Living History Educator

Living History Educator

Part Time  | 5-10 Hours per Week @ $15/hour

Hours: Wednesday 8:30 am-1:30 pm 9 week Program | With optional Field Trip Hours 

March-April and September-November 

Schedule:
Wednesdays, 8:30 AM–1:30 PM (staff time)
Students attend from 9:00 AM–1:00 PM
9-week sessions offered in March–April and again in September–October

Monday-Friday of Walker Farm Pioneer Days (Week before Thanksgiving) 

Additional Opportunities:

Optional field trips and special programming on other days of the week

Organization

Founded in 1944 by Pulitzer Prize nominated author and naturalist, Robert Sparks Walker, the Chattanooga Audubon Society is the area's oldest conservancy organization and works to preserve Chattanooga's natural and historical treasures.  CAS protects over 460 acres of habitat across Hamilton County and provides educational programs for students of all ages including field trips, weekend programs, summer camps, and festivals.  

Position Overview

Audubon Acres is seeking a knowledgeable and engaging History Program Teacher to lead a nine-week, once-a-week history program focused on life in the 1800s. This program emphasizes hands-on learning through traditional skills, daily life activities, and historical interpretation. Students will also learn how to serve as historical interpreters and will volunteer during our Walker Farm Pioneer Days event in November. 

This position is ideal for an educator, artisan, or living historian who enjoys teaching through demonstration and immersive experiences.

Position Requirements

Experience with one or more of the following:

 

Fiber arts (spinning wool, weaving, sewing)

 

Woodworking

 

Blacksmithing

 

Natural dyeing

 

Soap making

 

Cast iron or historic cooking

 

Knowledge of 1800s daily life and material culture

 

Experience teaching children in either a formal or informal setting

 

Living history or museum interpretation experience is a plus

Comfortable working outdoors and in historic settings

 

Ability to manage a group of students for extended periods

 

Commitment to a full 9-week session

 

Availability to support student participation in Walker Farm Pioneer Days in November, including possibly running a demonstration during that 5-day event.

Responsibilities

Lead a weekly 4-hour, hands-on history class focused on 1800s life

 

Teach traditional skills such as fiber arts, woodworking, blacksmithing, natural dyeing, soap making, and/or cast iron cooking

 

Incorporate skills such as spinning wool and sewing

 

Teach students historical interpretation skills, including public speaking, demonstration, and explaining daily life in the 1800s

 

Prepare students to volunteer and interpret during the November Pioneer Day event

 

Supervise students and ensure a safe, engaging learning environment

 

Collaborate with Audubon Acres staff to support program goals and seasonal planning

Additional Opportunities

Lead or assist with history-focused field trips during the week

 

Participate in seasonal events, demonstrations, or extended programming

Curriculum & Instruction

Most of the core curriculum for the program is already developed and provided. The teacher will be responsible for implementing the curriculum while also having room to be creative, adapt lessons to student interests, and incorporate their own skills, knowledge, and interpretive style into the classroom. Flexibility, creativity, and a hands-on approach are encouraged.