Instructional Support Curriculum Specialist
Job Description
About New York Sun Works
NY Sun Works is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to integrating the science of sustainability and climate education into K-12 urban schools. Through our hydroponic classrooms, we provide hands-on learning experiences that foster scientific inquiry and environmental stewardship. We bring quality education to the communities where it’s most needed. Together with our 300+ partner schools, we’re shaping the next generation of environmental innovators empowered to create solutions to global climate challenges.
NY Sun Works serves a diverse population of students primarily across the five boroughs of New York City, with a small but growing number of schools in the greater metropolitan area. We strive to make our program accessible to all types of learners, especially to students who are at-risk, require special accommodations, or are currently underrepresented in STEM fields.
NY Sun Works is an EPA, NAAEE, and HBSCNY award-winning organization, and maintains a platinum-rated status on Guidestar and a top-rated status on Great NonProfits.
Title: Curriculum Specialist
Position Summary
Are you looking to join a motivated team of educators passionate about shaping innovative learning experiences? If so, we’re seeking a dedicated K-5 Curriculum Specialist to lead the integration of NY Sun Works’ curriculum at our partner schools. As a member in our team of enthusiastic educators, you’ll play a pivotal role in advancing educational initiatives, fostering collaboration among teachers, and ensuring engaging curriculum alignment with national standards. Join us in making a profound impact on K-12 education while supporting the development of dynamic learning environments for students.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Deliver the training program to all partner teachers so they know how to use the NY Sun Works complementary science program to enhance more comprehensive science curricula.
- Advise partner teachers on content connections within the NY Sun Works curriculum, offering ideas on implementation timelines.
- Align existing material to national and state curriculum standards and develop new curricular content as needed. support curriculum development as needed.
- Provide timely interaction and answer content questions via email.
- Cultivate strong partnerships with collaborating teachers to foster a supportive environment.
- Lead the Teacher Community, organize community events, and manage the online educator forum.
- Administer certification processes for fully trained teachers while ensuring accurate tracking.
- Travel to partner schools and meet lab teachers. Meetings may also take place virtually.
- Research curriculum innovation and best practices in K-5 science education.
- Create instructional videos to support curriculum content.
- Lead and aid in planning Professional Development sessions.
- Meet with teachers and partner schools for implementation schools (4x per year with 1 being in person) Operations schools (2x a year virtual or in-person – (in addition to email, phone, and text message correspondence).
- Utilize organizational tools such as Accelo, G Sheets, and other relevant resources to maintain the organization and structure of program data.
- Regularly update and input information from schools and colleges to ensure the historical accuracy of data records.
Principal Relationships:
- Director of Education
- Education Team
- Executive Director
- Grow Support Team
Qualifications:
Education and Certification:
- Bachelor’s degree (required)
- Master’s in education, science, curriculum development, or a related field (required)
- Teaching certification (preferred) or relevant teaching experience
Teaching Experience:
- Experience as an educator with a strong background in K-5 science education.
- Experience developing and implementing curriculum materials and educational resources.
- Familiarity with various teaching methodologies and best practices in science education.
Curriculum Development:
- Proficiency in curriculum development, including aligning materials with national and state curriculum standards.
- Ability to adapt existing materials for online and blended learning environments.
- Experience delivering professional development workshops, webinars, or training programs for educators.
- Strong presentation and facilitation skills to effectively train and engage teachers.
Communication Skills:
- Excellent communication skills, including the ability to provide timely responses to content-related questions via email.
- Ability to build positive and productive relationships with partner teachers and school staff.
- Strong interpersonal skills for effective collaboration and support.
Travel and Flexibility:
- Willingness to travel to partner schools for meetings and training sessions, as well as the ability to conduct virtual meetings when necessary.
Others:
- Passion for teaching and working with teachers
- Classroom management skills
- Passion for Science, Sustainability, and Environmental Education
- Attention to detail with strong organizational skills
- Ability to work independently and on a team
- Flexibility to jump-in and help team as needed
- Excellent time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines
Job Location: New York City
The heart of this role is in-person, allowing you to be at the center of our dynamic work environment. You’ll typically enjoy standard working hours from 9am to -5 pm. However, we understand that life sometimes calls for flexibility. With that in mind, we are open to occasional remote work options, especially when travel or special circumstances arise.
Compensation:
This is a full-time position with a salary range of $55,000-$70,000 USD.
The compensation for this position encompasses a broad range, and the precise remuneration will be established at the time of hire, contingent upon the candidate’s level of experience and qualifications.
Benefits
- NY Sun Works offers comprehensive and competitive medical benefits covering 100% of an individual’s medical, dental, and vision expenses.
- Full-time employees at NY Sun Works enjoy 15 paid vacation days in addition to paid holidays provided by the organization. Furthermore, we provide 10 paid sick/personal days to ensure your well-being.
- Additionally, we extend the privilege to our employees to enroll in our 401(k) plan. Moreover, we provide a comprehensive package of benefits, including short-term disability coverage, life insurance, accident insurance, and illness insurance.
- Work/Life balance- we prioritize fostering a healthy work environment that supports flexible schedules. We recognize that occasionally, employees may need to address personal matters, and in such instances, they have the option to adjust their work hours to accommodate these needs rather than taking a full day of leave. These arrangements are permissible once mutually agreed upon with departmental supervisors, ensuring a balanced and accommodating approach to work-life integration.
- Professional Development- We are committed to nurturing the growth and advancement of our team members. We consistently explore avenues for professional development, and exposure to new skill sets, and foster a culture that encourages continuous learning.
Start Date: The start date is flexible, and we are open to having the right candidate start out as part-time and transition to a full-time position in alignment with the school year.
