Teaching and Training Specialist, Challenger Learning Center

Heartland Community College • Normal, IL

7d • Onsite

About The Position

We seek applicants for a full-time position on the College's Challenger Learning Center (CLC) team to deliver high-impact STEM instruction for middle school and junior high students. The Teaching and Training Specialist leads interactive teaching experiences, including hands-on STEM lessons, interactive field trip programs, and summer STEM activities, while also training and supervising part-time instructional staff under the guidance of the Associate Director. The Specialist ensures consistency and quality in all learning experiences and coordinates operational needs, including IT and Facilities support. This is a unique opportunity to teach, mentor, and inspire the next generation of scientists and critical thinkers in a mission-driven educational setting.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree
• Experience leading elementary, middle school, and/or high school students in formal and/or informal learning experiences
• Ability to master, utilize, and teach team members to use specialized technology and equipment
• Supervisory experience
• Excellent written communication, public speaking, and collaboration skills
• Ability to work efficiently both independently and in a fast-paced collaborative environment
• Ability to work inclusively with groups of diverse ages, cultures, socio-economic backgrounds, and learning styles
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications
• Availability to work occasional evenings and weekends
• Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in Education or STEM-related field
• Valid Illinois professional educator license
• Familiarity with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and how they relate to the formal and informal educational experiences

Responsibilities

• Oversee the hiring and onboarding of part-time staff under the guidance of the Associate Director
• Develop, deliver, and document asynchronous and in-person training for part-time CLC staff on software, hardware, and instructional resources, with the oversight of the Associate Director
• Create training plans, establish benchmarks, and maintain written training manuals and records to ensure part-time staff are equipped to deliver high-quality STEM experiences
• Assess part-time staff performance, providing feedback, coaching, and support
• Manage IT and Facilities ticket submissions, ensuring timely resolution of technical and facilities-related issues
• Lead simulated space missions and other hands-on STEM experiences in the specialized facilities of the Challenger Learning Center, and in synchronous, virtual settings
• Support positive relationships within STEM education, and with area businesses and organizations as directed by the supervisor

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level