Student And Teacher Programs Faciliator

Lincoln Park Zoo

Lincoln Park Zoo

Student and Teacher Programs Faciliator

Student and Teacher Programs Facilitator ( Bilingual)

Chicago, IL

Lincoln Park Zoo inspires communities to create environments where wildlife will thrive in our urbanizing world. The zoo is a leader in local and global conservation, animal care and welfare, learning, and science. A historic Chicago landmark founded in 1868, the not-for-profit Lincoln Park Zoo is a privately-managed, member-supported organization and is free and open 365 days a year.

GENERAL SUMMARY

The Student and Teacher Programs Facilitator is responsible for guiding youth and teachers through learner-centered, student-driven experiences both on and off zoo grounds. Under the direction of the Student and Teacher Programs Coordinator, this individual will seek to improve student understanding of conservation issues through experiences such as student-directed research projects, engagement with inquiry-based science experiences aligned with the research of zoo scientists and animal care staff, and exposure to career opportunities within the field of conservation science and education. This is a full-time, year-round position. In order to meet the needs of Chicago schools, the individual in this position must be bilingual in English and Spanish.

This position has some flexibility to work from home (up to 2 days per week if programs are not scheduled). When field trips or classroom visits are scheduled, working hours will be performed on site at the zoo or offsite at school/community locations as needed.

This opportunity might be good for you if...

• You're open to learning about scientific concepts and familiar with research basics.

• You are skilled at building relationships with teachers and creating engaging experiences for learners of all ages, especially teens and middle schoolers.

• You thrive when solving problems and are able to reach creative solutions.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• As core facilitator for the Partners in Fieldwork program

• Guide Chicago high school students in data gathering and analysis related to urban biodiversity and human-wildlife co-existence both at the zoo and on school grounds

• Oversee development of individual student research projects aligned with urban wildlife research methods

• Modify and add to curriculum to provide additional, culturally appropriate opportunities for students to engage authentically with the field of conservation science, sustainability, research, and environmental justice.

• Support and facilitate authentic field trip experiences for students and teachers through both visit supervision and/or curriculum development

• Provide training, oversight, and support to teachers in the implementation of program activities

• Provide training in the area of technology-aided research projects to teachers and support modifications to existing digital curriculum resources

• Deliver teacher programming with the goal of creating stronger ties between classroom practice, research, and mission of the zoo

• Support logistical planning of zoo field trips by ordering buses, scheduling, and planning of the trip

• Additional responsibilities:

• Generate program reports and support program evaluation efforts

• Deliver student-directed and inquiry-based programming for students at the pre-K-16 level, including on-site Zoo Explorers field trips and virtual Zoo Investigations programs.

• Provide guidance to students who contact the zoo with interest in conducting original research in the area of conservation science

• Develop resources and activities for students and teachers that align with Next Generation Science Standards and support the learning of zoo-related topics

• Support development and delivery of additional related programming as resources allow

• Support other zoo Learning programs and events as assigned, such as Camp Outs, special events, and more

• Work a flexible schedule that may involve delivering multiple, hour-long programs in a row with limited breaks

• Perform various tasks and other duties as assigned

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Ability to work with groups of up to 35 students on zoo grounds, in a classroom, or in a virtual environment

• Ability to interact comfortably with culturally and linguistically diverse students of all ages with varying abilities

• Experience developing student activities and resources that align to NGSS learning standards

• Commitment to creating a classroom environment that is accessible and inclusive to all, including differentiating instruction to meet student needs

• Ability to work in a team and problem solve to ensure timely completion of all projects

• Ability to work outside in nature for extended periods of time.

• Ability to interact courteously and respectfully with supervisors, fellow employees, volunteers, zoo visitors and general public

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

• Undergraduate degree in education, environmental studies, biology, zoology, or closely related discipline; or four years of related work experience required

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Experience with informal and/or formal education at a zoo, museum, science center, environmental education center or school

• Experience working with culturally, linguistically, and developmentally diverse learners

• Experience working with Chicago youth is preferred

• Bilingual English/Spanish skills required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Capable of moving across zoo grounds, being stationary for long periods of time, and working in a variety of weather conditions.

• Must be able to regularly traverse zoo and school grounds and move equipment on a rolling cart up to 50 pounds.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Available to work occasional weekends, holidays, evenings, and special events which may occur outside of regular work schedule as assigned

• Valid driver's license with good driving record is required

• Access to personal vehicle is preferred

• Ability to pass a background check is required

SALARY: $47,250/year

Lincoln Park Zoo is committed to an environment that is inclusive and welcoming. Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) and others who identify as nonwhite, people with disabilities, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and those with lived experience with racism and/or misogynoir are encouraged to apply. We celebrate the diverse qualities, perspectives, values and experiences of all people. For Wildlife. For All.

Salary

$47,250/annually

How to Apply

https://careers.hireology.com/lincolnparkzoologicalsociety/1868416/description

Lincoln Park Zoo

2001 N Clark St

Chicago, IL 60614

Fax: Lincoln Park Zoo

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