Nonprofit
Teacher's Toolkit Curriculum Development Manager
Details
Description
The Curriculum Development Manager (CDM) will be responsible for creating grade-specific educational lesson plans designed to introduce and explore selected topics utilizing curated sets of Skeptoid podcast episodes. Lesson plans will focus on increasing science literacy and critical thinking skills, and will be prepared in a “Toolkit” format which can be downloaded as a self-contained educational unit from the Skeptoid website. The CDM will develop an assortment of appropriate curricula, collate them into Toolkit subject headings, and prepare all written materials needed for use. The CDM will also train educators (as needed) in best use of the Toolkit materials. Curricula must pass national review for educational quality, standards alignment and usability, and be approved for use in all U.S. schools. Over the course of one year, the CDM will prepare and complete Toolkits in nine distinct subject areas (to be determined by the CDM), each with lesson plans formulated for three grade levels: elementary, secondary and high school -- A total of 27 individual Toolkits.
During their initial development, the CDM will beta test three Toolkits with one or more volunteer schools and implement comprehensive evaluation measures to determine educational value and effectiveness. Ongoing evaluation and modification of Toolkits will continue throughout the project period.
The CDM also will be required to actively promote and market Toolkit availability to schools and other educational organizations throughout the United States, including researching and contacting appropriate representatives and working with school Boards, curriculum review panels and administrators to ensure local approval of Toolkit use. The CDM will train teachers and educators at participating schools/organizations in Toolkit use to ensure the most effective curriculum implementation, consistently gathering feedback and updating Toolkit materials as appropriate. As part of active promotion and marketing, the CDM will travel throughout the United States, including overnight and multi-day trips, to deliver presentations at educational conferences demonstrating Toolkit use and availability. Travel may involve air, ground, or rail transportation and could include occasional evenings or weekends.
Benefits
The Curriculum Development Manager position is initially a part-time, one-year contract position, averaging 20-30 hours per week. The successful candidate will be an independent contractor with a signed work agreement. The contractor will be responsible for determining their own work hours, invoicing Skeptoid Media for work performed, and for providing their own equipment and insurance unless otherwise agreed to in writing. The initial one-year contract may be renewed pending satisfactory outcomes and additional project needs, with the potential for full-time permanent employment.
Level of Language Proficiency
Fluent in English
Location
Associated Location
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Experience and Education
- Three or more years of relevant teaching and/or curriculum development experience in related subject areas required (such as science, science communication, history, media literacy, critical thinking, etc.), AP or IB experience preferred.
- Bachelor’s degree in science with a K-12 teaching certificate required; a Master’s degree preferred.
- Current teaching certificate in Secondary Education required.
- Knowledge of student cognitive development and various learning styles required.
- Familiarity with national academic (NGSS) standards and curriculum review processes required.
Skills and Abilities
- Outstanding organizational and project management skills with the ability to consistently meet deadlines.
- Fluent in English, both speaking and writing.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
- Excellent presentation skills.
- Ability to create a curriculum that meets national academic requirements.
- Ability to work collaboratively with educators at participating schools to facilitate implementation and evaluation of Toolkit use.
- Ability to train other teachers, educators, and participating high school/college students in utilizing Toolkit materials in classrooms.
- Ability and willingness to reflect and improve instructional practices.
- Ability to embrace innovation as a tool to teach, engage and motivate students.
- Share Skeptoid Media’s commitment to building science literacy, media literacy and critical thinking skills to students.
- Share Skeptoid Media’s organizational values.
- Computer literate in software and internet-based applications.
- Capacity to quickly learn new software applications.
- Collaborative in nature, with the ability to build consensus.
- Self-motivated and solves problems, asking for input and initiating solutions as appropriate and reasonable.
- Willingness to take direction and reevaluate solutions when needed.
- Ability to demonstrate good judgment when interacting with colleagues, students, teachers and other educators.
Physical Requirements
- Be able to use the computer and remain stationary for long periods of time as the majority of work is performed in front of a computer and on the telephone.
- Manage conversations in person, online and by telephone.
- Possess the ability to travel throughout the United States independently via commercial airline and ground transportation; ability to stand and present for extended periods; ability to transport presentation materials and equipment (including laptop computer) through airports and conference venues.
- Work well under pressure and manage stress well.
