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Title: Instructor, College First Program
Exemption Status: Non-exempt
Department: Learning and Engagement
Reports to: Manager, Science Career Continuum
Seasonal Full-time
Supervises: Students in College First Program
Position Overview:
The College First Program is looking for an engaging instructor with a background in STEM to deliver a college accredited summer course on environmental science topics to 20 CPS high school juniors and seniors at The Chicago Botanic Garden. This position requires collaboration with the hired Teaching Assistant (TA), to develop an environmental science focused curriculum and hands on activities. The college credit is received in partnership with Wright Community College, and is therefore a requirement, that the instructor report their resume, syllabus, and student grades to them.
College First is a summer program designed to support the next generation of scholars within the STEM fields. The program looks to diversify higher education by recruiting students that are traditionally underrepresented and marginalized and provide them a unique hands-on learning summer experience. Our program provides students with funding and with transportation to and from the garden. Students attend the program Monday-Friday from 9am to 3pm. Instructor led lecture days are Monday and Wednesday. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, students are paired up with a mentor, who collaborates with them to develop a research project of their own. During Tuesday and Thursday mentor days, instructor and TA are not teaching and instead are expected to work together to develop and grade assignments, develop and plan for the following weeks, and any other logistical work needed. During this time, instructor and TA are permitted to work remotely.
Responsibilities:
- Develop Environmental Science themed curriculum.
- Collaborate with TA to develop hands on classroom activities.
- Lead early college-level lectures, labs, youth-development activities, and outdoor field investigations at the Chicago Botanic Garden and off-site.
- Guide students independent research projects to ensure the development of their final research paper research presentation.
- Attend weekly Friday fieldtrips.
- Administer and analyze student pre and post assessments and participate in program quality assessments.
- Act as a liaison with staff at Wilbur Wright Community College, to submit grades and other paperwork.
- Assist with other program activities as necessary.
Chicago Botanic Garden Values & Behaviors:
VALUES
As an organization, we…
BEHAVIORS
As an organization, we…
Prioritize a culture of GROWTH.
We commit to remaining curious in how we approach our work.
- Create and maintain spaces for learning.
- Test new ideas and are willing to take risks to achieve our vision.
- Collaborate to strengthen our skills and impact.
- Demonstrate perseverance and humility as we work towards our long-term impact.
Seek to UNDERSTAND.
We seek to understand others from their perspective.
- Provide opportunities for input and feedback from others.
- Actively listen to all points of view.
- Consider individuals’ lived experiences.
- Advocate for and protect time for reflection especially during times of conflict or confusion.
See one another through a lens of RESILIENCE.
We believe that all individuals can experience good outcomes with support.
- Give others the space to balance work and personal needs.
- Support others and demonstrate empathy especially during challenging and stressful times.
- Seek opportunities to learn from and about one another.
- Ask questions about and anticipate the needs of others.
Build TRUST through TRANSPARENCY
We hold ourselves and others accountable by centering decision making that honors all people.
- Communicate information in a timely manner.
- Provide clarity in complex situations with the goal of common understanding.
- Discuss both positive and negative outcomes openly.
- Evaluate the impacts of our actions.
Qualifications
Our ideal candidate will have the following:
- Bilingual (Spanish).
- A minimum of three years combined experience teaching science in either formal and/or informal education settings to high-school-aged-students.
- A minimum of one year conducting outdoor field and conservation science.
- Master’s degree in environmental science, biology, or relate field is required.
- Previous experience working with underrepresented youth.
- Integrating STEM application is a plus.
Physical Demands:
Indoor and outdoor classroom setting. Frequent standing, walking, bending, listening, speaking, and keyboarding. Use of office equipment including computers, telephones, copiers, scanners, and fax machines. Some requirements for lifting, pushing, or pulling items less than 30 pounds.
*The Chicago Botanic Garden requires all existing employees to be fully COVID-19 vaccinated by October 15, 2021; hires after this date must be fully vaccinated upon hire or may request a medical/religious exemption after an offer is extended.*
Why Apply?
Come work in a setting that is like no other as you support our mission: We cultivate the power of plants to sustain and enrich life. Take the first step toward being one of the employees who make the Garden one of the treasures of the Forest Preserves of Cook County. Apply today. Please note that applicants who do not meet the required qualifications will not be considered.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, or basis of disability, or any other federal, state, or local protected class.
Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and qualifications required of personnel so classified.
In accordance with Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972, Chicago Botanic Garden does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its programs or activities, including in employment or admissions. Please call (847) 835-8264 to contact our Title IX Coordinator should you have questions or concerns. Please do not call this number to inquire about job postings or the status of your application, or with solicitations from companies or third-party recruiters.
