K-12 Education Specialist

“Believe you can, and you’re halfway there.” -Theodore Roosevelt

Since 2014, the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Foundation (TRPLF) has been planning and building a new, ambitious kind of presidential library and museum. Other presidential libraries tell the story of a single individual, but the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library (TRPL) – being built more than a century after T.R.’s death – will do more than preserve history. The TRPL will be a people’s library, bringing Roosevelt’s values and relentless spirit to life at a critical time in our nation and world, while simultaneously championing the stories of all who “dare greatly, think boldly, care deeply, and live passionately.”

The library is currently being constructed in Medora, North Dakota, with a milestone planned for July 4, 2026 – America’s 250th anniversary. Participants at the TRPL will learn from – not just about – Roosevelt’s story, being transformed into the same stunning Badlands that served as the fulcrum in T.R.’s incredible life story.

Guided by the pillar principles of leadership, citizenship, and conservation, the Foundation has partnered with innovative partners – like the award-winning architecture firm, Snøhetta, and the best-in-class story crafters, the Future of Storytelling – to build an institution like no other. With plans to be the most sustainable presidential library and campus ever, a revolutionary approach to interpretive design, and programming that will spread the library’s message into neighboring Theodore Roosevelt National Park and beyond across the globe, the opportunity to join a talented team in building and opening this institution is truly unique.

About the Role

The K-12 Education Specialist designs, implements, and evaluates dynamic, standards-aligned learning experiences that engage K–12 students, educators, and multigenerational community audiences with the Library’s programs, exhibits, and resources. Designed to strengthen and expand youth-focused, in-person programming—particularly high-volume school field trips and long-term school partnerships—this role serves as the Library’s primary expert for K–12 education strategy and delivery. Reporting to the Manager of Public Programs & Education, the Specialist ensures programs align with North Dakota K–12 academic standards across all disciplines, from history to life sciences. The position balances hands-on facilitation, curriculum and resource development, and strategic audience-building while upholding historical rigor and inclusive, culturally responsive teaching practices.

Core Competencies

• Standards-Aligned Instruction & Curriculum Design: Designs engaging, age-appropriate learning experiences aligned to North Dakota standards and the C3 Framework, using clear objectives, assessments, and differentiation
• Facilitation & Inquiry-Based Learning: Leads groups with confidence and warmth, using questioning strategies and object-based learning to support critical thinking and meaningful discussion
• Historical Accuracy & Interpretive Integrity: Ensures all educational content reflects current scholarship and upholds high standards of historical accuracy, intellectual rigor, and mission-aligned interpretation across K–12 programs and educator resources
• Inclusive, Culturally Responsive Practice: Creates welcoming learning environments that honor diverse perspectives and learning needs while maintaining accuracy and respectful interpretation of history
• Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement: Builds strong working relationships with educators, historians, and internal teams to co-create resources, experiences, and sustain long-term school partnerships
• Program Operations & Project Management: Manages scheduling, materials, and on-site logistics with attention to detail and safety, ensuring consistent delivery at scale
• Assessment & Continuous Improvement: Usesdata and feedback to evaluate effectiveness, identify trends, and implement improvements to programs and educator supports

• Digital Learning Tools & Technology Integration: Integrates age-appropriate technology and digital platforms (e.g., virtual learning tools, online resources) to extend learning before and after visits

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and oversee the full portfolio of K–12 educational experiences—including field trips, guided tours, classroom-based activities, outdoor learning opportunities, and facilitated workshops—ensuring all youth programs are developmentally appropriate, mission-aligned, and operationally effective from concept through delivery
• Align all youth programs and educator resources with North Dakota K–12 standards, the C3 Framework, and best practices in museum-based, inquiry-driven learning
• Lead youth and educator engagement strategy, building and sustaining relationships with schools and community partners to grow K–12 audiences
• Collaborate with historians, educators, curriculum developers, and internal teams to develop accurate, pedagogically effective educational content and experiences connected to Library’s mission and values
• Collect and analyze program data and participant feedback to evaluate effectiveness, refine curricula, and improve the overall learning experience
• Contribute to departmental and cross-museum initiatives by mentoring student educators, collaborating on outreach and communications, and representing the Library at education and museum conferences
• Plan and deliver professional development for educators (workshops, webinars, and classroom-aligned resources) that supports effective use of Library materials in instruction
• Support multigenerational and family learning initiatives that encourage shared discovery, accessibility, and repeat visitation
• Coordinate program logistics, including scheduling, site visits, materials preparation, accessibility needs, and on-site event support
• Manage ordering, inventory, and organization of educational supplies and learning materials to ensure readiness for high-volume programming

