Experiential Educator, Contractor

About Live It Learn It:

Live It Learn It (LILI) is a DC-based nonprofit that partners with Title I DC public schools to create and deliver high-quality, curriculum-aligned experiential learning opportunities. We are committed to bridging the experience gap for DC students by supporting teachers in planning and executing impactful field-based learning experiences as well as designing and facilitating LILI-educator led programs to cultural institutions and destinations.

About LILI Programming:

Live It Learn It’s programming is rooted in the belief that all students deserve access to rich, relevant, and joyful learning beyond the classroom—and that equity requires more than opportunity; it requires support. Across all of our models—from fully LILI-designed units, to field experiences coordinated through partner institutions, to teacher-led experiences funded through the Bridge the Gap Fund—we help schools bring learning to life.

We work with public school educators to remove logistical, financial, and programmatic barriers that prevent experiential learning from being a regular part of school. Whether we're designing a hands-on lesson, coordinating a field trip, or helping a teacher access resources for a project they’ve envisioned, our goal is the same: to make learning meaningful, memorable, and equitable for the students who need it most.

The following key priorities reflect the values and vision that guide all Live It Learn It programming:

1. Student-Centered Experiences: Programs that spark curiosity, build confidence, and connect learning to students’ lives.
2. Teacher-Centered Support: Easy, rewarding participation for educators, with LILI handling logistics and alignment.
3. Equity & Access: Prioritizing schools in historically underserved and under-resourced communities and ensuring experiences are meaningful and supported.
4. Programmatic Excellence: High-quality, engaging programming in every context.
5. Operational Excellence: Behind-the-scenes work that ensures smooth trips, clear communication, and reliability.
6. Strong Partnerships: Trusted collaboration with teachers, schools, cultural institutions, and families.
7. Visibility & Storytelling: Sharing stories of student and teacher impact to elevate experiential learning.
8. Continuous Improvement: Using feedback and data to refine and strengthen programming.

About the Role:

We’re looking for dynamic, reliable educators to join our team as LILI Educators—independent contractors who lead engaging, inquiry-based field experiences for elementary students at DC’s cultural institutions and sites.

Unlike classroom volunteers, LILI Educators work exclusively at partner destinations such as the National Museum of American History, the National Museum of the American Indian, the National Zoo, and National Park sites. You’ll deliver 75–90 minute programs that spark curiosity, connect directly to the DCPS curriculum, and give students the kind of learning experiences they deserve.

This is an on-call, contract position—ideal for museum educators, teaching artists, former or current teachers, and facilitators who want flexible, meaningful work in education.

Join the LILI Team! Make a real impact by bringing high-quality learning opportunities to DC students. Be part of a mission-driven nonprofit with a 20-year history of inspiring curiosity through experience.

Core Responsibilities

• Program Delivery
  • Lead assigned field experiences (typically 75–90 minutes) at cultural institutions and partner sites.
  • Facilitate interactive, inquiry-based activities that align with DCPS curriculum and LILI program objectives.
  • Manage group dynamics, ensure student safety, and collaborate effectively with classroom teachers and chaperones.
• Preparation
  • Review provided lesson plans, activity guides, and site-specific materials in advance of each assignment.
  • Attend required training and/or shadow sessions prior to initial program delivery.
  • Adapt facilitation style to meet diverse learning needs of students.
• Professional Standards
  • Represent LILI with professionalism and respect at all times.
  • Follow guidelines outlined in the LILI Educator Handbook, including standards for communication, safety, and classroom management.
  • Communicate promptly with LILI staff regarding availability, schedule changes, or program concerns.

About You

You are someone who:

• Believes deeply in equity and the power of experiential learning.
• Brings energy, warmth, and curiosity to your teaching.
• Can manage groups of 20–30 elementary students with skill and care.
• Is excited to represent LILI and collaborate with schools and cultural institutions.
• Thrives in flexible, assignment-based work and can reliably deliver when called upon.

Qualifications

• Experience facilitating learning with children (classroom teaching, museum education, afterschool programs, or similar).
• Strong communication and classroom management skills.
• Ability to adapt facilitation style to diverse learners, including multilingual students and students with access needs.
• Reliability, punctuality, and professionalism when working with schools, volunteers, and cultural partners.
• Based in the DC metro area and available for daytime assignments (9:00 AM - 3:00 PM) during the school year.
• Preferred: Experience working with Title I schools or historically under-resourced communities.
• Preferred: Bilingual or multilingual skills (Spanish especially).
• Knowledge of experiential and place-based learning practices.

Requirements

1. Must be at least 18 years of age
2. All LILI educators must complete and pass the DCPS Clearance Process, which includes: background check, fingerprinting, drug testing, review through the Child Protection Registry, and review through the Sex Offender Registry.
3. LILI Educators are expected to observe high professional standards when representing Live It Learn It. These standards are detailed in the LILI Educator Handbook. Failure to follow these guidelines may result in an improvement plan or termination of the contract.

Compensation & Work Environment

• Compensation: $100 flat fee per program delivery (75–90 minutes), plus $50 stipend for required training/shadow sessions (2 - 3 hours).
• Schedule: On-call, assignment-based. Assignments offered 2–4 weeks in advance when possible.
• Location: Programs take place at partner destinations in Washington, DC; travel is the responsibility of the contractor.

Spanish preferred