Teaching Assistant, College First Program

Title: Teaching Assistant, College First Program

Exemption Status: Non-Exempt

Department: Education

Reports to: Manager of Science Career Continuum

Seasonal Full-time

Supervises: Students in College First

Position Overview:

Join forces with passionate STEM educators and support a transformative summer course at the Chicago Botanic Garden. Assist in empowering 20 underrepresented Chicago Public School juniors and seniors through a seven-week immersive program (June - August, Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.) alongside the lead instructors and a fellow teaching assistant. Support the collaborative development and delivery of an engaging environmental science curriculum by assisting with instruction, guiding individual research projects, facilitating hands-on activities, providing student support, and contributing to program planning and assessment. Foster a positive and collaborative learning environment that empowers students and prepares them for academic success, while offering the rewarding opportunity to support the development of the next generation of environmental stewards, in partnership with Wright Community College.

Responsibilities

In this role you will be responsible for the following:

• Design and implement a variety of hands-on classroom activities and labs, ensuring collaborative and stimulating learning environments.
• Co-deliver meaningful lectures and lead youth-development activities, both within the Chicago Botanic Garden and at off-site locations.
• Work collaboratively to guide and mentor students through independent research projects, culminating in meaningful research presentations.
• Jointly administer and analyze pre- and post-program assessments to gauge student learning and program effectiveness.
• Collaboratively contribute to planning and leading Friday field trips that integrate with program themes and curriculum.

Qualifications
Our ideal candidate will have the following:

• Minimum of one year of science teaching experience in formal or informal educational settings with high school-aged students.
• Bachelor's degree (required) in environmental science, biology, or a related STEM field.
• Demonstrated understanding of student development theory with a focus on first-generation, low-income, and students of color.
• Proven ability to integrate STEM concepts into lesson plans and develop culturally responsive curriculum.
• Strong administrative skills, including data management, organization, and task completion.
• Fluency in Spanish desirable but not required.

Physical Demands:

The position involves a dynamic work environment with both indoor and outdoor settings. It requires regular physical activity such as standing, walking, and bending, along with strong communication skills (listening and speaking) and proficiency in operating standard office equipment (computers, phones, copiers, scanners, and fax machines). Occasional lifting, pushing, or pulling of items under 30 pounds may be necessary.

Why Apply?
Come work in a setting that is like no other as you support our mission: We cultivate the power of plants to sustain and enrich life. Take the first step toward being one of the employees who make the Garden one of the treasures of the Forest Preserves of Cook County. Apply today. Please note that applicants who do not meet the required qualifications will not be considered.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, or basis of disability, or any other federal, state, or local protected class.

Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and qualifications required of personnel so classified.

In accordance with Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972, the Chicago Botanic Garden does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its programs or activities, including in employment or admissions. Please call (847) 835-8264 to contact our Title IX Coordinator should you have questions or concerns. Please do not call this number to inquire about job postings or the status of your application, or with solicitations from companies or third-party recruiters.