As a trained and experienced educator, the early learning specialist uses creativity, promising instructional practices and evaluation data to design, implement and authentically evaluate programs that support the early science learning program and other Learning Programs department initiatives. Early science learning is coordinated and executed in collaboration with three museum and two school district partners with the goal of enhancing science-based competencies for pre-K educators, their students and parents.
The early learning specialist utilizes learner-centered teaching strategies to encourage learners to think critically about the use of inquiry-based instruction and project-based curriculum. The early learning specialist will capitalize on Shedd’s unique collection, resources and other relevant content to implement early learning supports. He/she demonstrates ownership and autonomy in each program cycle while contributing to a culture of collaboration and actively participates in reflective activities as it relates to their instructional quality. This position is primarily responsible for facilitating learning experiences at Shedd, in classrooms and online environments.
Job Requirements :
Coaching ad Programming
- Develop learning experiences aligned with program goals and learner outcomes.
- Facilitate learner-centered programs, engaging learners through dynamic and authentic experiences.
- Apply various instructional strategies to foster an increase in pre-K educators’ integration of inquiry-based science skills, intentional and reflective teaching practice.
- Conduct school visits to support extension of professional development goals into classroom practice.
- Coach teachers in progress towards their targeted instruction and curriculum goals.
- Design safe learning environments for educators to share promising practices, problem-solve common challenges and strengthen critical competencies around inquiry-based instruction and project-based curriculums.
- Provide guidance to educators in enhancing the quality and increasing the quality of science-based competencies in their curriculum.
- Collaborate with Shedd Aquarium’s staff team to curate and implement early-learning extensions to existing programs.
- Research instructional strategies, content knowledge and current programmatic data to achieve program goals and outcomes.
- Maintain resources, materials and programming spaces, including assisting with ordering of supplies, equipment and materials as needed.
- Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability to be used in working across programmatic suites, including team projects, program development, teaching, etc.
- Participate in project-related trainings to ensure preparedness to develop and implement early science leaning program while insuring consistency of learning experiences.
Strategic Relationships
- Maintain strategic relationships with collaborative partners and other pertinent organizations
Professional Development
- Demonstrate a commitment to professional growth in the fields of early learning and science education learning by initiating dialogue with colleagues and engaging in self-directed learning.
Other
- Participate in aquarium-wide and interdepartmental teams, projects, or meetings as needed.
Position Specifications:Required:
- Master’s degree in early childhood education, child development, or elementary education and two years’ experience working in a preschool, museum, or elementary school OR
- Bachelor’s degree in the same fields with four years’ similar work experience.
- Demonstrated record of improving student outcomes as a practitioner.
- Experience in assessing individuals, providing constructive feedback and coaching towards identified goals.
- Skill at articulating thought patterns behind curriculum decision-making.
- Proven ability to plan and execute a course of action to accomplish objectives.
- Experience working in team-based environments.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills; fluency in Spanish desirable
- Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
- Ability to work occasional evenings, weekends and overnight programs/events.
- A personal vehicle (and auto insurance) to travel to/from program sites.
Preferred:
- Willingness to be trained to handle animals for education programs.
- Willingness to implement aquatic science programs aboard research vessels and/or in wilderness settings for up to three consecutive weeks.
- Technology experience beyond basic computer skills and willingness to learn new technologies.
Shedd Aquarium - 11 months ago
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7 reviews
Shedd Aquarium provides a measurable service to the community. In 1999, for the fourth consecutive year, Shedd enjoyed the highest attendanc...
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