Museum Teacher (Part-Time, Temporary)

University of Massachusetts Lowell•Lowell, MA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Tsongas Industrial History Center, an education partnership between the University of Massachusetts Lowell School of Education and the National Park Service at Lowell National Historical Park, seeks Museum Teachers. This role utilizes the Park’s unique historic resources, including authentic artifacts and primary sources, to facilitate experiential learning of industrial history, science, and engineering content through educational programs. Museum teachers will engage students (grades 2-12) in active learning by employing best practices in museum teaching, such as effective questioning, participatory activities, and relevant age-appropriate discussions. The position involves leading curriculum-based educational programs with hands-on activities and interactive visits within Lowell National Historical Park, using established program content outlines, following itineraries, and making logistical changes as needed. Museum Teachers will demonstrate and instruct students in the use of equipment like hand looms, water wheels, and laboratory devices, and will engage, manage, and communicate effectively with student groups, with assistance from classroom teachers and chaperones. Responsibilities also include adhering to standard operating procedures for opening and closing exhibit sites, inventorying and preparing equipment and supplies, setting up and cleaning up workshops, and creating a positive, safe, and inclusive learning environment. The role supports engagement with and stewardship of national park sites and historic artifacts. Museum Teachers will also engage in self-directed study, participate in professional development sessions, exemplify the University's commitment to customer service and inclusion, contribute to a positive work environment, and ensure optimal customer service for internal and external partners.

Requirements

Minimum of two years' experience working with children (e.g., classroom teacher or aide, after-school program presenter, scout leader, camp counselor, youth group leader)
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Ability to work effectively with diverse groups
Demonstrated skills in facilitating learning for students ages 7 through high school
Ability to work both individually and collaboratively
Ability to work 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. for regular programming
Leading programs involves walking and climbing stairs indoors and outdoors in all weather
Work fluctuates during the season; Mid-March through mid-June are typically very busy

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's Degree preferred
Bilingual applicants encouraged to apply
Willingness to present TIHC extended-day programs in local schools desired

Responsibilities

Leading effective, curriculum-based, educational programs that consist of hands-on activities and interactive visits to various locations within Lowell National Historical Park.
Using established program content outlines to communicate program themes and objectives, and to meet the age, grade level, and capabilities of students.
Following itineraries and making logistical changes as needed.
Demonstrating and instructing students in the use of such equipment as hand looms, water wheels, and laboratory devices.
Engaging, managing, and communicating effectively with groups of students, with the assistance of the classroom teachers and chaperones.
Observing all standard operating procedures for opening and closing exhibit sites, inventorying and preparing equipment and supplies, and setting-up and cleaning-up workshops.
Creating a positive, safe, and inclusive learning environment for all visitors.
Supporting engagement with and stewardship of national park sites and historic artifacts.
Engaging in self-directed study (e.g., reading, web research, visits to Park museum exhibits, and discussions with colleagues) during regular work hours.
Participate in TIHC-organized full-day professional development sessions, and attending 2:15-3:00 pm sessions if possible, contributing to discussions and activities.
Exemplifying the University's commitment to customer service and inclusion.
Contributing to a positive work environment as well as building good relationships with staff, stakeholders, and partners.
Ensuring optimal customer service for internal and external partners in response to all requests for service and information.