Summer Instructor

Location: Van

Van Andel Institute (VAI), a world-class biomedical research institute, located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, is dedicated to improving human health. We are pioneers in the fight against cancer, Parkinson's, and other diseases. We are committed to inspiring the next generation of scientists and educators.

Summer Instructor (Part-Time)

The Van Andel Institute (VAI) is currently seeking to hire a part-time teacher for their summer programs
. As a Summer Instructor, you will deliver innovative lessons and activities for K-12 students. You'll work as part of a passionate team to engage students in inquiry-based science lessons that are memorable, meaningful, and fun!

Van Andel Institute is an independent non-profit biomedical research and education institute. The Institute is home to more than 500 scientists, educators and support staff that work in on-site laboratories and in collaborative partnerships that span the globe. Van Andel Institute for Education (VAI Education) aims to inspire and prepare the next generation of scientists and problem solvers by creating classrooms where curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking thrive.

We provide inquiry-based, hands-on learning experiences for students grades K-12 as well as innovative teaching resources and practical professional development so teachers everywhere bolster their instruction with authentic learning experiences that are memorable, meaningful, and fun!

Job Summary

As a part-time instructor, you will deliver innovative lessons and activities to K-12 students during VAI Education summer programming. You'll work as part of an experienced team to ensure VAI offers the best-in-class instruction.

Responsibilities

• Deliver engaging, inquiry-based science lessons aligned to the VAI instructional model to K-12 students.
• Prepare lesson materials, equipment, and supplies.
• Work independently and collaboratively to ensure content supports VAI's mission to create classrooms where curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking thrive.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Who We Are Looking for:

You have a sustained track record of creating authentic learning experiences that are memorable, meaningful, and fun. Teaching brings you joy!

You understand the fundamentals of inquiry-based science instruction. You are passionate about transforming instruction to incorporate more authentic learning strategies in schools nationwide. Your depth of knowledge in these topics allows you to apply these principles flexibly to meet a variety of learning environments and scenarios.

You work with confidence and without ego. You have a deep knowledge of instruction and work with a high level of autonomy, but you are also adept at seeking and implementing feedback, are willing to be proven wrong, and are quick to support fellow teammates in need.

You value, seek out, and foster diversity. You welcome ideas that are different from your own and are skilled at finding common ground.

You are a creative thinker, not bound by "the way things have always been done." We don't need educators who know all the answers; we need educators who can invent the answers no one has thought of yet, to the questions yet to be asked.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Education, Science Education-related field, or the equivalent required.
• A proven track record of 3+ years of highly-engaging science instruction and successful classroom management in a K-12 setting or the equivalent.
• Genuine passion for teaching, learning, science, and students.

YOUR NEXT STEPS:

If you are a person who has demonstrated success in these areas, we would love to have a conversation with you! The first step in beginning this conversation is starting your application.

In your application, provide the following in a single combined pdf:

• cover letter outlining why you are interested in this role and how this position aligns with your goals.
• current resume
• names and contact information of 3 professional references (we will check with you before checking references)

About Van Andel Institute

Established in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in 1996 by the Van Andel family, VAI is now home to nearly 500 scientists, educators and support staff, who work with national and international collaborators to foster discovery. The Institute's scientists study the origins of cancer, Parkinson's and other diseases and translate their findings into breakthrough prevention and treatment strategies. Our educators develop inquiry-based approaches for K-12 education to help students and teachers prepare the next generation of problem-solvers, while our Graduate School offers a rigorous, research-intensive Ph.D. program in molecular and cellular biology.

VAI is committed to excellence through broad participation and diverse perspectives. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences who share our passion for innovation and collaboration.

Van Andel Institute is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA)…