What are the responsibilities and job description for the PART-TIME GALLERY EDUCATOR position at The Children's Museum Houston?
The mission of the Children’s Museum Houston is to transform communities through innovative, child-centered learning that improves the trajectories of all children in Greater Houston.
For more than four decades, Children's Museum Houston has supported student achievement, empowered parents, and ignited a life-long love of learning. We are consistently rated as one of the top children's museums in the nation. Our programming serves more than 900,000 participants annually at the Museum, at the Fort Bend Children's Discovery Center, and at the 270 outreach locations across Greater Houston. We welcome families with offerings that include 13 exhibits, a performing arts series, a full slate of cultural programming, science activities led by degreed educators, and weekly Free Family Nights.
Job Summary
The Gallery Educator will engage children and families in creative projects that develop problem-solving skills and spark interest in science, technology, engineering, math, and the arts. This educator will work throughout several museum galleries, engaging visitors through interaction within the galleries, and facilitating themed workshops and activities, STEM demonstrations, and school field experiences. This facilitation includes ensuring that the Museum’s policies are upheld, that the exhibits are reset as needed for visitor interactions, that visitors are safe and receive rapid first aid assistance if needed, and that visitors enjoy their overall experience at the Museum. Special emphasis on learning for early childhood visitors. Excellent interpersonal, planning, communication, and organizational skills needed. Bachelor’s degree required, STEM minor or equivalent coursework preferred. Two years of teaching experience is preferred. Tuesday – Saturday, 40 hours a week with evening and weekend hours as necessary. Flexibility of work hours and days required.
Job Duties and Responsibilities:
- Lead and facilitate workshops in multiple galleries including Tot*Spot, Chevron Maker Annex, Inventor’s Workshop, Flow Works, and What’s New.
- Lead and facilitate virtual workshops through Children’s Museum Houston’s My Projects.
- Facilitate visitors' learning by describing, modeling, and prompting engagement with Museum exhibits
- Facilitate activities in other spaces within the Museum, such as Science Station.
- Serve as the teaching guide for visiting classrooms, leading students through the curriculum focus set for each exhibit for each age/grade.
- Facilitate interactive making explorations for youth and families.
- Perform necessary maintenance, setup, and tear down for each program
- Throughout each day, re-stock supplies when necessary, reboot exhibits that are not functioning properly, and call-in assistance as needed.
- Represent the Children’s Museum Houston in a positive manner via attitude, communications, and enthusiasm.
- Assist in evaluation efforts.
- Other duties as assigned.
Education:
Bachelor’s degree in education or related with expertise in STEM. Experience developing and leading STEAM learning activities for children.
Experience:
- Comfortable presenting to children and families in both in-person and virtual settings
- Bilingual preferred
- Experience with the following highly preferred: Science or hands-on STEAM learning.
- An interest in creativity, DIY art, or science projects and/or making things.
- Excellent leadership and communication skills.
- The ability to interact effectively with children, adults, and host organization staff.
- A level of comfort is presented in front of audiences of children and families.
- A passion for educating the public
- Two years of teaching experience preferred
Other:
Weekend and some Thursday night work may be required
We believe in creating an environment of diversity, equity, and inclusion, without bias. We know we are better when we are developed, engaged, and able to bring our whole authentic selves to work. Our people are trusted experts. We invest in the health and well-being of our workforce, train, and reward talent, and develop leaders at all levels to bring out the best in each other.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, gender (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by law.
