Chicago Botanic Garden

At The Garden — Employment

Employment at the Chicago Botanic Garden

TITLE: Lead Instructor for Science First Lake County


PURPOSE: To teach a hands-on summer science program for students going into grades 7-9 at the College of Lake County Campus, Grayslake, IL. Two instructors will work as a team to deliver an inquiry-based, informal science curriculum with emphasis on outdoor field investigations and science process.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES:

  1. Design a fun and engaging curriculum around a proven set of environmental science activities and labs. Teach daily lessons emphasizing science inquiry and process. Work cooperatively with the other lead instructor to plan and execute daily lessons.

  2. Help plan and conduct field trips to appropriate natural areas, especially within Lake County Forest Preserve District property.

  3. Lead daily outdoor science investigations in the community.

  4. Guide student independent investigations and presentations.

  5. Support the program’s evaluation.

DEPARTMENT: Center for Teaching and Learning

REPORTS TO: Coordinator of Secondary Education, Jeannette Matuska

SUPERVISES: Students enrolled in Science First program

PAY RANGE: Independent Contract Position, dependent on experience

COOPERATIVE RELATIONSHIPS: Lake County Forest Preserve Distric

POSITION REQUIREMENTS: Be available to work for 5 weeks from June 14 to July 16, 2010 (actual teaching time from June 21 to July 16) as well as work with the other instructor, Chicago Botanic Garden, and Lake County Forest Preserve District staff prior to start of teaching. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 3 years of experience teaching science in either formal and/or informal educational settings to middle- or high-school students, ability to conduct outdoor field science and nature education, and familiarity with computer technology.