Work Preference
Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certificates Affiliations
Knowledge Skills Abilities
Timeline
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Michael Machura
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Michael Machura

Chicago,IL

Work Preference

Job Search Status

Open to work
Desired start date: 2 weeks notice

Desired Job Title

InstructorPublic Programs EducatorScience CommunicatorMuseum Educator

Work Type

Full TimePart TimeContract WorkConsulting

Location Preference

On-SiteHybrid
Location: Chicago, IL
Open to relocation: Yes

Important To Me

Career advancementWork-life balanceCompany CulturePersonal development programs

Summary

Dynamic science educator with extensive experience in program development and community collaboration. Spearheaded a summer program that engaged inner-city teens in energy-efficient technology, fostering environmental awareness. Proven track record in creating inclusive, scientifically-informed learning experiences that resonate with diverse audiences.

Overview

14
14
years of professional experience

Work History

Instructor

After School Matters
Chicago, IL
06.2026 - Current
  • Developed and led a vigorous summer apprenticeship program to introduce 20 inner city teens to state of the art, energy-efficient technology.
  • Mentored students, fostering personal growth and community engagement.
  • Collaborated with community partners to expand program offerings, aligning resources with student needs.

Guest Relations Ambassador

Shedd Aquarium
Chicago, IL
12.2024 - Current
  • Welcomed guests and provided information about exhibits and events.
  • Assisted visitors with inquiries regarding ticketing and membership options.
  • Researched and developed talking points to enhance participatory, guest-driven experiences.
  • Gained expertise in relating animal life-history and conservation programs related to 3 touch habitats and more than 10 exhibit spaces.

Guest Teacher

Leyden School District 212
Franklin Park, IL
10.2024 - Current
  • Led classrooms of 25+ students, facilitated inclusive learning experiences, and managed hallways in a culturally diverse high school.
  • Delivered engaging lessons to diverse student groups in various subjects.
  • Collaborated with teachers to develop instructional materials and lesson plans.

Public Programs Educator

The Field Museum
Chicago, IL
01.2013 - 06.2024
  • Developed and facilitated engaging hands-on learning activities to enhance youth (ages 6-12) participation in science during overnight programs.

Dedicated Building Substitute

Thompson Junior High School
Oswego, IL
10.2022 - 05.2024
  • Executed lesson plans, fostering a positive learning environment for middle school classrooms of 25-30 students, enhancing student engagement and participation.
  • Implemented lesson plans provided by regular teachers effectively and efficiently.
  • Supervised classroom activities and maintained student engagement during lessons.
  • Managed classroom behavior to ensure a positive learning environment for students.

Driving Instructor

Top Driver Driving School
Aurora, IL
07.2022 - 11.2023
  • Coached over 60 new teen drivers in behind-the-wheel and classroom courses, achieving 95% passage rate in Secretary of State-certified driving program.

Guest Engagement Facilitator

Museum of Science & Industry
Chicago, IL
10.2021 - 02.2022
  • Researched, developed, and delivered interpretive programs that enhanced visitor engagement and enriched guest experiences.
  • Collaborated with exhibit teams to create interactive displays and demonstrations that captivated and educated visitors.

Interpretation Coordinator

The Morton Arboretum
Lisle, IL
03.2019 - 09.2020
  • Created tours, signage, and online educational resources to engage public interest in conservation of threatened and endangered trees.

Biological Science Technician

National Park Service
Porter, IN
06.2017 - 12.2017
  • Executed restoration projects with six-person team, revitalizing native habitats at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore.

Summer Coordinator

Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies
Homer, AK
05.2016 - 09.2016
  • Managed daily operations for animal care and led a five-person team at a remote environmental educational field station, ensuring high standards of care and team collaboration.
  • Conducted natural history tours, educating participants on local ecology and conservation topics to enhance their understanding and appreciation of the environment.

Education

Master of Science - Biological Sciences

Binghamton University
Binghamton, NY
01-2003

Bachelor of Arts - Biology

Monmouth College
Monmouth, IL
01-1997

Skills

  • Curriculum design
  • STEM education
  • Digital learning
  • Public engagement
  • Scientific literacy
  • Diversity awareness
  • Classroom engagement
  • Cross-disciplinary collaboration

Certificates Affiliations

  • CPR Certified, Indigo Medical Training, expires 06/2028
  • ISBE, Substitute Teacher certification, 2124019, expires 06/2028
  • National Association for Interpretation, Certified Interpretive Guide, 2019
  • Visiting Researcher, Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand, 2006
  • Secondary School Teacher, The Peace Corps, Tanzania, 1998 - 2000

Knowledge Skills Abilities

  • Aseptic technique
  • OSHA health and safety
  • Microbiology
  • Molecular biology
  • Science education
  • Ecology

Timeline

Instructor

After School Matters
06.2026 - Current

Guest Relations Ambassador

Shedd Aquarium
12.2024 - Current

Guest Teacher

Leyden School District 212
10.2024 - Current

Dedicated Building Substitute

Thompson Junior High School
10.2022 - 05.2024

Driving Instructor

Top Driver Driving School
07.2022 - 11.2023

Guest Engagement Facilitator

Museum of Science & Industry
10.2021 - 02.2022

Interpretation Coordinator

The Morton Arboretum
03.2019 - 09.2020

Biological Science Technician

National Park Service
06.2017 - 12.2017

Summer Coordinator

Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies
05.2016 - 09.2016

Public Programs Educator

The Field Museum
01.2013 - 06.2024

Master of Science - Biological Sciences

Binghamton University

Bachelor of Arts - Biology

Monmouth College

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Michael Machura