The Strong offers a wide range of educational programs for students in pre-K through grade 6 amid dynamic, hands-on exhibits and world-renowned collections. All educational experiences provided by the museum use the power of play to enhance learning. The teaching host facilitates these educational programs and makes meaningful connections with program participants. This position is responsible for leading lessons that cover an array of subjects, including math, science, language arts, social studies, and health, family and consumer science.
This position requires a background in early childhood education, comfort speaking to an audience, and the ability to provide exceptional service and go above and beyond to ensure guests are fully satisfied with their lesson and overall museum experience.
This is a part-time position with a variable schedule that is dependent on school group reservations. The schedule will vary from 0-25 hours per week with the heaviest schedule occurring during the spring semester.
Essential Duties:
Provide quality service to guests. Understand the importance the museum places on extraordinary guest service and treat everyone with dignity and respect. Greet, welcome, and interact with museum guests on behalf of school lesson activities.
Teach museum lessons according to established procedures and as scheduled. Arrive at least 30 minutes prior to lesson time to become familiar with materials and teaching areas. Handle any used objects following established procedures and return them to appropriate area following lesson.
Participate in planning as needed, including lessons, theme days, and customized lessons for school groups.
Use teaching methods in accordance with established museum procedures.
Attend all team training and enrichment programs.
Assist in related school program activities, including, but not limited to, the creation of curriculum materials, planning and implementing program activities, the set-up and take-down of program materials, facilitation of programs, and collaborating with other organizations.
Operate, monitor, and communicate via a two-way radio connecting various museum teams including security and environmental services. The radio must always be kept on the person when lessons are in session.
Provide answers to guests’ questions, including information regarding daily events, programs, and museum membership.
Minimum Requirements:
Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or related field or equivalent experience.
Early childhood classroom experience.
Experience in a front-line, customer service role.
Flexibility to work as needed for lessons.
Must be able to maintain a high level of energy throughout lessons while keeping students engaged in activities in a non-traditional learning setting.
Ability to be an outstanding ambassador for the museum and create a welcoming environment for all.
Ability to be professional and courteous with museum staff and guests.
A strong ability to multi-task, work well under pressure, and handle several concerns at once in order to meet the varying needs of guests without compromising quality of service.
Must always be alert and aware of surroundings to ensure a safe environment for children and adults alike.
These qualifications are considered a plus:
Practical knowledge of the Reggio Emilia approach or other progressive, inquiry- or project-based approach to learning.
Bilingual written and verbal skills.
The final candidate must consent to and pass a drug screen and background check as conditions of employment. The Strong is an equal opportunity employer.