Museum Teacher: Teen Programs

Education Department

The National Building Museum inspires curiosity about the world we design and build. The work of the Education Department engages participants of all ages in a range of interdisciplinary activities and programs. The intended impact of the work is that participants investigate their own built world and value their role in shaping it for the future.

This Museum Teacher: Teen Programs position is responsible for facilitating and developing program elements for Investigating Where We Live (IWWL), a summer program for youth ages 13–18. The Museum Teacher guides a group of up to 12 youth through a five week program with a predetermined curriculum. Content areas for the program include specific built environment topics, digital photography, historical research, interviewing, writing, art making, and exhibition design. The incumbent works collaboratively with Education Department staff, program interns and volunteers, and Museum partners for the program – the IWWL project team.

The position is 25–30 hours/week mid-June to mid-August, Monday through Thursday.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work collaboratively with IWWL project team to coordinate, develop, and facilitate curriculum that engages teen participants in an understanding of the built environment, photography, concept development, exhibition design, critical thinking, and teamwork.
  • Research project-related sites in Washington, D.C. and identify potential excursions and interviews with relevant residents, experts, and community leaders.
  • Coordinate teen participants’ weekly and daily agenda, including excursions, research, brainstorming, design, and installation of exhibition.
• Foster a collaborative and respectful team dynamic among teen participants as well as adult interns and volunteers.
• Ensure safety, care, and well being of participants, on and off Museum property according to safety protocols established by the Museum.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Specific requirements include:

• Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent experience, preferably in education, museum education or museum studies, design, history, or related field.
• One year experience (paid or volunteer) working with diverse populations of youth ages 13–18 in an educational setting.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, plan, organize, and implement a project from conception to completion.
• Experience facilitating and/or modifying lessons and activities to meet different learning styles and abilities.
• Experience working as a member of a team as well as demonstrated ability to accomplish tasks independently.
• Excellent interpersonal and oral communication skills.

Optional qualifications:

• Knowledge of or interest in the built environment, writing, digital photography, studio art, or exhibition design.

ADA specifications:

• This is an active work position that requires the ability to move about the Museum frequently and to position oneself to interact & communicate appropriately with participants. Employee may be responsible for moving objects up to 20 lbs. when needed.
• Offsite travel required as part of the position during the course of the work day.

This part-time position lasts from mid-June to mid-August, 2019, which covers training and program wrap-up. This is a non-exempt/non-benefited position. Send cover letter and resume (Museum Teacher: Teen Programs) to recruitment@nbm.org. Applications will be evaluated on a rolling basis through March 31, 2019. No phone calls, please.