Theater Arts Instructor

The Zoological Society of Milwaukee (ZSM) is seeking a seasonal Theater Arts Instructor to join a fun and talented team of professionals in supporting one of the most cherished community assets – the Milwaukee County Zoo. This position supports educational programming within the Conservation Education Department at the ZSM. The seasonal instructor works closely with the Teaching Artist and the Summer Education Programs Coordinator in support of the mission to educate people about the importance of wildlife and animals and support the Milwaukee County Zoo and the Conservation Education Department’s vision to inspire and empower all members of our community to take conservation action. All instructors are expected to deliver engaging lessons in a variety of educational settings, both in the classroom and in an outdoor Zoo setting. This position will focus on teaching theater-based conservation camps – guiding learners to use performing arts skills to develop empathy for animals in themselves and their audiences.

Hours: Up to 40 hours/week for a minimum of 5 weeks during the summer from June 6 – August 28.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serve as an instructor for summer arts education programs for students ages 8-12.
• Collaborate with all full and part-time staff, interns and volunteers to successfully implement and interpret curriculum, set-up, take-down and prepare classroom spaces and engage with all members of the public.
  • Implement curricula with the whole child in mind—incorporating different strategies and skill sets that are appropriate for different stages of child development, such as social-emotional learning, nature play, STEAM, and/or project-based learning.
  • Communicate with full-time educators to reflect on curricula and innovate.
  • Be accountable and adaptable by taking on curricula and making it their own, while adhering to the curriculum objectives and the department’s vision, values and policies.
• Employ strong customer service and interpersonal skills to connect to and relate with a variety of participants, family members, and volunteers, ranging in age and diversity.
• Participate in required training to ensure a safe and engaging education experience for participants.
• Adhere to the department’s policies and procedures to ensure the safety of all participants and staff.
• Professionally represent the Society and the Conservation Education Department on Zoo grounds, community events, and with partner organizations.
• Mentor support staff and provide formal feedback for the intern program.
• Assist with Conservation Education department light housekeeping, as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Undergraduate degree and/or equivalent experience in theater, music, dance, education, conservation, wildlife, natural resources, and/or social sciences (e.g., informal or formal theater, music, dance, education, conservation, zoology, etc.) or other field that connects to mission and vision of the department.
• 2 years’ experience teaching children in an informal or formal educational setting is required.
• Demonstration of excellent verbal and written communication and presentation skills.
• Spanish or second language fluency beneficial.
• Proven ability to work independently and in teams.
• Interest in and experience connecting educational opportunities with broader community engagement efforts.
• Must have reliable transportation to the Milwaukee County Zoo.
• Must be able to complete Employer paid professional Adult & Child CPR/AED and First Aid certifications (training with skills check).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, and PowerPoint) and/or additional collaboration platforms.
• Must be available for training on June 6th and 7th