The STEM Curiosity Lab Coordinator is responsible for developing, coordinating, and teaching STEM-based curriculum for the 6th-8th grade afterschool STEM Curiosity Lab program offered at three public middle schools. Additionally, the STEM Coordinator will work on expanding this program to an online and virtual format as an effort to expand the reach of and access to the program. Primary duties include program instruction, curriculum development and revision, development of a virtual learning structure, and tangible materials management. The ideal candidate has a passion for teaching STEM and middle school-aged students and is excited about the integration of in-person and online instructional opportunities. This individual will take on a lead role for the organization in developing and supporting virtual learning and the use of technology in learning for programming. The STEM Coordinator also hires, supervises, and mentors part-time instructors who teach the program. This position reports to the Senior Programs Director.

Responsibilities:

Program Coordination:

• Foster working relationships with school administration, office staff, teachers, and community partners
• Coordinate program logistics and establish clear and effective communication with principals, teachers, parents, instructors, and other afterschool programs at each school
• Organize instructional topics, sequencing, and teaching materials for STEM Curiosity Lab in-person and online lessons
• Proactively recruit students to participate in the program and manage the student enrollment process
• Use effective systems to record, track, and evaluate student participation data, program assessment, and student and parent evaluation data
• Recruit, hire, mentor, and supervise part-time STEM instructors
• Provide training and ongoing professional development to part-time instructors in collaboration with the Girls in Science Coordinator 
• Plan and coordinate STEM Family Nights in collaboration with the Girls in Science Coordinator 
• Plan, coordinate, and implement the end-of-year STEM Fairs for students and their families
• Collaborate with Walking Mountains’ Marketing team to cultivate program awareness through social media, web, and print materials 
• Write a detailed and comprehensive annual program report of the STEM Curiosity Lab program

Program Development:

• Develop a format and structure for virtual online instruction to broaden the reach and availability of the STEM Curiosity Lab program
• Collaborate with Marketing Department to integrate virtual lessons into Walking Mountains’ online resources
• Maintain and continue to develop or revise unit-based, engaging, hands-on curriculum with a STEM-focus for 6th-8th grades through both in-person and virtual formats
• Ensure curriculum content and learning activities are scientific, accurate, and age-appropriate 
• Collaborate with Girls in Science Coordinator to develop a diverse flow of lessons between elementary Girls in Science and middle school STEM Curiosity Lab curriculum 
• Develop, create, purchase, and maintain program materials
• Maintain detailed inventory and organizational systems for all materials, equipment, supplies, and lesson plans 
• Design and implement weeklong STEM camps in collaboration with Youth Programs team
• Organize optional special events or activities for STEM students and their families

Program Instruction:

• Plan, prepare, and teach inquiry-based and engaging weekly science lessons at three public middle schools 
• Plan, prepare, and teach similar engaging and student-centered lessons in a yet-to-be developed virtual setting
• Cultivate a safe, healthy, supportive, and collaborative learning environment for students 
• Co-teach summer science camps including a weeklong a weeklong STEM camp
• Maintain a current knowledge of the evolving field of science and STEM education theory and trends, hands-on and inquiry-based education, and other pertinent educational philosophy and use this to continue to grow and develop the STEM Curiosity Lab program

Additional Responsibilities:

• Support Girls in Science Coordinator and other teaching staff within the Youth Programs and Community Programs Departments in developing virtual instruction formats within other program models
• Contribute to Walking Mountains Science Center staff meetings, committees, and staff retreats
• Attend and assist in Youth Programs seasonal training and professional development
• Support and/or substitute teach within other Youth Programs, as needed
• Attend and contribute to Walking Mountains Science Center all staff events 
• Other duties as assigned

Additional Duties and 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, activities and responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice. 

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Education or STEM-related field.
• 3-5 years elementary to middle school level teaching experience
• Technological proficiency in video and virtual teaching platforms
• Curriculum development experience
• Knowledge of inquiry-based learning
• Detail-oriented, organized, and able to provide exceptional customer service
• Creative in curriculum design and development
• Positive, flexible, and friendly 
• Independently driven team player
• Current driver’s license and safe driving record for the past 5 years
• First Aid and CPR certification 
• Ability to communicate in Spanish, preferred
• Secondary Teaching License in science, math or technology preferred

Work Environment

• 50% desk-based office work, 30% program instruction, 10% other (travel, materials procurement, etc.)
• Open office work environment – frequent collaboration with Girls in Science Coordinator
• Personal vehicle preferred to travel to/from schools where programs are offered

Compensation and Benefits: Salary DOE. Benefits are competitive and include medical and dental insurance and a 401K retirement program. Also included are 12 paid holidays, 15 days paid vacation, and 12 sick days, professional development opportunities, short-term disability, maternity/paternity benefits, life insurance, pro deals, and discounted ski pass. Benefits are reviewed annually.

Organization Overview: Founded in 1998, Walking Mountains Science Center’s mission is to awaken a sense of wonder and inspire environmental stewardship and sustainability through natural science education. As part of a dynamic organization, you are part of a team of like-minded, spirited colleagues who are passionate about the mission of Walking Mountains and the impact it’s making in the community.