Full Time Educators are responsible for implementing educational programming and activities to engage visitors of all ages both at Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site and virtually. This role involves facilitating dynamic, learning experiences that enhance understanding and dialogue about criminal justice reform. Full Time Educators play a crucial role in fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment at the historic site.
Key Responsibilities
Full Time Educators engage Eastern State visitors of all ages. Approximately 80% of this position is facilitation and audience engagement.
Facilitation: Lead educational programs including guided tours, interactive workshops and hands on activities, ensuring engaging, informative and dialogue-driven experiences for visitors both in person and virtually.
Audience Engagement: Foster an inclusive and welcoming environment by encouraging questions, dialogue and critical thinking among diverse groups of visitors. Incorporate diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging principles into audience engagement.
When not engaged in facilitating education programs, Full Time Educators support the following activities:
Training: At the discretion of the Education Coordinator, assist in implementing training sessions for new and part-time staff. Includes being shadowed by new and part-time Educators when teaching and mentoring new staff. Create resources as necessary.
Outreach: Support Education department outreach efforts, including teacher workshops.
Program Development Support: Under the supervision of the Education Coordinator, assist in developing and implementing a variety of educational programs, workshops, and tours suitable for diverse audiences including students, families and adults.
Required Skills/Abilities
Strong communication, presentation and facilitation skills
Able to listen to conflicting perspectives, and create a positive group dynamic even with the most difficult subject matter.
Knowledge of audience engagement strategies and methodologies.
Ability to work with diverse audiences, including youth, adults and special needs groups.
Creativity and adaptability to lead engaging and innovative programs.
Comfortable on camera and proficiency in using digital tools like Zoom.
Able to work well on your own with minimal supervision, but also enjoy collaboration and supporting your coworkers.
Committed to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.
Proficiency in office software.
Able to work weekends.
Education And Experience
Bachelor’s Degree in History, Education or related field preferred.
Basic knowledge of the criminal justice system and incarceration; lived experience with incarceration strongly preferred.
1-2 years' experience in education, teaching or working with youth.
Physical Requirements
Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site is a ruin and working conditions are not always ideal; Educators spend their workday in outdoor conditions regardless of weather.
Able to lift items up to 30 pounds.
Able to move through crowded public spaces easily.
Salary: $17.00/hour
Benefits: Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site offers a comprehensive benefit package including 401K, medical and dental benefits, life and disability insurance and a family friendly work environment.
About ESPHS
Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site is a museum interpreting the legacy of American criminal justice reform from the site of the world’s first penitentiary. The facility pioneered the large-scale use of solitary confinement in the early 19th century and housed approximately 85,000 people during its 142 years of operation. The building itself was an architectural wonder: it had running water and central heat before the White House, and its revolutionary wagon-wheel design has been copied by more than 300 prisons around the globe. Although the prison now stands in ruin, its story remains relevant today.
Today, Eastern State Penitentiary attracts hundreds of thousands of guests from around the world each year to explore the site’s fascinating past and contemplate some of the most critical issues facing our nation. Its innovative public history program draws connections to contemporary justice reform through an approach that values multiple perspectives, amplifies marginalized voices, and respects a broad range of visitors’ interests and learning styles.
Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Corporation that operates the penitentiary, a National Historic Landmark, as an historic site and museum.
Commitment To Diversity
We strongly believe in the power of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We recognize that a diverse workforce brings together unique perspectives, experiences, and talents, leading to increased creativity, innovation, and better decision-making. As such, we actively seek out and value job applicants from all backgrounds, races, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientation, ages, or disability. Our commitment to DEI extends throughout our hiring process, ensuring equal opportunities and fair treatment for all candidates. We firmly believe that by fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace, we can create a stronger, more vibrant, and more successful organization.
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement
Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, creed, color, religion, alienage or national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, disability or handicap, sex, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, arrest record or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws. Our management team is dedicated to this policy with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities and general treatment during employment.
ESPHS strongly believes in second chances and, as such, is committed to providing appropriate employment opportunities to those who have been incarcerated. As a condition of employment, all individuals who accept an employment offer must complete a criminal background check. Eastern State will review any criminal record and make appropriate employment decisions in accordance with applicable law and its policies.
Seniority level
Entry level
Employment type
Other
Job function
Education and Training
Industries
Museums, Historical Sites, and Zoos
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