Outcomes

• Deliver high-quality, inquiry-based tours, programs, and experiences that receive consistently positive feedback from educators and students
• Maintain a published suite of standards-aligned lesson plans and educator resources that connect Library content to classroom instruction
• Increase participation from K–12 audiences through sustained outreach and strengthened school and district partnerships
• Deliver educator professional development that improves teacher confidence in regularly using primary sources and Library resources in standards-based instruction
• Implement repeatable program logistics that support efficient scheduling, smooth on-site experiences, and reliable capacity for high-volume school visits
• Sustain well-organized learning materials and accurate inventory levels that minimize last-minute purchasing and program disruptions
• Use evaluation data to make documented, continuous improvements to program content, facilitation approaches, and educator supports
• Ensure youth programs reflect inclusive, culturally responsive teaching practices and maintain historical rigor across topics and grade bands
• Increase the Library’s visibility and credibility with educators through conference participation, partner engagement, and strong cross-departmental collaboration

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Regularly supervises small and large groups of K–12 students during educational programming in accordance with safety and engagement best practices
• May provide day-to-day guidance, training, or task supervision to interns, volunteers, student educators, or temporary program staff as assigned
• May assume direct supervisory responsibilities in the future as the Public Programs & Education team grows

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Education or in a science or humanities discipline (e.g., agriculture, biology, environmental science, geology, history, political science, history, English, or related fields); Master’s degree a plus
• Minimum of 3 years of experience designing and facilitating standards-aligned education for K–12 audiences in classroom preferred; museum, library, outdoor, or cultural institution settings also accepted
• Demonstrated experience aligning curriculum, tours, or instructional resources to state or national academic standards (e.g., North Dakota Standards, C3 Framework, NGSS, Common Core)
• Strong working knowledge of inquiry-based learning strategies, object-based interpretation, and developmentally appropriate instructional practices across grade bands
• Experience leading student groups in structured learning environments and managing program logistics for high-volume youth engagement preferred
• Experience developing educator-facing resources, lesson plans, or professional development workshops a plus
• Familiarity with digital learning platforms or virtual instruction tools strongly preferred
• Current or prior teaching licensure (any state) a plus

Requirements

• Role is based on-site at the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in Medora, North Dakota, with regular movement between classrooms, outdoor program areas, and event spaces
• Position requires the ability to lift and transport educational materials and program supplies (up to 30 lbs.), as well as set up and break down program spaces and equipment
• Frequent standing, walking, and facilitating programs in indoor and outdoor environments, sometimes in variable weather conditions
• Occasional travel required to support off-site school programs, educator workshops, and outreach initiatives across North Dakota and the surrounding region (including South Dakota, Minnesota, and Montana)
• Some evening and weekend hours required to support school schedules, public programs, and educator professional development opportunities
• Must be willing to adhere to sustainable workplace practices—including waste reduction, recycling, and energy-conscious use of materials and equipment—in alignment with TRPL’s sustainability goals and facility certifications

Full benefits include 403(b), medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability, as well as 20 days of paid time off and 10 days of holidays. Salary ranges between $52,000 to $67,000, commensurate with experience.

The Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library is committed to creating a welcoming, inclusive, and accessible environment. If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete your application, participate in an interview, or otherwise navigate our hiring process, please email careers at trlibrary.com. Our team will connect with you to explore the best way to support your experience. Our team will connect with you to explore the best way to support your experience.