Field Explorer Summer Camp Teaching Assistant

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Position: Field Explorer Summer Camp Teaching Assistant

Department: Center Education & Public Program

Our Mission: Since the 1893 World Columbian Exposition, our organization has aimed to connect people to the natural environment and human history.

The Field Explorers Camp Teaching Assistant is a term position on the Family Programs Team within the Sue Ling Gin Center for Education and Public Programs of the Field Museum. Camp programs invite learners ages 5-14 to engage with the unique resources of the Field Museum—collections, research, expeditions, expertise, and stories—with scaffolded curricula tailored for Grades K-8. Staff will work 35 hours a week, Monday through Friday, 8am - 3:30pm, with a 30-minute unpaid lunch break.

Field Explorers Camp Teaching Assistants (TAs) support the implementation of high quality onsite events for participants in the Field Explorers Camp program. This is done by assisting in the facilitation of camp curriculum, prepping for activities, leading groups throughout the museum, and supporting the needs of campers. Importantly, they will be open to and expected to practice flexibility. Teaching Assistants are scheduled for specific camps based on their age-group experience and preference.

This position will report directly to the Manager of Camp Programs and will be part of a teaching team led by a Field Explorers Camp Instructor during each camp session.

The Field Explorers Teaching Assistant position is a full-time, term position, beginning with mandatory orientations from June 8-12 and ending the final day of camp on August 14. There will be paid time for Teaching Assistants to review curriculum and ask questions prior to the start of camp.

Each week, Teaching Assistants will be assigned (along with another Teaching Assistant and lead Instructor) to a group of up to 24 campers that they will be responsible for throughout the duration of camp. There is no camp during the weeks of June 29-July 3 and July 27-July 31, and Program Assistants will not be expected to work those weeks. The camp schedule is attached (PDF).

Duties and Responsibilities:

Support curriculum implementation while maintaining a safe, respectful, and responsive camp experience for all campers and staff

Follow the guidance of the Instructor to support the facilitation of camp curriculum.

Support campers in a safe and engaging learning environment.

Set the tone of enthusiasm for the day’s activities.

Aid campers who need more individualized assistance.

Assist in group management of up to 24 campers, maintaining a safe, focused atmosphere.

Prepare activities and clean up supplies.

Foster an environment that supports discussions of team and camper needs.

Lead groups of campers in activities and excursions

Teaching Assistants will lead campers through activities as discussed with their Instructor.

Navigate groups of campers through museum spaces on explorations.

Other Duties as assigned

Required:

Candidates must be able to attend mandatory onboarding and training sessions (June 8-12) and work the duration of the camp season, which runs from June 15 - August 14.

Teaching Assistants must be 19 years or older and have completed at least one year of college or have equivalent experience.

This position requires a lot of physical activity, including long periods of walking and standing and the ability to move at least 20 pounds of equipment.

Qualifications and Skills:

Ideal candidates must possess an interest in working with diverse school-aged youth in a non-traditional educational setting. Preference will be given to candidates who have prior experience working with children.

Knowledge of team-building and positive behavior management techniques required.

Candidates should be comfortable communicating with both children and adults alike.

Candidates should have a learner’s mindset and commitment to learning from individuals of all viewpoints, prior experiences, positions, and expertise.

Demonstrated interest in natural sciences, anthropology, museum studies, education, or creative studies preferred

Bilingual…