and asks questions for clarification; Writes clearly and presents information accurately; Speaks professionally and responds well to questions; Supports positive visitor relations.
  • Collaboration - Demonstrates teamwork and promotes respect in the workplace; Engages in problem solving and group initiatives; Cooperates in implementing procedures and process improvements; Strives for positive visitor experiences.
  • Accountability - Demonstrates commitment to responsibilities and adaptable to changes; Effectively prioritizes, troubleshoots and takes appropriate actions ; Follows policies and procedures, meets deadlines, quality, and safety standards; Strives to proactively, address visitor and internal colleagues' concerns.
  • Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems; Includes supervisor before taking action as necessary; Recommends solutions, demonstrates creativity and resourcefulness; Exhibits sound and accurate judgment in decision making process; Includes appropriate people in making decisions.
  • Stewardship - Promotes and adheres to sustainability, safety and security protocols; Fosters a culture of respect, diversity and inclusion; Demonstrates effective and prudent use of Garden resources; Maximizes contributions during work hours.

    • Qualifications / Experience :

  • Minimum of two years e xperience working with the target population of early childhood and elementary school students.
  • Minimum of one year experience in teacher professional development required .
  • Minimum six months experience in inquiry or investigation based teaching; may include student teaching and practicum experience .
  • Completes tasks with minor guidance to coordinate meeting times, set deadlines, and promptly set up, deliver and complete projects / presentations in timely manner.
  • Prior e xperience working in a cultural institution preferred .
  • Abilit y to travel >

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

  • Scheduling flexibility is required to work evenings, weekends, or holidays.
  • The Garden is committed to the safety and wellbeing of our employees, volunteers and guests. All staff are strongly encouraged to receive all vaccinations as recommended by your healthcare provider prior to hire date. The Garden reserves the right to require future proof of current vaccination status, based on local health department guidelines . When international travel is necessary for Garden business, staff must be able to obtain required travel clearances, driving permits, and vaccinations for all countries where travel is required .
  • The requirements and duties listed are representative and not exhaustive of the knowledge, skill, and / or abilities required .

    • Education :

  • Bachelor's d egree in education, science education, ecology, environmental science required .
  • An equivalent combination of skills, education , and experience may be considered.

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

    Reasoning Ability :

  • Completes tasks with minor guidance to coordinate meeting times, set deadlines, and complete projects in a timely manner .
  • Requires ability to exercise independent judgment to apply facts and principles for developing approaches and techniques to problem resolution.

    • Computer Skills :

  • Proficiency in navigating through the Internet, and various PC applications including but not limited to Microsoft Office Suite 2016 (i.e., PowerPoint, Excel and Word) or a similar application.
  • Proficient in use of mobile apps, and other digital learning tools .

    • Certificates, Licenses, Registrations :

  • Must h ave , or be in the process of applying for a valid teaching certification in Early Childhood Education , Early Childhood Special Education or Elementary Education (preferred)
  • Must be able to obtain and maint ain First Aid / CPR certification .
  • Must have and maintain valid Driver's license .
  • Must be willing to submit to testing and background checks required by the state of Missouri in order to enter classrooms and / or work with children at MBG sites .

    • Physical Demands :

  • Ability to stand and move about MBG facilities or classrooms for extended periods of time , 50 - 80% or more of a typical workday is standing on feet (e.g., extensive standing, walking, reaching and stooping).
  • Ability to utilize computer keyboard (typing).
  • Able to lift up to (30) pounds (i.e., load, unload and move supplies and equipment).
  • Must be able to work in high heat / humidity .
  • Ability to work outdoors; with unavoidable variations in temperature and some uncomfortable conditions ( i.e. wet, mosquitoes, ticks, chiggers, etc. )

    • Work Environment :

  • Classroom and o utside instruction in the Garden.
  • L ocal travel required .
  • Flexibility in scheduling as needed, for weekend, evening or holiday work .
  • Climate controlled buildings .
  • Shared office space .
  • Work outdoors in temperatures of (100F or more), humid conditions, as well as temperatures below 0F, in rain, snow and other inclement weather conditions and some uncomfortable conditions ( i.e. wet, mosquitoes ) as needed .

    • Contacts with Individuals / Organizations inside / outside the Garden :

  • Education Division colleagues and volunteers.
  • Local professionals and organizations
  • Local educators and students .
  • Emp loyees at throughout the Garden.
  • Diverse slate of visitors to the Garden, both children and adults .

    • Supervisor : Mana ger, School Programs and Partnerships

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    Program Instructor • St. Louis, MO, United States