K-12 School Programs Specialist

JOB TITLE:                 K-12 School Programs Specialist

DEPARTMENT:           Learning and Engagement

REPORTS TO:            Community Learning Manager

SALARY TYPE:          Full-Time, Permanent, Benefits-eligible 

SALARY:                     $17/hour DOE

START DATE:             February 2026

JOB SUMMARY:

The K-12 School Program Specialist is a foundational position within the Learning and Engagement team at Great Lakes Aquarium. This position is responsible for scheduling school groups and communicating regularly with teachers, teaching classes both onsite and in local classrooms, professional development workshops for teachers, and maintaining the Teacher Resource Center, a lending library for local educators.

POSITION DUTIES:

REGISTRATION, SCHEDULING, and INFORMATION SERVICES (45%)

• Respond to inquiries regarding group visits, including school groups, Homeschool groups, and youth extracurricular groups or adult tour groups.


• Respond to and schedule inquiries regarding overnight experiences for groups.


• Direct inquiries to other team members for additional follow-up as needed.


• Schedule staff and spaces as needed to meet community learning program demand.


• Process and confirm reservations for visiting schools and groups.


• Schedule teaching staff to cover upcoming community learning programming.


• Coordinate use of the Discovery Center with other Aquarium departments.

CURRICULUM AND TEACHING (40%)

• Develop and update GLA class curriculum and teaching tools to fit current academic standards, audience needs, and the animal collection.


• Collaborate with the Community Learning Manager on the purchase and upkeep of curriculum supplies.


• Develop and maintain curriculum, kits, and equipment for the Teacher Resource Center.


• Teach classes to visiting groups or as outreach at local schools.


• Plan and lead the summer teen camp, Waves, which focuses on water-based career exploration for 9th-12th graders.


• Collaborate with the Community Learning Manager to develop front-end, formative and summative evaluations of K-12 learning programs.


• Increase the accessibility of Great Lakes Aquarium programming for youth in the region through strategic partnerships within ISD 709, other local districts, and community youth organizations.
  

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FOR FORMAL AND NON-FORMAL EDUCATORS (10%)

• Develop and facilitate professional development for educators on-site, in the field, or online.


• Maintain and support partnerships with regional science, education, and museum professionals.


• Coordinate and host visiting organizations to deliver professional development.


• Market the Teacher Resource Center via print, digital, and in-person venues to potential stakeholders.


• Coordinate training and lending of materials from the Teacher Resource Center to regional educators.

DEPARTMENTAL SUPPORT (5%)

• Participate in weekly Learning and Engagement meetings.


• Assist with early childhood and summer camp coverage when needed.


• Assist with overnight experiences for groups.


• All other job-related functions as assigned by supervisor.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check.

• Must be able to communicate effectively in noisy, crowded conditions.


• Must have interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written.


• Must be comfortable talking on the phone.


• Must be comfortable working with and around a variety of animals.


• Must be able to work safely around animals and their habitats.


• Must be at least 18 years old.


• Preferred: degree in environmental education, education, or other science-related field.


• Preferred: 2+ years experience teaching students ages 5-18 in formal or non-formal settings.


• Preferred: 2+ years experience in curriculum writing and working knowledge of best practices for non-formal science education.


• Preferred: ability to drive a 15-passenger van, or willingness to learn.


• Must have CPR and First Aid certifications or ability to get trained.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS and/or WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by the K-12 School Program Specialist to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the K-12 School Program Specialist will work both indoors and outdoors. Great Lakes Aquarium classes and programs may be taught in a variety of locations on terrain that includes: rocks, gravel, steep inclines/declines, wading in water, canoeing and walking on uneven surfaces. This position requires lifting objects up to 25 lbs, standing or sitting for an extended period of time, in addition to bending, crawling, and kneeling. Individuals are required to manipulate objects used for interpretive demonstration purposes. This position requires the ability to talk and hear. The noise level in the work environment is moderate to high.

EOAA STATEMENT

Great Lakes Aquarium is an equal opportunity employer. Great Lakes Aquarium shall provide equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.

Great Lakes Aquarium aims to be a supportive community for all people. If you are a job seeker with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to apply for this position, please connect with our HR representative, Annie Thors at (218) 740-2001 or [email protected] .