At Great Lakes Science Center, we make science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) come alive to feed the inner sense of curiosity for guests of all ages. We believe in the value of using real scientific challenges through opportunities to invent, design, tinker and create to encourage curiosity and experimentation. The Science Center remains committed to developing informal science education programs that inspire young minds, improve STEM literacy and cultivate the creative, critical thinkers who will shape the future of Northeast Ohio.

The STEM Learning Lead Teacher works collaboratively with the STEM Learning Department to provide creative, interactive, hands-on instruction for several youth-serving programs including Great Science Academy (GSA), Camp Curiosity, and other programs as necessary to fulfill educational commitments. GSA is a Saturday morning STEM education program for youth in grades sixth through twelfth. Successful Lead Teachers work with the Program Development team to ensure all activities and curriculum are relevant, challenging, and age-appropriate prior to delivering instruction and adapt curriculum as needed to meet the learners where they are. This position requires strong classroom management skills and foresight to ensure timely instruction and material management.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Actively deliver entertaining and engaging educational instruction while modeling the highest standards in professionalism, inquiry-based techniques, interpersonal communication, and guest service philosophy to create a superior educational experience.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Deliver multi-grade hands-on STEM activities and experiences
• Researches best practices, innovative techniques, and activities for multiple content areas and audiences
• Curates lesson-plans and supplemental materials as needed for reinforced learning
• Creates fun, interactive, and effective learning opportunities for all students
• Collaborates with Program Development team to revise lessons, integrate activities, and inform future programs utilizing the feedback and observations in the program implementation phase
• Demonstrates genuine care and concern for each student and his/her well-being
• Establishes high expectations for performance and engagement
• Conducts himself/herself with the highest level of professionalism and appropriateness at all times
• Interacts with parents in collaboration with the Community Engagement Coordinator for issues with progress, comprehension, and discipline
• Works closely with Community Engagement Coordinator to ensure program standards and expectations are being met
• Actively works to develop students’ 21st Century Skills, resiliency and self-efficacy
• Maintains classroom safety, discipline, and control at all times
• Observes established program standards, policies, and procedures
• Moves supplies as needed and sets up and breaks down program areas. Makes sure all work spaces are returned to best condition possible and clean of experiments and detritus
• Administers session evaluation instruments as instructed and performs weekly session reflection documentation
• Supports program administrative functions such as recordkeeping (attendance and behavior reports)
• Collaborates on curriculum development, program evaluation, prototyping, and iteration as needed
• Assist in evaluating and coaching team members to provide learning experiences for guests in a fun and memorable way.
• Directs workload and classroom support from volunteers and interns to ensure efficiency and engagement for all involved
• Supervises students in the field and on field-trips as needed and continues to enforce behavior expectations during off-site experiences and during guest speakers

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Education and Work Experience Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree preferred in science, education, or youth development or related field of study
• Experience teaching and/or working with groups of children, with demonstrated creative methods in informal or formal learning environments
• Knowledge/interest in STEM principles including but not limited to: biomedical engineering, space/aeronautics, environmental science, and design and innovation
• Experience with/willingness to learn various technological applications such as 3D printing, laser cutting, coding, and robotics.
• Experience with project-based practices with attention to scaling and delivering cross-curricular experiences and student-centered pedagog

Additional Eligibility Qualifications (K/S/A):

• Expertise in informal STEM education and/or STEM content
•  Ability to demonstrate enthusiastic and entertaining program delivery skills
• Demonstrated ability or willingness to contribute to development and execution of new program ideas, and a history of providing constructive feedback on existing programs and experiences
• Must be self-confident and motivated; able to work with minimal supervision
• Must be open-minded and flexible
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• Must have experience researching and writing for STEM projects, preferably in an educational setting
• Superior ability to break down complex ideas into digestible and understandable units
• Ability to work effectively with parents, youth, interns, and volunteers in a fast-paced changing environment
• Ability to use vector graphics software and other CAD and teach software and technology to youth
• Proficient with MS Office Suite programs
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation
• Flexible work schedule with mandatory Saturday

Salary: $15 per hour

Work Environment:

This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.

At times this position requires working outdoors for prolonged periods in varied weather conditions, frequently climbing narrow stairwells and occasionally lifting heavy objects such as supply bins and demonstration props.  It may also include working with chemicals and gases including but not limited to liquid nitrogen, dry ice, nitric acid, hydrogen, and oxygen.  Training will be provided. 

Please also note that this position requires Saturday work through the school-year

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms.

This position requires the ability to occasionally lift products and supplies, up to 20 pounds.

Great Lakes Science Center is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. All of your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines