Are you an innovative, conservation-minded educator looking to make a positive impact? Channel your energy and expertise to make conservation science and Zoo-related content come alive in the classroom and beyond! Join our team to create K-12 educator professional development programs and student activities that bring learning to the next level. Apply for the Coordinator, Professional Learning and K-12 Academics position at Brookfield Zoo Chicago.
This position contributes to the success of Brookfield Zoo Chicago (“BZC”) by developing and implementing Pre-K –12 educator professional learning programs in pursuit of BZC’s mission of inspiring conservation leadership. The Coordinator contributes to development, lesson plans, and materials for professional learning programs and workshops, facilitates and serves as an instructor for programs, develops related student and teacher resources, assists with maintaining community partners and schools, including maintaining contact lists and engaging in outreach, assists with recordkeeping, budget, grants, instruction, evaluation, and supervision of volunteers, contract and seasonal instructors, and interns as needed.
Primary job duties and responsibilities:
1. Under the direction of the Manager, Professional Learning and K-12 Academics Department, integrate and align this department’s programs to develop content and curriculum and provide onsite and online instruction for professional development training, including, but not limited to the Brookfield Zoo Teaching Safari, teacher networking events, graduate credit professional development, and teacher classes/workshops.
2. Assist with or develop and prepare related professional learning and K-12 student resources for classroom and onsite learning.
3. Assist with providing feedback and mentoring for program participants, including providing written feedback, modeling evidence-based strategies informed by learning standards (e.g., NGSS, CCSS), and coaching sessions.
4. As directed by Manager, Professional Learning & K-12 Academics, promote programs, share resources, and communicate with current and new program participants, school administrators and teachers, and school districts. Assist with developing school and district collaborations for Teaching Safari program, including meeting with school administrators, hosting information sessions, and responding to questions and concerns from participants and institutions. Maintain databases and files for teacher professional development programs.
5. Assist with maintaining documentation for program requirements, including but not limited to class files for ISBE review, internal assessments, and participant roster and files.
6. Other related duties as assigned.
Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions of the position.
Position requirements:
- Bachelor's degree in education, Interpretation, Biology, Environmental Studies, Museum Studies or other relevant field.
- One year of experience teaching in either formal (e.g., K-12 school) or informal education setting (e.g., zoo or museum).
- Excellent written and verbal skills along with strong interpersonal skills.
- Knowledge of general education principles and practices.
- Flexibility to adopt innovative teaching approaches.
- Excellent organization, follow-through, communication, and customer service skills.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment periodically.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, volunteers, and the public.
- Ability to work as a team member and independently.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office suite including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
- Cultural competency; experience and/or ability to work and interact effectively with a diverse, multicultural audience.
- English fluency at a professional working proficiency.
Desirable/preferred qualifications:
- Multilingual ability; Spanish fluency a plus.
- One year of experience training teachers.
- Genuine interest and passion for nature, animals, and conservation.
- One (1) or more years of experience in a teaching and/or teaching leadership role in a formal education setting.
- Valid driver’s license preferred.
Additional information: This position description summarizes the primary duties and functions of this position but should not be considered a complete listing of every duty the incumbent may ever be called upon to perform. Position requires the ability to work a flexible schedule including occasional evenings and weekends. This is a grant-funded position; it is a regular, full-time position funded for 1-1/2 years only.
The mission of Brookfield Zoo Chicago is to inspire conservation leadership by connecting people to wildlife and nature. Accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, American Humane, and the Allianceof Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums. Brookfield Zoo Chicago is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
