The Kerlin Internship provides emerging professionals with in-depth training and experience as educators in an outdoor, non-traditional setting. The intern works collaboratively with education staff to plan and deliver hands-on programs that inspire students to make curricular connections through active engagement with the natural world. With training in Wave Hill curriculum and inquiry-based teaching methods, the Kerlin Intern will progress from co-teaching programs alongside an educator to leading programs independently.
Intern responsibilities include:
- Assisting with guided on-site programs ranging from 45 minutes to 2 hours long for pre-k to high school groups from NYC and surrounding areas.
- Researching and mastering lesson content for pre-k to high school audiences. Topics include ecology of local plant and animal species, the geological and sociological history of Wave Hill, as well as relevant community science and art projects.
- Preparing for programs by thoroughly reading lesson plans, packing educator backpacks with class specific materials, and setting up and breaking down classroom spaces.
- Greeting teachers at the front gate prior to the start of their program and working with teachers to tailor programs to the needs of their classes.
- Managing teaching materials such as bio facts, art supplies, clipboards, pencils, iPads etc.
- Engaging in team meetings as well as peer review and feedback sessions with other members of the education department.
- Conducting programmatic and audience research for the department as needed.
Qualifications
- Demonstrable interest in life science, nature, and/or art
- Clear, effective communication skills
- Flexible, team player
- B.S/B.A. in relevant field (education, science, art etc.) or enrolled in a relevant degree program preferred
- Experience teaching children in a non-formal setting preferred
- Fluency in Spanish is a plus
Workspace
Due to the historic nature of Wave Hill House, the education program office located on the third floor is not wheelchair accessible. This area is reachable by a flight of wooden stairs totaling 19 steps. Wave Hill House has an accessible, ground-level entrance at the front of the building with a power-assist door. The restroom on the ground level is all-gender and ADA-compliant. Additional ADA-compliant restrooms are available on the lower level, which can be accessed by elevator. When outside, the Kerling Intern should expect to traverse a variety of routes along mixed-material pathways and varying elevations.
Schedule and Salary
This is a year-long, approximately 23-week position. The fall semester begins in September and ends in November. The spring semester begins in March and ends in May. The rate of pay is $18 per hour for approximately 12 hours a week. The schedule is from 9:00am to 1:00pm three weekdays per week.
Wave Hill is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Wave Hill is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, programs, and activities. To request a reasonable accommodation, contact humanresources@wavehill.org
How to Apply
Interested candidates should email a cover letter and resume. Please include Kerlin Education Intern in the subject line.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.