Learning Specialist Assistant

The Van Andel Institute (VAI) is seeking to hire a

Part time Learning Specialist Assistant.

So many of us have had personal experience with the devastation diseases such as cancer and Parkinson’s bring to individuals, to families and to hope itself. Van Andel Institute is a nonprofit biomedical research and science education institute with a mission to find what causes disease and to translate those discoveries into therapeutic solutions that conquer illness and enhance lives.

Through cutting-edge biomedical research, inspired scientific education and relentless commitment, VAI is unleashing innovations that will improve health and enhance lives for generations to come.

With employees from nearly 30 countries, there are plenty of opportunities to meet people from various cultural, educational and employment backgrounds. VAI fosters a diverse and collaborative environment. Ample natural light and open spaces foster dialogue and innovation.

Teaching Assistant (Part Time)

About Van Andel Institute for K-12 Education

Van Andel Institute for K-12 Education (VAI: K-12) 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 in grades K-12 as well as innovative teaching resources and practical professional development that enable teachers to bolster their instruction with authentic learning experiences that are memorable, meaningful, and fun!

Job Summary

As a Teaching Assistant, you will support the preparation for and delivery of innovative lessons and activities for K-12 students. You’ll work as part of an experienced team to ensure VAI offers the best-in-class student instruction.

Responsibilities

●Support the Learning Specialist during the instruction of student programming

●Organize instructional materials and set up teaching environments to facilitate innovative instruction

●Maintain equipment and supplies used in educational programming

●Work directly with students in large and small groups

●Share ideas to assist in the development of student learning experiences

● Work independently and collaboratively to ensure content supports VAI’s mission to create classrooms where curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking thrive, while making the world a better place

●All other duties as assigned

Who We Are Looking for:

• You love working with kids. You recognize the significance of actively involving students in their educational journey, and you are driven to inspire them to aspire for greater achievements.
• You have a desire to learn. You actively seek feedback and pursue opportunities for growth and improvement on your educational path.
• You are a creative thinker. You are willing to think outside the box and contribute ideas to help enhance learning experiences for our students.
• You are dependable. You consistently exhibit punctuality, reliability, self-motivation, drive, and the capability to work independently.
• You work well with others. You take pleasure in fostering collaboration and readily offer support to teammates in need, emphasizing a strong sense of teamwork.

Qualifications

• A High School diploma or GED
• Relevant experience in providing structured support to students, such as babysitting, coaching, camp counseling, and similar roles.
• Authentic passion for education, science, and the well-being of students.

About Grand Rapids, MI

Van Andel Institute is in downtown in the center of the . A remarkable combination of a cosmopolitan atmosphere and small-town warmth, is known for its philanthropic and sustainability-driven community. It’s fun affordable and family-friendly.

Located on the banks of the Grand River, offers all the big-city excitement you'd expect from a million-resident metropolis, featuring hundreds of restaurants and nightspots, theatres, museums, sports and concerts. The safe and clean downtown is surrounded by an eclectic mix of walkable neighborhoods and natural areas.