Summer Camp Education Assistant

Job Responsibilities

Job Overview

Do you love kids and being creative? Do you like teaching and learning several different disciplines? Are you ready to spend a fun-filled summer with the South Carolina State Museum teaching campers? We are seeking enthusiastic, dependable, and creative people to work in a fast-paced, educational environment! The individual must be a quick learner and self-starter.

The successful candidate will be a valued member of the education/programs team, responsible for a variety of educational activities in several subject areas including but not limited to: Robotics, Biology, History, Art, Natural History, Tinkering, and Astronomy. If you like one or more of these subjects and think you've got what it takes - apply and join our awesome team!

Reports To

The summer camp assistant will report to the Manager of Education and Interpretation with secondary reporting to the Education Coordinator.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Assisting with classroom management, teaching, and caring for up to 30 students between the ages of 5-14 years old. This includes being the lead teacher on projects in a classroom and also guiding students throughout the museum in a safe manner. We are responsible for the physical safety of all students and their emotional safety as well.

• Helping manage disciplinary, FERPA, and HIPPA issues that may arise in the classrooms. This may involve taking students for walks, assisting 1:1 with students, or taking them to the Wellness Room and administering first aid.

• Assisting with first aid, special needs, and disability needs for students.

• Being ready to jump-in and teach any of the activities happening in all of the camps.

• Managing conflict between students and helping guide them through problems and issues.

• Helping to manage issues with educators who may be having a difficult time in the classroom, including curriculum confusion or how to work with students.

• Comfortable working with students with a variety of learning styles and abilities, including students who are disabled or have special needs.

• Following procedures, policies, and schedules. Many procedures and policies are HIPAA and/or FERPA related and legally necessary. It is important to follow the guidelines laid forth during training.

• Coordinating with other team members throughout the day as several things may be going on at once. Must work well as a team.

• Assisting with check-in and check-out daily and interacting with caregivers in person and via phone calls and texts as necessary. Able to use discretion when relaying sensitive information from incident reports and daily updates while maintaining positive guest interactions.

Minimum and Additional Requirements

Qualifications

• Must be 18 years of age by June 3, 2024

• High School Diploma

• Must be well-versed and knowledgeable with FERPA and HIPPA guidelines

• An enthusiasm and love for working in an educational environment and with children

• Good conflict management and communication skills both with students and coaching other educators/staff.

• Engaging public speaking and interpersonal skills

• While this part-time position will primarily include daytime hours, some nights and weekends may be required.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to lift and move 25-50lbs

• Requires long periods of standing and walking around, including climbing several flights of stairs multiple times a day. Staff will spend a large portion of working time on their feet.

• Working in a variety of environments, including small classrooms and large exhibition areas.

• Must be comfortable working with a large number of people in a small area.

• Must be able to handle long periods of loud noise and sudden noises.

• Must be able to traverse various indoor and outdoor education activities and areas.

• Must be comfortable working under overhead lighting and fluorescent lighting for long periods of time.

• Must be comfortable around bodily fluids and handling medical issues including vomit, runny noses, and cuts/bleeds.

Preferred Qualifications

• 2 years of teaching or camp experience preferred

• Experience in STEAM education fields is a plus