Environmental Justice Instructor

The Carole Robertson Center for Learning seeks an Environmental Justice Instructor to implement the Change Makers curriculum for teens aged 14-16 in Chicago's North Lawndale and Little Village. The role involves classroom management, youth development, and outdoor activities. Candidates should have a bachelor's degree, experience with group facilitation, and a passion for environmental justice. The position requires strong project management skills and the ability to work in diverse settings.
Environmental Justice Instructor - North Lawndale & Little Village
Position Summary
Under the direction of the Teen Reach Manager, Environmental Justice Instructor implements the Environmental Justice Change Makers curriculum with a group of 16 teens 14-16 year old students Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 12-4PM. Instructor must have extensive experience with classroom management and youth development. They should exhibit a love of gardening and environmental justice and have a passion for working with youth and teens. Candidate must have a good understanding of project based and experiential learning.
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND KEY TASKS
• Take students on outings with partner agencies (LVEJO and a Kayak trip with Friends of Chicago River)
• Collaborate with other OST mentors
• Coach OST mentors on their STEM activities
• Maintain program records and share with OST mentors
• Provide an end of program report that highlights attendance, pictures, evaluation
• Assist children in their emotional, cognitive, and social development, toward an overall goal of social competence and school readiness and identify problems that may interfere with the development thereof.
• Ensure enrollment and attendance and follow up with any youth or parents who miss a session
• Manage negative classroom behaviors in restorative and positive manner while remaining focused on the goals of the program and lesson.
• Ensure high quality programming based on the Youth Program Quality Assessment measures
• Demonstrate respect, understanding and patience to all youth and adults from all cultural backgrounds, with an appreciation for their interests, creativity, capabilities, beauty, and means of expression.
• Must be able to resolve problems, handle conflict, and make effective decisions under pressure.
• Comply and adhere to all compliance and licensure standards, including local, state and national regulatory entities
• Ability to frequently sit, stand, or bend, for prolonged periods.
• Physical agility to attend to the activity levels of youth.
• Perform other duties as assigned
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in education, STEM or a related field or a related discipline.
• 2 years of experience facilitating groups of 12 or more in educational or recreational activities.
• Prior experience leading STEM activities
• A high degree of emotional intelligence and self-awareness.
• Proven ability to work in diverse settings with multiple stakeholders.
• Excellent project management skills and ability to multi-task with demonstrated attention to detail.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing conditions and requirements.

Carole Robertson Center for Learning provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.