Early Childhood Instructor
About The DoSeum (www.TheDoSeum.org)
The DoSeum is San Antonio’s only museum exclusively devoted to children ages 11 and under. As the city’s premier resource for early learners, their caregivers, and their educators, we cultivate innovative thinkers capable of mastering the opportunities of tomorrow. Featuring more than 70,000 square feet of interactive exhibits—both indoor and outdoor—The DoSeum promotes constructivist, inquiry-based learning related to STEM, the arts, and early literacy. The DoSeum Experience is for every child, every family, every community; we are a DoSeum for ALL. Our mission is to grow curious minds, connect families, and transform communities through joyful learning and discovery.
JOB SUMMARY
The Early Childhood Instructor will serve as a lead teacher for the museum’s preschool programs (early childhood education, or ECE). The DoSeum’s ECE initiative features a State-licensed preschool—known as The Little DOers—as its flagship program, whichoffers a DoSeum-developed curriculum across two classrooms to children (ages 3 and 4) from September through May. Also critical to the museum’s ECE initiative is the summer and school-holiday camp program, featuring multiple-day camps dedicated to early learners.
Reporting to the Early Childhood Educator, who also serves as the Director of The Little DOers preschool, the successful candidate will possess a passion for early childhood education and understand the needs of early learners and their caregivers through the use of proven educational frameworks and pedagogical approaches. Ideal candidates are inspired by the challenge of teaching a suite of curricula that integrate STEM, the arts, and early literacy, and are adept at working within—and contribute to—a positive team-based setting. A thorough understanding of State-issued requirements for childcare programs will be required, while directly supporting the program director to ensure that standards are maintained at the highest level.
In addition to classroom settings, instructional responsibilities also include troubleshooting and re-setting exhibition technology when teaching within the museum’s galleries, as well as the resetting and resupply of exhibition spaces for learners, as needed.
The Early Childhood Instructor serves as a primary face and voice of the organization, interacting with young learners and their caregivers. Successful candidates are personable and approachable, project positive energy, present in the moment, creative, and must have strong people and problem-solving skills. They are respectful to Little DOer families, museums Guests, and fellow employees. Responsibilities also include the oversight of ECE program supplies, mentorship of other educational staff for teaching young learners, program development, and potentially serving as a content and pedagogical liaison for The DoSeum’s exhibition team.
The Early Childhood Instructor is a full-time, hourly, non-exempt, benefits-eligible position of 37 – 40 hours per week.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
- Lead classroom instruction for the museum’s Little DOers preschool and other ECE programming, including but not limited to week-long summer and school-holiday camps.
- Alongside Early Program Educator, contribute to standards-based curriculum development, implementation, and evaluation. Coach and mentor other DoSeum educators in the delivery of designed programs.
- Comply with Minimum Standard Rules of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (TDFPS) under which the schools are licensed by the State of Texas.
- Maintain required training and related State-mandated requirements for Little DOers program.
- Consult with and observe the Texas Prekindergarten Guidelines and National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Early Childhood Program Standards.
- Monitor materials and supplies for ECE-based programs, in coordination with the Early Program Educator.
- Consistently and effectively interact with caregivers of prospective and current program participants.
- Continually conducts research on best practices at other museums and industry standards related to early childhood education, and integrates relevant practices at The DoSeum.
- Assists with program evaluation based on DoSeum-created or relevant external rubrics.
- Must be occasionally available to conduct or oversee programming on select nights and weekends.
OTHER FUNCTIONS AND ATTRIBUTES
- Project a positive and respectful attitude toward the organization and co-workers. Model and ensure that actions, appearance, attitude, and attendance are at a level suitable for the organization.
- Serve as a positive, fair, and dynamic team player and leader—outwardly and obviously friendly—to foster intra- and interdepartmental work and relationships.
- Serve as an ambassador for The DoSeum in communicating and furthering the mission and goals of the institution, with particular emphasis on early childhood programming.
- Attend all trainings assigned and pertaining to the position, and adhere to standards and practices established in DoSeum policies, protocols, and standard operating guidelines.
- Passion for informal education and inspiring curiosity and wonder in young learners.
- Meticulous attention to detail, with strong organizational skills.
- Travel locally as needed.
- Perform additional duties as required or requested.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- High school degree or GED required. Will consider candidates actively enrolled in and pursuing a bachelor’s degree and/or one year of related experience.
- Experience with published education-based standards and incorporation into instructional practice.
- Enthusiastic and approachable, with proven ability to work closely with children/families enrolled in museum ECE programs.
- Strong communication and motivational skills. Must be positive, present, and highly professional for early learners and their families during programming and program-related communications.
- Demonstrated diplomacy, tact, and self-confidence.
PREFFERED QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in education, museum studies, or curriculum-related field (STEM, arts, or literacy).
- Prior experience with preschool classroom instruction, which could include experience within a formal classroom, informal educational environment, or daycare setting. Minimum one year preferred.
- Fluency in Spanish, including ability to read, write, and communicate with Guests, highly desirable but not required.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES
To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following:
- Teamwork– Balances team and individual responsibilities; Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; Puts success of team above own interests; Able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives; Supports everyone's efforts to succeed.
- Attention to Detail & Adaptability – Self-motivated and manages competing demands; Strives to improve or meet a standard of excellence; Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events; Asks for and offers help when needed; Ability to work in a complex organization, working with all museum team members while demonstrating flexibility and willingness to negotiate and compromise; Flawless attention to detail.
- Analytical, Problem Solving, & Organizational Skills – Gathers and analyzes information skillfully and can efficiently execute on multiple priorities/plans/ideas; Ability to meet critical objectives while considering the impact of those decisions and activities on the ability to achieve long‐term goals.
- Verbal & Written Communication; Interpersonal Skills– Strong writing and editing skills; Strong listening skills; Remains calm and focused.
- Ethics & Judgment – Treats people with fairness and respect; Tactfully approaches others, works with integrity, and exhibits sound judgment; Ability to make constructive and respectful choices about personal behavior and social interactions based on consideration of ethical standards, safety concerns, social norms, the realistic evaluation of consequences of various actions, and the well-being of self and others; Upholds and demonstrates DoSeum values.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT
The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Position requires a Monday–Friday schedule; can require occasional weekends and evenings.
- Variable exposure to noise, weather, and elements.
- Constant working with the public and employees.
- Ability to lift up to 25 lbs.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Submit resume, the names of three references and cover letter indicating interest and qualifications to HR@ thedoseum.org.Please reference “Position: Early Childhood Instructor” in the subject line.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature of work performed by the Early Childhood Instructor. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of this position, which can be revised in real-time at the discretion of the Chief Program Officer. The DoSeum is an equal opportunity employer.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: From $15.84 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
- Day shift
- Holidays
- Weekends as needed
Education:
- High school or equivalent (Required)
Experience:
- Preschool Classroom Instruction: 1 year (Preferred)
- Early childhood education: 1 year (Preferred)
Language:
Work Location: In person