Museum Educators

About the Organization

Founded in 1971 as the Friends of Wood Memorial Library & Museum, The Watershed History Collective offers a wide range of cultural, artistic and educational programming. The organization especially promotes preservation and learning through research and interpretation of the history of South Windsor, its residents and the surrounding region—from the pre-contact era of Northeast Woodland Native American communities to the present day.  In 2021, the organization opened Nowashe Village, a permanent outdoor museum of Indigenous life located on a one-acre wooded site on Main Street. Its development earned awards from both the Connecticut League of History Organizations and the American Association for State and Local History.  Learn more about educational content offered by the organization on our website.

About the Role

Museum Educators present and/or teach educational programs to the public of all ages and abilities.  Museum Educators are independent contractors who are called upon on a part-time, ad hoc basis.  Hours can vary between weekdays and weekends and primarily from April through November. 
Independent annual contracts for Museum Educators can be renewed each year. Educators report to regular Watershed staff and are responsible for taking part in mandatory trainings.  

Responsibilities may include:

• Lead educational programs, workshops, and/or tours in a dynamic and engaging manner, based on an inquiry-based teaching methodology
• Work collaboratively to research, develop and/or prepare for education programs and supplies
• Participate in safety measures and maintenance plans for Nowashe Village as well as the use, care and storage of education materials, in accordance with organizational policies and procedures
• Engage in professional development and training, including best practices in museum education as well as curriculum standards and trends
• Collaborate on the research and development of new or expanded programs and provide input for amendments and improvements
• Take part in the recruitment and training of new museum educators and volunteer docents

Qualifications

• Some content knowledge and eagerness to learn about Connecticut and New England’s history. Some college level study in history, education, or related field preferred
• Experience and a desire to work with museum visitors of all ages, abilities and cultural and socio-economic backgrounds
• Excellent verbal communication skills and dynamic presentation style, able to adapt on the fly to different learning styles
• Collaborative style, flexible and team player, willing to experiment with new material and teaching methods
• Energy and desire to work outdoors
• Reliable and trustworthy to commitments
• Self-starter and ability to work independently 
• Those of Indigenous descent are strongly encouraged to apply
• At this time we are particularly looking for educators who are available for weekday field trips, but anyone who is interested should inquire

Inquiries are welcome on an ongoing basis and can be emailed directly to us. Please send a statement about your qualifications, interest, flexibility and resume.  Final applicants will need to complete a background check and provide professional references.  No phone calls, please.  Educators remain on call for 1 year.