Job Summary- Associate Curator of Education: Social Studies

The Associate Curator of Education is responsible for the design, implementation and assessment of a variety of in person and virtual social studies-focused educational programs for PreK-16 students and educators. These programs will highlight the contributions, perspectives, stories and voices of diverse people throughout the High Desert with particular emphasis on centering the history and lived experiences of Black, Indigenous and People of Color and other marginalized groups in the region.

Importantly, we recognize and honor that the qualifications required to excel in this position can come from a range of both professional and lived experiences. Below we describe what we believe to be important qualifications for a candidate to have while remaining open to the diversity of experiences that can lead to these skill sets. Position descriptions are often presented in a way that leaves qualified candidates feeling unwelcome, intimidated, uncomfortable and/or unqualified to apply. Recognizing that, we strongly encourage anyone who feels passionate about this work and believes they have what it takes to thrive in this role to apply.

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in a field appropriate for the position, e.g. education, Indigenous/Native American studies, Ethnic Studies, anthropology, history, etc.
• Knowledge of, passion for and commitment to teaching and learning about the history and lived experiences of Black, Indigenous and People of Color and other marginalized groups in the High Desert
• A minimum of 2 years’ experience teaching students in grades PreK-12 in formal or informal settings
• Experience developing interdisciplinary, inquiry-based curriculum using a culturally relevant pedagogical approach
• Demonstrated knowledge of best practices in teaching people of all ages
• Knowledge of, or willingness to learn about, Oregon’s K-12 social sciences standards, Senate Bill 13 Tribal History/Shared History curriculum, Oregon’s Holocaust and Other Genocides (Senate Bill 664) and Ethnic Studies and Inclusive Education (House Bill 2845)
• Ability to communicate and work collaboratively with a diverse range of groups and institutions, including schools, museums, non-profits, and tribal nations to develop and implement educational programs
• Understanding of, and commitment to, justice, equity, inclusion, accessibility and diversity practices
• Excellent organizational, communication and writing skills
• Detailed-oriented while handling multiple projects and deadlines

Preferred Qualifications

• Bilingual in Spanish, Ichishkiin, Kiksht or Numu
• Working knowledge of developing and implementing informal education programs
• Experience teaching using a digital platform
• Valid teaching license

The position requires some evenings and weekends, working inside and outside.

Responsibilities and Tasks

1. Write curriculum about the High Desert’s Indigenous history since time immemorial in collaboration with regional partners.
2. Collaborate with Museum staff and regional partners to develop, lead and assess in person and virtual learning experiences for PreK-16 students and educators focusing on an in-depth exploration of the contributions, perspectives, stories and voices of diverse people throughout the High Desert with particular emphasis on centering the history and lived experiences of Black, Indigenous and People of Color and other marginalized groups in the region.
3. Work with the Education & Engagement Department, regional institutions and partner organizations to develop, implement and evaluate innovative programs, including workshops and special events, aimed at engaging audiences of all ages.
4. Work with the Exhibitions Department and community advisors to develop and implement engaging programs for all audiences in connection with the Museum’s exhibitions and permanent collections with focus on centering the history and lived experiences of Black, Indigenous and People of Color and other historically excluded groups in the region.
5. Develop on-line supplementary educational resources, curricula, classes and activities to support museum-based programs.
6. In collaboration with the Programs Department, develop and implement new strategic community engagement and education programs rooted in an understanding of de-colonization and anti-racism to extend our reach and deepen our impact throughout Central Oregon and beyond.
7. Collaborate with Museum staff on the development of evaluation protocols for educational programs.
8. Keep abreast of current educational research and best practices as related to the position.
9. Demonstrate a positive professional presence, inspiring and building confidence both within the Museum and outside the institution among a broad range of constituencies.
10. In coordination with the Communications Team, represent the Museum as needed in a variety of mediums, including social media, print, photography and video, in materials produced by both the Museum and by journalists sharing the story of the Museum’s work.
11. Embrace, support, and help implement the Museum’s continued learning and commitment to justice, diversity, equity, accessibility and inclusion.
12. Execute other duties as assigned as needed to help abide by the Museum’s values, drive our vision, and fulfill our mission