Educator positions at Da Vinci Science Center will challenge and excite you! Educators will increase their STEM knowledge, train on best practices for STEM Education, and get first-hand experience developing and delivering engaging Project Based Learning Curriculum aligned with Next Generation Science Standards.

Educators work with classroom teachers to develop and teach integrated Reading, Math, and Science lessons to students in grades 3-5. Programs will be in-person and are available in Allentown, Bethlehem, or Easton and assigned locations will be mutually agreed on with supervisors. Locations are in partnership with either local school districts or the James Lawson Freedom Schools. This position will work approximately 35 hours a week from late May to early August. The students typically attend the program for 6 weeks from late June through late July with time off for the July 4 holiday. Program times vary but generally are from 9am-2pm.

Educators is responsible for delivering STEM content and lesson planning as part of the Summer Learning Program Development and Teaching Team. Candidates must have experience working with elementary students. Candidate should be fun, knowledgeable, and dependable and enjoy working with students with a variety of learning styles and abilities. Candidate should be passionate about trying new methods of teaching and learning science and literacy through active investigation. Candidate will display a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility in all aspects of their work. Candidate must be flexible, willing to try new things, and learn from experience. Positive classroom management and youth development perspective is a must. Instructor should have exemplary public speaking, organizational, and customer service skills.

This position will start on or before May 29th 2023 and end no later than August 11 2023, although there is some flexibility with start and end dates. Training will take place May 29-June 1, June 5-8. Specific training dates may vary depending on site location.

SPECIFIC JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Delivery:

Learn the program you will be teaching and be able to answer questions about the topic (training materials will be provided)
Drive to and from the site where your program will take place, occasionally using a company vehicle (travel is usually within 25 miles of Da Vinci Science Center, but occasionally travel is between 25 and 150 miles from Da Vinci Science Center). Travel in personal vehicles is reimbursed at the federal IRS mileage rate.
Arrive at the site on time, with a strict adherence to program punctuality
Lead the teaching of STEM lessons during classroom time with students.
Communicate and coordinate efforts with the rest of the teaching team about activities and goals
Participate in other lessons that take place in the classroom and reinforce student learning across subjects.
Procure materials and set up classroom for all STEM activities
Follow the established schedule for the daily events
Actively engage all guests in learning experiences
Exhibit positive youth development in classroom management strategies that are appropriate to the physical, social, and emotional development of diverse guests

· Make safety a priority, especially with chemicals

Represent the science center professionally to school and community contacts
Incorporate feedback into future lessons
Clean classrooms after each program (put supplies away, wash goggles, wipe tables, sweep floor if needed)
Carry totes with materials (up to 50 pounds) from place to place
Proactively provide guests with information about the Center and its offerings

Program Development and Training:

Training will take place May 29-June 1, June 5-8.

Some locations will also be trained for half days, from June 12-15.

Attend and actively participate in training sessions to understand and implement the Da Vinci Science Center’s inquiry-based approach, next generation science teaching and learning, partner site expectations, and effective presentation techniques
Lead the STEM program development for your classroom in collaboration with the Program Development Team.
Focus on integrating STEM and literacy in meaningful, culturally relevant ways

Administrative:

Monitor supplies and report shortages
Attend team meetings
Complete administrative tasks (such as reflection forms and inputting data into software)

Other duties as assigned (kit assembly, support programs in the museum, organizational tasks, birthday parties, etc.)

Qualifications and Experience

High school graduate or equivalent. College level education preferred, especially experience with education or science, technology, engineering, arts or math courses. Experience working with children required. Bilingual in Spanish preferred.

Physical Demands of this job

These physical demands are representative of the physical requirements necessary for an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation can be made to enable people with disabilities to perform the essential functions necessary in the STEM Summer Learning Educator job.

This position also requires traveling via a vehicle to off-site locations in a variety of weather conditions. While performing the responsibilities of the STEM Summer Learning Educator, the employee is regularly required to talk and listen. The employee is frequently required to be on their feet for up to seven (7) hours at a time; stand; walk; sit; reach with arms and hands; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; move or lift at least 50 pounds.

Work Environment of this job

While performing the responsibilities of the job, these work environment characteristics are representative of the environment the STEM Summer Learning Educator may encounter. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable people with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to outdoor weather conditions; and required to wear protective equipment including lab coat, glasses and gloves. The employee may be required to use chemicals with Material Safety Data Sheets provided. The employee may be required to use high voltage electricity. The employee may need to use very hot or very cold liquids. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Requirements

Successful completion of a criminal background check including checks through Pennsylvania State Police, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Pennsylvania Child Abuse Registry. Additional clearances may be required as changing regulations are implemented.

Successful candidates will need a valid Driver’s License and proof of Auto Insurance coverage. It is preferred that candidates have a reliable vehicle that can be used for outreach programs. Employees are reimbursed for travel.

* Candidates of diverse backgrounds encouraged to apply.*

Benefits:

Flexible Schedules

20% discount for staff in the Da Vinci Science Center Curiosity shop

50% Discount on summer camp, science clubs, and school’s out science camps for family members