Job Description
Teacher and Program Coordinator
Salinas Community Science Workshop
Position Summary
The Teacher and Program Coordinator will work closely with the Director and Co-Director to operate programs of Salinas Community Science Workshop. The Teacher-Coordinator will be in charge of one or more of the SCSW programs, assist with all the programs, and may carry out other administrational work of the organization as well as general upkeep and development of the facilities.
Reports To
SCSW Director
Responsibilities
The Teacher/Program Coordinator will assist in managing various aspects of SCSW programs. They will oversee some SCSW part-time staff and volunteers. They must be highly organized and have excellent management and communication skills. They should have a resilient nature and be able to persevere through long-term or challenging projects and situations. They should be flexible and able to adapt quickly to any situation that arises.
The Teacher/Program Coordinator will run programs, develop projects and work with students.
Administration – Purchasing supplies and materials, organizing and preparing for programs, keeping and organizing inventory, planning.
Development – Documenting projects and programs, occasionally assisting with fundraising activities and publicity.
Teaching – Facilitating class visits and presentations at our mobile facility, teaching the science and engineering concepts as well as how to carry out the projects. Making connections to the NGSS.
Program coordination – Managing and carrying out programs including after-school drop-in, mobile science workshop and family nights. Arranging materials and supplies, planning project sequences, driving to sites if necessary, including Workshop vehicles, coordinating interns and volunteers, communicating with site coordinators, reporting to and coordinating with Director.
Kit and event preparation – Helping with planning, creating, distributing, and facilitating the use of hands-on science kits and science vents.
Qualifications
The candidate will have three primary skills:
Managing programs, both formal and informal education programs with underserved kids
Teaching in an informal environment with hands-on activities
Connecting to the communities of East Salinas.
Additional requirements are:
Some experience using tools and building things
Some experience and/or great appreciation and interest in science practice and/or study
Ability to work with a wide range of ages, kindergarten to adult
Ability to organize and prepare hundreds of parts and components toward a series of successful class project, including storage systems, procurement and inventory.
Valid driver’s license and willingness to drive for work-related tasks.
Candidates should have a passion for community-based education and pedagogy, specifically related to communities that are underrepresented in STEM and with limited access to educational opportunities. They will understand the enormous benefits to learning in STEM areas both for careers and for whole-person development, especially as pertains to low-income and underrepresented communities.
They will have a commitment to social justice and a keen understanding of equity issues related to educational opportunities; a vital sense of curiosity and a passion for lifelong learning; and cultural humility in regards to learning from and responding to the children and communities served by SCSW.
They will have the ability to think creatively and strategically about the broad goals of SCSW, while remaining focused on the detail-oriented work and required follow-through. They will be highly organized and able to work under pressure, prioritize multiple assignments, and consistently meet deadlines.
Desired qualifications
● Experience working with racially, linguistically, and ethnically diverse constituencies.
● Project management experience from idea creation, development, and implementation, including planning, logistics, and financing.
● Understanding of Next Generation Science Standards in K-8th grade education, as well as informal community-based education.
● Experience recruiting, training, and supervising staff.
● Five years’ relevant work experience.
● Relevant baccalaureate education including, but not limited to: science, social science, or education, credential in education or other field, or experience either formal or informal education.
● Ability and willingness to travel as needed to other workshop sites and schools, and occasionally to partner with other Community Science Workshops.
● Spanish language proficiency.
● Experience and familiarity with various tools and instruments of construction and/or science.
● Experience and familiarity driving large vehicles.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Community Initiatives is an equal opportunity employer and gives consideration for employment to qualified applicants without regard to age, race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, marital status, disability or protected veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.
Work Schedule
A weekly schedule will be set according to programs and other staff schedules, and may include school-day time, after-school time, Saturdays and occasional evenings. Some flexibility will be expected for occasional special events and programs. Full time preferred, but ½ or ¾ time also optional.
Compensation
$28 to $38/hour with employee benefits, including comprehensive health, dental, and vision benefits and 401k options as guided by SCSW’s fiscal sponsor, Community Initiatives.
Salinas Community Science Workshop
https://www.cswsalinas.org (in process)
instagram: @cswsalinas
Global Alliance of Community Science Workshops
https://www.communityscienceworkshops.org
Community Initiatives
https://communityin.org/
