Title: Instructor, College First Program

Exemption Status: Non-exempt

Department: Youth Education

Reports to: Manager of Science Career Continuum

Seasonal Full-time, June to August 2024

Supervises: Students in the College First Program

Position Overview:

Join forces as passionate STEM educators and co-teach a transformative summer course at the Chicago Botanic Garden! Empower 20 underrepresented Chicago Public Schools juniors and seniors through a seven-week immersive program (June to August, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.) alongside a fellow instructor. Collaboratively develop and deliver an engaging environmental science curriculum, fostering hands-on learning through meaningful lectures, individual research projects you'll co-guide, and joint program planning and assessment. This partnership, in collaboration with Wright Community College, empowers students and prepares them for academic success, while offering the rewarding opportunity to shape the next generation of environmental stewards. Embrace collaboration, inspire young minds, and join us!

Responsibilities:

In this role, you will be responsible for the following:

Curriculum and Instruction:

• Co-develop an engaging and effective Environmental Science-themed curriculum aligned with early college standards.
• Design and implement a variety of hands-on classroom activities and labs, ensuring collaborative and stimulating learning environments.
• Co-deliver meaningful lectures and lead youth development activities, both within the Chicago Botanic Garden and at off-site locations.
• Work collaboratively to guide and mentor students through independent research projects, culminating in impactful research presentations.

Assessment and Evaluation:

• Jointly administer and analyze pre- and post-program assessments to gauge student learning and program effectiveness.
• Collaborate on and contribute to ongoing program quality assessments and improvement initiatives.

Professional Collaboration and Administration:

• Work together to ensure timely submission of grades and other required paperwork to Wilbur Wright Community College staff.

Collaboratively contribute to planning and leading Friday field trips that integrate with program themes and curriculum.

Chicago Botanic Garden Values & Behaviors:

Qualifications

Our ideal candidate will have the following:

• Minimum of three years of science teaching experience in formal or informal educational settings with high school-aged students.
• Master's degree required in environmental science, biology, or a related STEM field.
• Demonstrated understanding of student development theory with a focus on first-generation, low-income, and students of color.
• Proven ability to integrate STEM concepts into lesson plans and develop culturally responsive curriculum.
• Strong administrative skills, including data management, organization, and task completion.

Fluency in Spanish desirable but not required.

Physical Demands:

Office setting. Frequent sitting, standing, walking, bending, listening, speaking, and keyboarding. Use of office equipment including computers, telephones, copiers, scanners, and fax machines. Some requirements for lifting, pushing, or pulling items less than 30 pounds.

Why Apply?
Come work in a setting that is like no other as you support our mission: We cultivate the power of plants to sustain and enrich life. Take the first step toward being one of the employees who make the Garden one of the treasures of the Forest Preserves of Cook County. Apply today. Please note that applicants who do not meet the required qualifications will not be considered.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, or basis of disability, or any other federal, state, or local protected class.

Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and qualifications required of personnel so classified.

In accordance with Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972, Chicago Botanic Garden does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its programs or activities, including in employment or admissions. Please call (847) 835-8264 to contact our Title IX coordinator should you have questions or concerns. Please do not call this number to inquire about job postings or the status of your application, or with solicitations from companies or third-party recruiters.