Teacher Training and Outreach Specialist
Full-Time
Background:
The Education and Guest Services Division provides meaningful learning opportunities for Mount Vernon’s one million annual onsite visitors and students in classrooms around the country. Through a diverse portfolio of interpretive experiences, engaging programs, and online resources, we expand each learner’s understanding of, and appreciation for, George Washington and the revolutionary world in which he lived.
The Department of Learning is designed to ensure that Mount Vernon is focused on creating and providing the best learning experiences available to young people in the world today. A major role in reaching students is through providing resources and professional development programs to K-12 teachers as part of the George Washington Teacher Institute (GWTI).
The Teacher Training and Outreach Specialist (GWTI 250) will work directly with the Manager of K-12 Learning to design, develop, implement, and evaluate regional teacher professional development programs and classroom resources supporting:
The national movement to commemorate and celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 2026.
Updated research and interpretations of George Washington’s biography forthcoming as part of a new exhibit within the Education Center revitalization project
GWTI 250 Program Outcomes
K-12 educators will:
Gain a deeper understanding of the impact of George Washington on our Nation’s Founding.
Learn the skills to build stronger relationships between their students and the 250th anniversary.
Experiment with effective teaching strategies in collaboration with their colleagues to connect civic engagement with the foundation of our nation’s democracy.
Compensation:
Starting at $48,000.
Expected Hours:
40 hours/week
Position-Specific Responsibilities:
- Develop a network of stakeholders through research, outreach, and continued communication with potential museums, state departments of education, school districts, community partners, and/or cultural partners who align with and/or would benefit from GWTI 250 program outcomes leading up to, during, and following 2026 national initiatives.
- Create and implement a process for recruiting, selecting, hiring, training, scheduling, communicating with, and overseeing all functions of a cohort of diverse GWTI program alumni to serve two year terms as GWTI 250 ambassadors.
- Lead the GWTI 250 teacher ambassador cohort in the design, execution, facilitation, tracking, reporting, and evaluation of 40 individual regional programs and creation of digital classroom resources to support program outcomes.
- Support K-12 staff, the Director of Learning, and the VP for Education in developing, coordinating, and facilitating 10 in-depth regional programs to support program outcomes.
- Listen deeply to teachers and various stakeholders needs to build relevant, impactful, accessible, and applicable differentiated programs that align with institutional priorities.
- Demonstrate ability to follow administrative and financial policies and practices
- Assist in the creation of GWTI 250 promotional materials including copy and graphics for e-newsletters, social media posts, and digital and print flyers
- Provide consultation and expertise to other teacher and student programs and classroom resources developed by the K-12 team to ensure they align with current educational trends, teacher and student needs, and institutional goals.
- Support institutional evaluation efforts to gain a research-based understanding of teacher and student needs and connections to Mount Vernon’s mission.
- Represent Mount Vernon at a variety of in-person and/or digital conferences and programs at the district, state, and national levels (approximately 4 times/year)
Qualifications and Requirements:
- Master’s degree in history, museum education, education, curriculum and instruction, communication, or an equally qualifying experience.
- Minimum 3 years experience working in a combination of formal and/or informal education, American history, public history, museum studies, museum education, history, or related fields.
- Knowledge of effective practices in education and history education, legislation and current events in education
- Skilled in written, including editing, and oral, including public speaking, communication; ideally demonstrated in an education or training environment.
- Strong organizational and project management skills; ability to track multiple projects simultaneously and prioritize workload.
- Exceptional interpersonal and relationship building skills in order to collaborate with various stakeholders including scholars, teachers, contractors, students, and teammates.
- A motivated self-starter who displays a high level of ownership, accountability, and initiative.
- Thrives in a collaborative, team based work environment.
- Have experience in using computer software and cloud-based applications including Microsoft Suite and Google Drive, video conferencing platforms, and the ability and self-confidence to troubleshoot technical issues as they arise.
- Ability and flexibility to work non-traditional hours, work remotely in various locations, and travel across the U.S. to plan, host, and facilitate programming.
How to Apply:
Please be prepared to submit a cover letter and resume. Cover letters should specifically address qualifications and/or transferable skills related to the position qualifications and requirements.
Division-Wide Principles:
The Education and Guest Services team is composed of the Interpretation, Historic Trades, Guest Services, and Learning Departments. In sum total this group is comprised of more than 150 full- and part-time staff members who connect Mount Vernon’s mission to a variety of audiences using onsite and offsite programming and physical and digital projects.
A. Exceed audience learning expectations and ensure a level of access in which everyone is welcome. Be friendly, respectful, engaging, and flexible. Always remember that this visit may be their first and only.
B. Encourage a meaningful appreciation of George Washington and the world in which he lived. Ensure that his legacies connect to the world our audiences live in today.
C. Engage yourself in the mission of the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association – take responsibility for your continued development and commit to collaboration. Care for your colleagues and be proud of what we accomplish together.
Benefits:
- 403(b) Retirement plan with employer matching
- Employee recognition at 5 years of service
- Monthly employee events
- Employee referral program
- On-site Library
- Discount on Public Event Tickets
- Discount in the Mount Vernon Shops
- Discount at the Mount Vernon Inn and Food Court Pavilion
- Free parking
- Health, Vision, and Dental insurance
- Short Term Disability, Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance
- Paid leave for Sick Time, Vacation and Holidays
- Flexible spending account for medical care
Mount Vernon is dedicated to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we are committed to building and retaining a team that represents a variety of skills, experiences and perspectives. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements, performance, and qualifications without regard to race, religion or belief, national or ethnic origin, gender/sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital or domestic partnership status, veteran and military status, family or parental status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law. Mount Vernon will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.