School Programs Educator

National Children's Museum; Washington; On-site; USD 55,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

National Children’s Museum is seeking a School Programs Educator to spark curiosity and support STEAM learning for diverse audiences. You will design and deliver engaging programs, collaborate with teachers, and assist with field trips and on-site experiences.

The role requires 2+ years in STEAM education, strong organizational skills, and a customer-focused mindset. This full-time position is based at our museum, with a schedule Tue–Sat and occasional events, offering opportunities to impact

Qualifications

• At least 2+ years of experience in formal or informal STEAM education.
• Experience developing and teaching STEAM programs for PreK–5th grade.
• Experience working with teachers and school groups, including coordinating logistics for field trips or school visits.
• Ability to facilitate effectively and interact playfully with children, adults, and large groups in a fast-paced environment.
• Detail-oriented and adaptable.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement STEAM-based school programs including: PreK–5th grade field trips, teacher professional development, workshops, Scout programs, and camp activities.
• Develop and deliver in-person, STEAM-based field trip workshops for PreK–5th grade school groups, including facilitation in the Tinkering Corner.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with teachers and school partners, serving as a knowledgeable resource for educators planning visits.
• In collaboration with the Family Programs team, support drop-in and pop-up programming on the exhibit floor as needed.
• Coordinate with the Family Programs team to ensure that field trip groups are greeted and well-supported during their visit.
• Facilitate learning experiences on the exhibit floor and engage with children and families.
• Provide administrative assistance for booking educational programs and correspond with educators quickly and professionally.
• Organize, inventory, and maintain the Museum's educational supplies and resources.
• Be knowledgeable regarding Museum exhibits, programs, and services.
• Serve as an ambassador of the Museum and provide exceptional customer service to guests.
• Attend and participate in regularly scheduled staff meetings and trainings; Adhere to Museum policies and procedures.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

STEAM education

Public engagement

Program development

Teacher collaboration

Multitasking

Tools

Spreadsheet software

Project management software

Job description

National Children’s Museum is a world-class museum that aims to spark the imagination and encourage children to dream. National Children’s Museum celebrates the joy of childhood through science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) exhibits and programs. As a School Programs Educator, you will play an integral role in supporting this vision by playfully engaging with a wide range of audiences.

What you’ll do:

Museum Educators in the Learning + Access department ensure that daily interactions with Museum visitors are engaging, playful, and filled with high-quality learning. You will develop and facilitate dynamic STEAM programs for a variety of audiences including students, teachers, families, Scouts, and birthday party guests. Your time will be divided between facilitating in a high-energy environment and focusing on administrative or programmatic tasks in the office. School Programs Educators report to the Senior Manager of School Programs and work to execute the following:

• Design and implement STEAM-based school programs including: PreK–5th grade field trips, teacher professional development, workshops, Scout programs, and camp activities;
• Develop and deliver in-person, STEAM-based field trip workshops for PreK–5th grade school groups, including facilitation in the Tinkering Corner;
• Build and maintain strong relationships with teachers and school partners, serving as a knowledgeable resource for educators planning visits;
• In collaboration with the Family Programs team, support drop-in and pop-up programming on the exhibit floor as needed;
• Coordinate with the Family Programs team to ensure that field trip groups are greeted and well-supported during their visit;
• Facilitate learning experiences on the exhibit floor and engage with children and families;
• Provide administrative assistance for booking educational programs and correspond with educators quickly and professionally;
• Organize, inventory, and maintain the Museum's educational supplies and resources;
• Be knowledgeable regarding Museum exhibits, programs, and services;
• Serve as an ambassador of the Museum and provide exceptional customer service to guests;
• Attend and participate in regularly scheduled staff meetings and trainings;
• Adhere to Museum policies and procedures; and
• Other duties as assigned.

What we believe are important experiences and traits for this role:

• At least 2+ years of experience in formal or informal STEAM education, with a focus on school or classroom-based programming;
• Experience developing and teaching STEAM programs in science, engineering, or math subjects to PreK–5th grade students;
• Experience working directly with teachers and school groups, including coordinating logistics for field trips or school visits;
• Ability to facilitate effectively and interact playfully with children, adults, and large groups in a fast-paced environment;
• Flexible and willing to adapt as needed;
• Detail-oriented;
• Demonstrated ability to balance multiple long- and short-term projects, prioritize work, and meet deadlines;
• Experience and demonstrated facility with spreadsheet software and/or project management software;
• Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship;
• Be a positive, collaborative member of National Children’s Museum Team’s creative culture; and
• Passion for the mission and values of National Children’s Museum.

physical demands + working environment

• Ability to remain standing, walking, or sitting for long periods, move up to 40 lbs., and interact with children and adults in our exhibits, including a three-story climber and slide;
• Fast-paced, highly sensory, stimulating work environment due to constant noise and interaction with other staff and visitors, which includes children;
• Punctuality and attendance required;
• Required one weekend day, occasional evenings, and some holidays;

Hours and Location:

Full-time position located at the National Children’s Museum at 1300 Pennsylvania Ave NW. The schedule for this position is Tuesday - Saturday 9-5. Special events, evenings, and holidays will be required.

Pay Rate:

$55,000 - $62,000 per year, commensurate with experience and skill set.

What we value:

Our mission is to inspire children to care about and change the world. The Museum is an innovative institution that sparks curiosity and wonder, and a space where all children feel valued. In order to do this well, we need a team that reflects the dynamic and diverse communities that we serve and brings a variety of perspectives, abilities, and skills. We embrace that this work is critical to our mission and never finished. The more inclusive we are, the stronger our Museum.