MuseumCorps AmeriCorps Museum Educator

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Responsibilities: AmeriCorps Museum Educators facilitate learning in the Museum’s hands-on exhibits and programs. MuseumCorps’ 12 Members will serve on teams working with one of the Museum’s three key partners - Boys & Girls Club of Providence, Highlander Charter School and Children’s Friend Head Start - to deliver hands-on, play-based learning programs for children in out-of- school time and pre-school. One AmeriCorps member will support both the Volunteer Program and the Learning Club Program.

Learning Club Teams
Reports to: Team Supervisor and AmeriCorps Program Director

Two teams of Members develop, implement and evaluate "Learning Clubs" for 2 nd , 3 rd and 4 th graders at after-school and summer programs at either Boys & Girls Club Southside Clubhouse, in collaboration with Fogarty Elementary School, or Highlander Charter School. Specific expectations include:

• Develop and deliver interdisciplinary series’ of STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) activities for groups of 10-20 children - particular emphasis is on activities that provide opportunities for children to have fun applying real-world math skills while supporting Core Curriculum mathematics being taught in school

• Research and prepare materials for the activities

• Proto-type activities both behind the scenes and with Museum visitors

• Host Learning Club children for field trips and programs at the Museum

• Plan and implement family nights for Learning Club families

• Assist with other activities and events for children at the sites

• Document program processes and outcomes on an on-going basis

• Maintain and improve the Learning Club physical environment, at the Museum and at the Boys & Girls Club

• Support excellent communication between partner sites and the Museum

• Assist the Head Start/Good Start Team in facilitating classroom activities and Museum visits with pre-school age children

Head Start/Good Start Team

Reports to: Team Supervisor and AmeriCorps Program Director

A team of Members develop, implement and evaluate programs for pre-school children enrolled in Providence Head Start. Specific expectations include:

• Develop and deliver interdisciplinary problem-solving activities that align with early childhood standards for groups of 18 children

• Research and prepare materials for the activities

• Proto-type activities both behind the scenes and with Museum visitors

• Host Head Start children on field trips to the Museum

• Plan and implement family nights for Head Start families

• Assist with other activities and events for children at the Head Start centers, such as resource workshops for Head Start teachers and caregivers

• Document program processes and outcomes on an on-going basis

• Support excellent communication between Head Start centers and the Museum

• Assist the Learning Club teams in facilitating programs with school-age children

Volunteer Program Member
Reports to: Volunteer & AmeriCorps Coordinator and AmeriCorps Program Director

One Member works closely with Museum staff to help build the capacity of the Museum’s volunteer program. Specific expectations include:

• Assist with the recruitment of new volunteers and interns who interact with Museumvisitors and provide support in all areas of the Museum.

• Assist to increase the number of community volunteers and interns at the Museum

• Represent the Museum and volunteer program at community and recruitment events

• Research volunteer best practices, including recruitment, recognition and service learning strategies

• Develop and implement a volunteer recognition plan, including planning volunteer events

• Mentor volunteers in the Museum’s hands-on exhibits

• Support excellent communication between partner sites and the Museum

• Assist in upkeep of volunteer records

• Document program process and outcomes on an on-going basis

• Assist with the Learning Club programs

ALL Members

Facilitate learning in exhibits and programs. Specific expectations include:

• Interact with children and their caregivers to encourage play and exploration

• Respond appropriately to a variety of visitor learning styles

• Use exhibit and program content in an effective manner to stimulate individual learning

• Keep exhibits functioning and welcoming throughout the day

• Be knowledgeable about the Museum and its programs and events

• Assist as needed with greeting groups, facilitating programs, and other tasks as assigned

• Lead interactive science and art programs during Scout activity evenings

• Facilitate "pop-up" play activities in the community

• Participate in scheduled training sessions at the Museum and through the Rhode Island AmeriCorps program.

• Carry out other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Dedication to serving others and commitment to children’s learning

• Ability to work well with people in a team setting

• Experience or training in child development or teaching preferred

• Well-organized, detail-oriented

• Creative and resourceful, with strong problem solving skills

• Positive work-ethic, professional attitude and willingness to learn from all situations presented

• Good written and verbal communication skills

• Proficient in basic computer skills

• Ability to go up and down stairs and perform frequent lifting up to 25 pounds

• Conversational ability in Spanish, Portuguese, a Southeast Asian language or ASL a plus.

Schedule:

Program is full-time, from September 2016 to August 2017. The regular work schedule will be Tuesday - Friday with two Friday evenings per month, two weekend days per month and six to eight Mondays or holidays throughout the year. All Members may be scheduled at other times for special events and trainings as needed.

In return for their year of service, Members will receive:

• Living allowance of $12,530

• National Education Award of $5,775 to be used toward educational goals

• Health insurance

• Child care allowance

• Training in museum education, learning theory and public service

• The opportunity to develop leadership and communication skills