KEY ELEMENTS OF THIS POSITION INCLUDE: Delivering high quality inquiry science lessons to students and their teachers; designing lessons and curriculum to meet the Next Generation Science Standards; reaching out to area schools to support ongoing partnerships; supporting the Director of the Center for Environmental Education in ongoing evaluation and improvement of program, curricula and materials.

REPORTS TO: Director, Center for Environmental Education

VINS School Programs are designed for students in pre-K through 8th grade and their teachers. VINS education programs are designed for all audiences. In addition to our public programs at the Nature Center, we serve communities throughout northern New England. Job location is in Quechee, Vermont at the VINS Nature Center with travel to other program sites as required.

Science Educator Duties:

• Develop and teach high quality inquiry science units to students and teachers in local schools through the VINS School Program
• Reach out to area schools to support ongoing partnerships, promote VINS School Programs and recruit new schools
• Support the Director of the Center for Environmental Education in ongoing evaluation and improvement of the VINS School Program
• Update, prepare, maintain and distribute VINS’ collection of teaching kits and materials
• Develop and teach lessons and activities for VINS education programs such as Discovery Sundays and Field Trips to the Nature Center
• Work a varied schedule that may include evenings and weekends

Organizational Responsibilities:

• Attend VINS staff meetings and participate in organization functions as required
• Work with other departments at VINS to both bring added content to public programs and facilitate opportunities for cross-promotion of programs

Qualifications:

• Vermont teaching license (or a license in a reciprocating state) preferred
• Masters Degree in education or related field preferred
• Demonstrated excellence in developing and teaching inquiry science lessons
• Experience teaching students in a wide age range, pre-k through 8th grade
• Experience in environmental education preferred
• Excellent classroom management skills, both in an indoor and outdoor setting
• Experience with curriculum development and aligning curriculum to meet standards including the Next Generation Science Standards
• Demonstrated ability to develop strong rapport with teachers, administrators and students
• Excellent public speaking, writing and communication skills
• Flexibility, creativity and ability to think quickly in response to change
• Strong organizational skills and work ethic
• Commitment to excellence
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Must possess a valid driver’s license
• Able to lift up to 50 pounds and lead moderate to strenuous trail hikes and field trips in all seasons
• Current first aid and CPR certification