our garden – Employment

Coordinator, School Programs, Center for Teaching and Learning

PURPOSE: To assist in the teaching and evaluation of educational programs for schoolchildren and organized groups of children both at the Garden and at satellite locations.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBLITIES:
1. Conduct the daily operation of school programs including all classes, tours, teacher-guided and self-guided groups, including ordering and providing all materials.

2. Coordinate registration procedures with Registrar and reserve program spaces with Visitor Services.

3. Hire, train, schedule, supervise, and evaluate all seasonal instructors, volunteers, and interns conducting youth tours or classes.

4. Evaluate school programs and investigate and incorporate current best practice education methods for museums/botanic gardens.

5. Promote Chicago Botanic Garden School Programs through annual brochure development and print pieces for direct mail and for exhibit at local teacher conferences.

6. Manage and maintain the School Programs budget. Produce monthly and year-end statistical reports and records.

7. Participate with other Center for Teaching and Learning staff in the planning and implementing of special events, exhibits, and teacher and environmental programs as needed.

8. Other projects and duties as assigned.

DEPARTMENT: Center for Teaching and Learning

REPORTS TO: Manager, School and Secondary Education Programs

SUPERVISES: School programs seasonal instructors, volunteers, and interns working in the school programs area.

COOPERATIVE RELATIONSHIPS: Other Center for Teaching and Learning program areas, visitor programs, volunteer services, group visits, tours, horticulture, production greenhouses, education greenhouses, custodial services, and research.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS: At least 3 years of experience in a classroom or museum with emphasis on science. A combination of plant or environmental sciences knowledge and its application in informal education/ museum settings is ideal. Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s preferred. Knowledge/familiarity with inquiry-based and constructivist teaching philosophies and methods is a plus.

HOURS: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. weekdays, some evenings & weekends required