Primary Purpose
The STEM Instructor will assist the Education Director with the research, development, teaching, and evaluation of the museum’s STEM education programs that inspire lifelong learning both on and off-site. Instruction using innovative and interactive methods is intended to complement and enrich classroom teaching, assisting both the students and teachers involved. STEM Instructors will be contacted when DCS receives a booking request.

Examples of programs include:

Summer of Science- Lead entertaining hands-on science themed summer camps. The STEM Instructor is responsible for maintaining clean camp environments, writing and facilitating camp activities.

Outreach - Providing innovative and interactive in-school instruction on standard-aligned STEM topics which enrich classroom teaching. Requires travel to school sites, libraries or other community events within 2 hours of driving. One-hour lessons come equipped with lesson plans and a supply tub containing all necessary materials, with the expectation to consistently design new or improve existing curriculum as we grow our programs. The STEM Instructor will be responsible for replenishing tubs after each teaching session to make sure all necessary materials and resources are ready for the next program.

Discovery School- Support the Discovery School with hands on science enrichment. Lesson topics range from standard-aligned content to student-driven content to create a unique, individualized STEM instruction for each class. The STEM Instructor may be responsible for the development, teaching and evaluation of these programs and should communicate any material needs to the Education Director.

Distance Learning - Conduct educational courses locally and nationally, via video conferencing through an effective, highly engaging, enthusiastic instructional presence. Classes come on a “virtual field trip” to DCS and learn chemistry, physics, biology, earth/environmental science, geography, and culture.

In-House Education Programs - Teach in-house programs that are generally 30 – 60 minutes long to grades pre-k-12. A variety of topics are offered. In addition, summer workshops are offered at DCS from June-August. Develop curriculum and teach summer classes.

Skills

• Develop and implement outstanding educational programs and interactive hands-on activities that align with national standards.
• Display an effective instructional leadership presence for programs, establish rapport with students and teachers, and create an inclusive learning environment enthusiastically and professionally.
• Become exceptionally familiar with programs and able to present for such groups as field trips, scout groups, home-school, summer workshops, assemblies, and professional development opportunities.
• Timely review and response to all communication, including electronic communication.
• Ability to use technology for curriculum research, program development and group instruction (i.e. E-mail, Microsoft Office, Internet).
• Collaborate with DCS staff, interns, volunteers, student docents, Board members, and community partners as a member of a team to expand the educational opportunities offered through DCS.
• Assure that program components are complete, including acquiring supplies, cleaning and restocking program kits after teaching.
• Maintain neat and orderly classrooms, museum exhibit space, program kits, and shared office space.
• Maintain a shared digital calendar with the Education Director, Assistant Education Director and Education & Marketing Coordinator for scheduling programs.
• Submit plans, documentation, and evaluations to the Education Director promptly.
• Maintain a valid driver’s license that has not been restricted, revoked, or suspended.
• Maintain reliable transportation to enable travel to offsite visits within 2 hour driving range, or ability to rent a vehicle, with proof of vehicle insurance maintained on a current basis.
• Must be able to lift to 25 lbs. on a periodic basis.
• Able to stand for long periods of time in making presentations.
• Must be able to drive for up to 2-hour periods of time.
• Other duties as assigned.

Job Types: Part-time, Seasonal

Pay: From $13.50 per hour

Expected hours: 3 – 15 per week

Benefits:

• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Evenings as needed

Ability to Relocate:

• Springfield, MO 65806: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person