Exploration Specialist, Challenger STEM Learning Center

Exploration Specialist (Teaching and Learning Training Specialist 3 – MR10)

Challenger STEM Learning Center

University of Tennessee, Chattanooga

The Exploration Specialist designs and facilitates multi-sensory learning experiences by integrating STEAM-based programming into the university's Challenger STEM Learning Center's program offerings. The Challenger STEM Learning Center provides STEAM-based programming to PreK-12 learners, university students, and professional learning participants through role play-based simulations to space and interactive activities utilizing digital tools. Under the direction of the Lyndhurst Chair of Excellence in Arts Education, they train program facilitators on implementing evidence-based strategies conducive to a variety of learning needs, ensure content is aligned with current educational standards and outcomes, strengthen revenue-generating potential, and align with the university's strategic goals.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Program Coordination

• Implements STEAM-based programming and professional learning opportunities in Challenger Center program offerings.
• Aligns Challenger Center content with education standards, programmatic outcomes, and strategic initiatives.
• Trains program staff and graduate assistants on facilitating multi-sensory learning experiences.
• Integrates evidence-based strategies and educational trends into program content.
• Evaluates program progress towards achieving departmental and university outcomes and strategic goals.
• Consults with program partners and stakeholders on content needs and strategic initiatives.
• Assists with Challenger Center communications.

Content Development

• Designs a multi-sensory STEAM curriculum conducive for in-person and virtual modalities.
• Develops engaging STEAM-based content for supporting a variety learning needs across multiple grade levels and age ranges.
• Develops innovative campus and community engagement opportunities.
• Creates team building experiences for university students and corporate programs.
• Integrates digital tools into program content.

Program Evaluation

• Develops program evaluation tools aligned with program outcomes.
• Reports on program progress and evidence of student learning on a quarterly basis.
• Assesses how programs support departmental and university outcomes.
• Recommends programmatic strategies informed by program data.

Revenue Generation

• Recognizes revenue generating potential of Challenger programs through securing external funds and developing fee-based programming.

Program Recruitment

• Assists with program expansion through implementing a program recruitment plan.
• Assists with marketing content and strategies.
• Oversees the Challenger Center's social media pages and platforms.

The ideal candidate will possess the following:

• Knowledge of national and state standards in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math (STEAM) and emerging STEAM education trends.
• Knowledge of science in the context of a STEAM.
• Knowledge of evidence-based strategies for supporting varied learning needs.
• Skill in facilitating multi-sensory learning experiences for students with varied learning needs.
• Skill in integrating digital tools into teaching STEAM-based content.
• Skill in clearly presenting information to partners with a variety of background and experiences in STEAM.
• Skill in writing clear content guides and/or lesson plans.
• Skill in utilizing consistent communication protocols.
• Skill in maintaining organized digital files and an electronic calendar.
• Skill in coordinating program logistics.
• Ability to actively contribute to and promote a positive, team-based environment.
• Ability to receive feedback as an opportunity to learn and grow.
• Ability to mentor and support an individual's professional learning needs.
• Ability to respond quickly and professionally to unexpected program shifts.
• Ability to be flexible with evolving initiatives.
• Ability to manage a varied workload along with facilitating a dynamic program.

Applicants must submit a cover letter describing relevant experience, insights about their teaching style, and what contributions they would make to the Challenger STEM Learning Center Team through STEAM-based programming.

Review of applications will begin March 27, 2023 and continue until the position is filled. Applications received by this date will receive priority consideration.

Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in related area and teaching certification in a PreK-12 grade level in a relevant content area; minimum of 3 years of experience teaching STEAM-based content in an education setting, developing interdisciplinary content, teaching with digital tools, writing grants, and collaborating with community partners on an education program.

Preferred Qualifications: Master’s degree in related area and experience teaching space-related science content to learners from a PreK-12 grade level, working with university students, coordinating professional development programs, and utilizing social media to market programs.

The University of Tennessee Chattanooga is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA/ADEA institution. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, or protected veteran status.