DEPARTMENT:      Children’s Education

REPORTS TO:         Manager of School Programs

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE:  Responsible for the development, coordination, and implementation of programs and materials for pre-service and in-service teachers of all grades, pre-K-12 students.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES/ACTIVITIES:

• Coordinate BBG’s participation in city-wide Urban Advantage (UA) program to train middle school teachers in science methodologies. Collaborate with BBG’s other Teacher Education staff and with staff at UA partner institutions and the NYC DOE to plan and deliver professional development workshops and events for teachers, school administrators, students, and families at the garden and other locations throughout the city.
• Coordinate and instruct workshops and course series developed by BBG for pre-service and in-service teachers on plant related topics, including a 30 hour professional development course for NYC DOE teachers. Maintain records for participant enrollment and attendance and mailing lists of former and potential students. Develop new course topics as appropriate.
• Respond to requests for customized professional development programs for formal educators; develop and instruct custom workshops as appropriate.
• Coordinate observations of BBG programs by pre-service teachers.
• Assist with development of new materials and activities to support guided and unguided visits to BBG by school classes and informal children’s groups.
• Assist with the development and delivery of training for BBG volunteers and staff.
• Participate in the maintenance of BBG’s Education Greenhouses
• Assist with program instruction for children and families, public programs, Garden-wide special events, and events in the community
• Supervision of seasonal instructors and volunteers when working in children’s programs or special events
• Performs other related duties or special projects as directed.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• BA or BS degree (Master’s preferred) in a formal or informal field of Education
• Certification as a teacher
• Significant education or training in one or more fields of science
• Minimum of four years experience as an educator, including experience in a formal classroom setting; direct experience working with children
• Excellent interpersonal skills for working with teachers, school administrators, children, BBG staff and professional colleagues
• Excellent writing and speaking skills
• Competence with computer word processing, spreadsheets, internet, etc.
• Excellent organizational and leadership skills
• Ability to work outside and in greenhouses year-round
• Must be available to work frequent evenings and weekends