Learning Specialist

Learning Specialist

Learning Specialist

Learning Programs

Reports To:

Manager, Youth & Family Programs

Status:
Full-time, Exempt

Salary: $50,000

Location:

Hybrid - Chicago, IL.

Time Commitment:
Approximately 40 hours per week. The schedule for this position may be Monday-Friday, Sunday-Thursday, or Tuesday-Saturday. Schedules often change seasonally, dependent on programmatic needs. This position must have the ability to work evenings, weekends, overnight hours, and holidays as required. This position must be able to work at Shedd Aquarium and in off-site locations.

Position Overview:

The Learning Programs Department develops and delivers learning experiences outside of or in addition to a regular visit and provides opportunities for learners to dive deeper. We serve a variety of audiences across Learning Programs, including students, teachers, teens, youth outside of school, and families. This programming includes, but is not limited to, camps, school experiences, teacher professional development, out-of-school-time programming for youth and teens, and family engagements both at Shedd Aquarium, in off-site locations, as well as in online environments.

The Learning Specialist uses creativity, promising instructional practices, and evaluation data to design, implement, and authentically evaluate programs that support various levels of Shedd's learning framework. Learning Specialists utilize learner-centered teaching strategies to encourage learners to think critically about the natural world and their place in it, actively seek out relevant content knowledge, and evaluate learning using authentic and formal assessment techniques.

The Learning Specialist demonstrates ownership and autonomy in each program cycle while contributing to a culture of collaboration. They actively participate in reflective activities as they relate to their instructional quality. This position is primarily responsible for developing and facilitating learning experiences at Shedd, in the field, in local communities, and in online environments.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities Include The Following. Other Duties May Be Assigned. To Perform This Job Successfully, An Individual Must Be Able To Perform Each Essential Duty Satisfactorily. Reasonable Accommodations May Be Made To Enable Individuals With Disabilities To Perform Essential Functions.

• Develop engaging programs aligned to programmatic goals and outcomes
• Facilitate learner-centered programs
• Stay current on relevant best practices (instructional strategies, content areas, etc.)
• Utilize resources such as live animals, local natural areas, technology, and other tools
• Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability
• Work with various audience groups on teams or independently
• Maintain resources, materials, and programming spaces
• Continually incorporate assessment data in program planning and facilitation.
• Participate in project-related and skills-based trainings
• Collaborate with internal and external partners
• Actively participate in your own professional development.
• Use diverse, equitable, accessible, inclusive, and justice (DEAIJ) practices in lesson design
• Demonstrate leadership in accordance with Shedd's mission, vision, and values
• Fulfill other duties as required

Qualifications:

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Education:

Bachelor's degree in education, life science, environmental science, museum studies or a related field, or equivalent experience.

Experience:

2+ years of experience teaching in either a formal or informal setting 1+ year of experience designing learning experiences Strong written and oral communication skills Strong organizational and time management skills Willingness to be trained to handle animals for education programs Willingness to implement programs aboard research vessels, in water, and/or in wilderness settings for multiple weeks A valid driver's license or the ability to obtain a valid driver's license Read, write, speak, and comprehend English Communicate professionally with various audiences Understand basic mathematical relationships and formulas Understand basic budgeting Solve problems using available information and resources Experience and comfort using a computer and basic writing, presentation, and spreadsheet applications Learn new technology and new computer applications Willing to be CPR and first aid certified (advanced wilderness/outdoor training required in some situations);
Shedd will provide these trainings as needed

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with students, teens, youth, and/or families from Chicago communities or other urban areas
• Experience with culturally relevant science education practices and instructional strategies
• Experience facilitating and/or creating environmental education and conservation-based programming
• Experience working with diverse audiences
• Bilingualism (Spanish/English is a plus)
• Experience facilitating outdoor program activities such as canoeing, hiking, snorkeling,…