Illinois Teaching Resource Reviewer

The Illinois Teaching Resource Reviewer at SubjectToClimate is responsible for sourcing and evaluating climate change teaching resources specifically tailored for Illinois schools. This involves identifying new resources, categorizing them based on grade level and subject, and crafting practical teaching tips to aid K-12 educators in implementing those resources effectively in classrooms. The role also involves collaboration with the Content Management team to ensure that all resources are accurately categorized and of high quality.

Candidates applying for the Illinois Teaching Resource Reviewer position at SubjectToClimate must currently be a teacher and reside in either Grundy County or Will County, Illinois. Additionally, excellent writing skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently are essential qualifications. The role requires a commitment of approximately 10 hours per week from March to June 2025, making it vital for applicants to have the necessary availability.

In the Illinois Teaching Resource Reviewer role at SubjectToClimate, collaboration with the Content Management team is key to maintaining the accuracy and quality of teaching resources. The Reviewer will work closely with team members to categorize new resources effectively, ensure alignment with educational standards, and produce high-quality teaching tips that support classroom implementation. This collaborative effort helps to create a more robust and accessible resource library for educators.

The Illinois Teaching Resource Reviewer position at SubjectToClimate offers a flat stipend of $5,000 for the work completed during the duration of the project. This stipend will be paid in one lump sum from the Environmental Education Association of Illinois after the project is finished in June 2025. This compensation reflects the value placed on the contributions that the Reviewer will make towards enhancing climate change education in K-12 classrooms.

The work schedule for the Illinois Teaching Resource Reviewer at SubjectToClimate is quite flexible. The Reviewer is expected to dedicate approximately 10 hours per week to resource evaluation and support tasks from March to June 2025. While the exact timing of those hours can be tailored to fit within the Reviewer's schedule, attendance at Working Committee meetings and occasional participation in Advisory Committee meetings is required to ensure effective collaboration within the team.

When answering this question, highlight specific experiences where you've identified, evaluated, or categorized educational resources, particularly in your teaching context. Mention the criteria you used to evaluate resources and how you've implemented these in your classrooms or shared them with fellow teachers.

In your response, discuss your familiarity with Illinois educational standards and how you apply them during the resource evaluation process. You might want to give examples of previous resources you’ve assessed and how you confirmed their alignment with both curriculum needs and educational guidelines.

Share your approach to writing teaching tips, focusing on clarity and practicality. Explain how you would take into account the diverse backgrounds of educators and their varying levels of familiarity with climate change topics, ensuring your tips are accessible and supportive of classroom application.

It’s important to convey how you view feedback as a valuable part of your professional growth. Discuss a specific instance where you received feedback, detailing how you implemented changes to improve your work and how this process positively impacted the resources or lesson plans.

Share your time management strategies, such as setting clear priorities, using digital tools for scheduling, and allocating specific hours each week for project tasks. Emphasize how effective time management has helped you meet deadlines and deliver quality work while maintaining flexibility.

Reflect on a specific project where teamwork was essential. Describe your role, the objectives of the collaboration, and how your input contributed to achieving shared goals. Highlighting your communication skills and ability to work harmoniously with others will demonstrate your suitability for the role.

Discuss challenges such as varying levels of teacher preparedness, student engagement, or preconceived notions about climate change. Be sure to showcase your readiness to tackle these challenges through innovative solutions and support for educators.

Mention specific digital tools, lesson plans, or interactive resources that you’ve found helpful. Discuss the reasons behind their effectiveness in enhancing student understanding of climate change and how you’ve used them in your teaching.

Explain your methods for categorizing educational resources, such as understanding the developmental needs of different age groups, using curriculum frameworks, and being mindful of varying subject areas. Providing a structured approach will demonstrate your organization and strategic thinking.

Express your genuine passion for education and the importance of climate action. Share personal anecdotes or experiences that highlight your commitment to climate change education and how this role aligns with your values and aspirations.