Education Programs and Bilingual Spanish Specialist

Purpose:
This position requires a multi-dimensional bilingual educator with natural science content knowledge and a
passion for teaching. It entails implementation of onsite and offsite science and environmental education
programming (in English and Spanish) for a wide variety of audiences varying in ages from pre-K to
adults. Some program development responsibilities especially curriculum writing and revision (in English
and Spanish) are also required. Classroom experience that is transferable to school and community outreach
education, teacher professional development, after school programming, and museum settings is essential.
This position’s responsibilities include staying current on best practices in education with English language
learners and collaborating with program leads and museum educators across the Education Department to
integrate current best practices into all programs. This position also provides primary support for the
sharing of cross-program knowledge around bilingual Spanish initiatives and culturally-responsive teaching
practice with English Learners and Spanish-speaking audiences.

Primary Duties:
● Implement science education and environmental science programs to students and teachers in
Chicago area schools, at the Nature Museum, and as community-based programs.
● Support all regular functions and programming of the Education Department, including program
development, evaluation, and operations
● Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with the teachers, parents, students, external
partners, and other members of the communities the Nature Museum serves.
● Stay current in best practices for English Learners in school-based and out-of-school time settings
● Communicate to other Nature Museum educators about relevant best practices to strengthen Nature
Museum programs for Spanish-speaking audiences.
● Participate in collaborative development processes for bilingual Spanish initiatives which include:
sharing ideas; creating systems and tools; and translating, creating, and editing written materials.
● Collaborate with program leads to prioritize projects and bilingual Spanish initiatives for their
programs

2430 North Cannon Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60614 | 773.755.5100 | naturemuseum.org

● Support the sharing of cross-programming knowledge, including lessons, development
procedures/systems, approaches, and content.
● Develop, write, and translate curricula for formal and non-formal programs, collaborating with
appropriate people.
● Maintain administrative operations and records related to bilingual Spanish resource development.
● Complete animal handling training
● Some weekends and evenings are required.
● Participate in special Museum-wide events and planning committees when appropriate

Reports: No Direct Reports

Qualifications:
● Bachelor’s degree in science and/or education fields.
● Two years teaching experience working in a formal K-12 (classroom) setting or informal (museum,
zoo, nature preserve) educational setting
● Experience speaking and writing Spanish.
● Experience teaching or training adults, especially teachers, a plus.
● Knowledge of the K-12 Framework for Science Education, Common Core, and Next Generation
Science Standards.
● Knowledge of and ability to teach science, nature, and environmentally-based content to a diverse
population of learners, including teachers.
● Ability to organize and manage multiple projects and tasks at once.
● Ability to communicate effectively with other educators, school administrators, outside partners,
volunteers, and Museum staff.
● Working knowledge of Google Suite, MS Office, and Windows Operating Systems.
● Ability to physically lift, transport, and carry program materials off-site and throughout the
Museum.
● Ability to lead activities both indoors and outdoors.
● Comfort handling live animals and non-living specimens.
● Valid driver’s license, insurance, and access to a vehicle is required.

Working Conditions:
● In the museum
● Classrooms and other offsite locations
● Outside during some programming or workshops