Informal Educator (Substitute)

Da Vinci Science Center•Allentown, PA

About The Position

The Da Vinci Science Center is seeking a creative and passionate part-Time Informal Educator (Substitute)who loves STEAM and working with diverse learners. This role serves as a flexible, on-call substitute supporting programs such as STREAM Academy (with ASD), Career Pathways, Outreach Education, Fab Lab, Little Learner’s Lab, and Reserved Programs. The Educator will step in as needed to deliver engaging classroom and community-based programs (both on-site and off-site), support career exploration activities, and contribute to curriculum aligned with NGSS and/or PA STEELS standards. The ideal candidate embraces innovative teaching practices, uses data to inform instruction, and creates fun, meaningful learning experiences for students, families, and community members across the Lehigh Valley. The desired candidate is fun, creative, knowledgeable, team-oriented educator who enjoys working with people, learning about and teaching STEAM. The ideal candidate for this position will be punctual, reliable, and comfortable working with learners of all ages and abilities. Candidates should also be flexible and able to adapt quickly to different environments and audiences. Exemplary public speaking, organizational, and customer service skills are required. Educators will display a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in all aspects of their work. There is no guarantee of minimum hours; however, up to 28 hours a week is possible. Schedules are dependent upon program assignment (classroom programs, cohort meetings, partners meetings, program planning and creation) and personal availability. The flexible schedule includes some days, evenings, weekends, and holidays. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in a STEAM or Education field
Minimum of two years’ experience in a similar education environment or experience working with the public and with children of all ages. Classroom experience preferred.
Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook, and Publisher) required.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
Highly organized and self-motivated individual.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual in Spanish and English is a plus

Responsibilities

Demonstrate and work towards mastery of next generation science teaching, integrated teaching and learning, design thinking, maker education, English language learner support, and science content.
Set up classroom and teach educational programs.
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 if contributing to the outreach program 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.
Represent the science center professionally to school and community contacts.
Exhibit positive youth development in classroom management strategies that are appropriate to the physical, social, and emotional development of diverse guests.
Follow the established schedule for the daily events
Actively engage all students in learning experiences
Develop and nurture positive relationships with the students, school district, and all stakeholders.
Incorporate feedback into future lessons.
Set up and clean stations/classrooms after each program (put supplies away, wash goggles, wipe tables, sweep floor if needed).
Deliver scheduled on-site and off-site programs as assigned including family engagement nights, member nights, after school programs, and more as needed.
When needed, attend and actively participate in all Outreach, Career Pathways, Reserved Programs, STREAM Academy, Fab Lab and Little Learners Lab training sessions, program development sessions, and other professional learning to understand and implement the learning experiences and teaching techniques effectively.
Work with co-teachers to plan co-teaching experiences.
Train volunteers and staff to deliver programs when needed.
Make safety a priority. Complete all safety training and follow all safety guidelines. Ensure students and other stakeholders follow safety routines and wear personal protective equipment. Alert management of any safety issues.
Provide positive interactions with teachers, students, and other customers. Deliver memorable programs. Demonstrate cultural competency and welcome all customers. Continuously improve Da Vinci Science Center experience.
Provide any requested feedback about the programs being delivered.
Monitor supplies and report material shortages.
Attend team meetings.
Promote exemplary communication by actively participating in meetings and representing the Education Department in other cross-departmental teams.
Participate in future planning and development of new programming.
Other Duties as assigned.