Internship: Learning Programs: Education
Season: Fall 2022 (Approx Oct-Dec)
Location: Hybrid
Application Deadline: Monday August 22 at 9am CST
 
Internship Overview: 
Learning Programs creates and executes many of Shedd’s educational programs. Working with learners from K-Adult, we serve a broad swathe of audiences from students to teachers to families and high schoolers. Our goal is to help provide access to nature, access to quality environmental education, and to support learners of all ages who wish to engage with Shedd’s mission.  

This internship will focus on understanding how Learning Programs designs & implements long-term, high school-aged learning opportunities like Teen Work-Study or high school internships. The intern will have the opportunity to shadow and work alongside Learning Programs staff responsible for leading these programs. The role will include opportunities to design and implement lessons and workshops, receive coaching and feedback on lesson design and facilitation skills, receive coaching from Learning Programs staff, serve in both mentor/mentee roles, and to potentially assist in future program design. The intern will have access to most/all professional development opportunities provided to our high school learners. 
 
Learning Objectives: 

• Develop at least three lessons, workshops or activities during their internship that will be evaluated by Learning Programs staff and delivered to learners. 
• Practice giving feedback to learners. 
• Demonstrate an understanding of educational content creation within informal educational programs and settings.
• Optionally, practice design and implement program reflection and evaluation.

Responsibilities & Projects: 

• Demonstrate commitment to Shedd’s vision, mission and values
• In partnership with staff, design and implement lessons, workshops or activities 
• Under guidance from staff, assist in providing feedback to high school learners 
• Review current resources on pedagogy, reflection, and evaluation 
• Gain familiarity with current Learning Programs lesson plans 
• Observe and participate in programs to learn about informal educational program design and implementation  
• Other projects as assigned 

Qualifications: 

Fields of Interest: 

• Education – Science, Informal, Formal, Museum, Outdoor, etc. 
• Biology 
• Conservation 
• Research 

Skills/Characteristics: 

• Strong interpersonal skills 
• Creativity 
• Some lesson/content creation experience 
• Experience or desire to gain experience in an educational setting 
• Have a high school diploma or GED. 

Technology Requirements:  

• Devices that allow for video conferencing and internet access  
• Reliable internet connection  

Time & Compensation: 

This is a non-exempt, temporary position that pays $15.40 per hour
We anticipate this position will be scheduled for 24 hours per week for 10 weeks, pending business needs and individual performance.
Preferred schedule: Intern is expected to work onsite at Shedd on Saturdays from 8am-3pm; preferred onsite on Fridays; can be flexible with timing and location of the remaining internship hours.
Set schedule based on intern availability. 

We welcome applications from all levels of experience, including those seeking career exploration or changes, gap year students, freshmen, sophomores, and those seeking first internships. 
 
We strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ community, Veterans and active duty military, parents, individuals with disabilities, and individuals from all cultural backgrounds to apply. Shedd Aquarium is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes everyone to our team. 
 
If you need a reasonable accommodation at any point in the application or interview process, please let us know. In your application, please feel free to select which pronouns you use (For example – she/her/hers, he/him/his, they/them/theirs).