Children's Educator

The Wagner Free Institute of Science is a National Landmark, natural history museum and educational institution that fosters an understanding of contemporary science and the history of science through free programs. Founded in 1855, the Wagner serves 36,000+ people each year through its museum, library and extensive educational programs. The Wagner seeks a Children’s Educator to engage and educate children and families in the Wagner’s community. 

As a member of the Children’s Education department, this educator will be part of a team of educators that facilitate museum programming for children and families. In addition to GeoKids, these programs include school field trips, museum engagement activities, Family Science Saturdays and Wagner to Go. All Wagner staff are trained to engage museum visitors, work in a historic site and are key to keeping the collection accessible.

Teaching Science in elementary school classrooms 40%

We are looking for an educator excited about teaching 2nd-3rd graders at our partner schools. Wagner educators meet each class weekly for 6 week or semester long units throughout the academic year. Second graders learn about states of matter and pollinators while third graders learn about weather and living things. The educator will be engaged with direct instruction approximately 6-8 hours a week. Each class, school and unit requires preparation to effectively reach students.

Coordinating science education with partner schools 30%

Working with teachers and coordinating out of school trips requires relationship building, listening and problem solving. We are looking for an educator that has great people skills to meet our partners where they are and make the learning experience significant for students and supportive for our classroom teachers and school partners. This position will also be responsible for managing hands on materials for all GeoKids classes and will work with student interns to stock and prepare materials for all classes.

Engage as team member of Children’s Education Department 20%

The Education Department is the largest team at the museum.  Each team member has individual responsibilities but the group works as a whole to support each other when needed for classes or field trips. We work together to teach and share our joy of science, learning, this place (the museum, North Philly, planet earth). We make space for connecting with science, visitors, artifacts, young people, and each other in the service of our collective work.

Visitors & Museum services 10%

The museum is open to the public Tuesday-Friday and the first Saturday of each month.  All institutional staff engage with visitors and support the Wagner’s goals to offer high quality free education programs, care for the historic building and collections, and create an equitable environment for all who visit and work with us.

Desired Qualifications:

• Minimum three years teaching experience required, teaching K-8 students in a school setting preferred
• Bachelor’s degree in science, education or equivalent experience
• Demonstrate interest and/or experience in science, nature, natural history museum, environmental education
• Experience, connection and/or work within the North Philadelphia community greatly valued
• Must work well with the public and possess excellent public speaking skills
• Commitment to support Wagner’s work towards equity
• Growth mindset and strong interpersonal skills that foster positive workplace
• Strong computer and software application skills
• Criminal background checks required
• COVID-19 vaccination required
• Personal transportation required
• Possibility to work occasional evenings and Saturday Programs as available and needed

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to manage physical demands of an elementary school classroom and an historic facility, which includes two flights of stairs

To Apply:

Please email a cover letter and resume assembled and attach into a single pdf to Holly Clark, Director of Children’s Education, [email protected] Please no phone calls.

Please label the pdf as LAST NAME, FIRST NAME_RESUME.PDF

Subject line of the email: Children’s Educator Applicant-Last Name, First Name

The Wagner Free Institute of Science is an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes applications from qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, pregnancy, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.