VINS Education Position

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802.359.5000
info@vinsweb.org

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VINS Nature Center
10 AM to 4 PM Daily

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802.359.5000 x212
8 AM to 4:30 PM Daily

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Science Educator (Part-Time)

The Science Educator is responsible for helping to deliver VINS School Programs, with a focus on Prekindergarten – Grade 1 in the Small Wonders and ELF Science programs.

KEY ELEMENTS INCLUDE: Delivering high quality inquiry science lessons to students and their teachers; continuing open dialogue with area schools to support ongoing partnerships throughout the school year; participating with the ongoing evaluation and improvement of programs with the Director and Lead management team.

REPORTS TO: Director, School Programs and Teacher Professional Development

JOB LOCATION: VINS Nature Center, 149 Natures Way, Quechee, VT

Science Educator Duties

  • Teach high quality inquiry science units to students and teachers in local schools, preschools, and daycare centers through VINS School Programs
  • Serve as an educator for PreK in the Small Wonders Program
  • Serves as an educator for Grades K-1 in the ELF Science Program
  • Reach out to area schools to support ongoing partnerships, promote VINS School Programs and recruit new schools for upcoming school year
  • Support the Director of School Programs and Teacher Professional Development in ongoing evaluation and improvement of VINS School Programs

Organizational Responsibilities Include

  • 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
  • Vermont Early Childhood 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 early childhood
  • 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 and the Vermont Early Learning Standards
  • Demonstrated ability to develop strong rapport with teachers, administrators and students
  • Excellent public speaking, writing and communication skills
  • Comfortability singing in front of students
  • Ability to play the ukulele or willingness to learn preferred
  • 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
  • Current first aid and CPR certification

All VINS staff working directly with children are subject to a thorough background check, including fingerprinting and a criminal record check.

Compensation & Work Schedule

This is a part-time position, for 20 - 24 hours per week. Regular work schedule is mornings, Monday through Friday. Primary job location is at the VINS Nature Center in Quechee, VT with travel to deliver and administer programs. Compensation is commensurate to experience.

Application

To apply for this position, send cover letter, resume, and a list of 3 references to Hannah Gelroth, Director, School Programs and Teacher Professional Development at hgelroth@vinsweb.org.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: June 1, 2023

START DATE: July 31, 2023

Position post date: May 2023

VINS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

The Vermont Institute of Natural Science is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization supported by membership dues, admission and program fees, donations, and grants.