Yosemite

Educator Development Program Participant

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NatureBridge is committed to supporting equity, inclusion and diversity, as well as promoting equal opportunity in the field of environmental education. Our mission is to connect young people to the wonder and science of the natural world, igniting self-discovery and inspiring stewardship of our planet. The Educator Development Program (EDP) encourages and aims to increase the representation of those who have had historical and systemic barriers to the field of outdoor education and consequently the workforce.

NatureBridge is offering a seven-week EDP for educators who are seeking to increase their experience with outdoor teaching and risk management. The EDP runs from June 11 – July 31, 2020, plus an additional 10 days for Wilderness First Responder Training (WFR). Six applicants will be selected to participate in the program which includes training, collaborative teaching, coaching and evaluation.

We are recruiting staff who can effectively connect with our student communities, and are therefore seeking individuals with experience and skills working with the following populations: racial and ethnic minority groups, English Language Learners, urban youth, low-income communities, immigrant communities, LGBTQ communities, people with special needs, and other groups that may be under-represented in the field of environmental education.

The core training sessions will take place at NatureBridge in Yosemite over the first four weeks; the collaborative teaching will happen in both Yosemite and at our Golden Gate Campus in Sausalito, CA. The WFR training will take place in one of a variety of locations, based on availability.

Participants who meet performance expectations may be offered Environmental Science Educator positions at a NatureBridge campus for the 2020-21 school year, or as positions become available.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities #

  • Actively participate in all training sessions
  • Collaboratively plan and teach three to five-day outdoor education programs incorporating skills and
  • practices learned in training
  • Co-lead night walks, reflective activities and campfires
  • Debrief teaching experiences and observations with collaborating teachers/supervisors and use
  • the knowledge gained to enhance teaching techniques
  • Develop and maintain a safe learning environment for all participants at all times
  • Plan, prepare and participate in a three-day backpacking trip with other participants and staff

Requirements #

  • Bachelor’s degree or the equivalent experience
  • Eligibility to work in the United States
  • At least one year experience working with diverse ages and cultures in schools, camps, parks, community programs, etc.
  • Sound decision making skills
  • Effective communication, problem solving and interpersonal skills
  • Commitment to equity, inclusion and diversity within your teaching and our community
  • Willingness to be coached and openness to feedback
  • Ability to hike three to seven miles a day carrying a twenty pound pack on varied terrain in all sorts of weather at a two miles per hour pace
  • Willingness to work flexible hours, including occasional evenings and weekends
  • Willingness to participate in and obtain Wilderness First Responder and CPR certification

Desirable Qualifications #

  • Experience working with racial and ethnic minority groups, English Language Learners, urban youth, low-income communities, immigrant communities, LGBTQ communities, people with special needs, and other groups that are underrepresented in the field of environmental education
  • Involvement in community service projects, leadership, social and environmental justice and activism
  • Experience working with youth in environmental education, science education or residential outdoor education programs
  • Ability to speak and teach in a language other than English relevant to our student populations such as Spanish, Chinese, Tagalog and Vietnamese in California; Spanish, Russian, Vietnamese and Somali in Washington; Spanish, French, Amharic/Ethiopian and German in the Mid-Atlantic region

Additional Information #

  • Participants earn $80.00/day ($10 per time unit worked)
  • Shared housing is provided throughout the course of the program

Application Materials #

  • Be sure your application materials represent how you meet the qualifications listed in this job description
  • Apply online via the link on the Educator Development Program page of the NatureBridge website (www.naturebridge.org)
  • Alternatively, submit a cover letter, resume, contact information for three references, and an essay describing your life experiences that have inspired you to help connect youth to the natural world (essays should be a maximum of 1500 words)
  • Articulate in your cover letter the following:
    • What draws you to the Educator Development Program? What do you hope to gain from the program? (300 words maximum)
    • What skills, perspectives and knowledge will you share with other EDP participants and staff? (300 words maximum)
    • What other personal or professional experiences make you a strong candidate for EDP? (300 words maximum)
    • How many months experience do you have working with diverse ages and cultures in schools, camps, parks, community programs, etc.?
    • With which schools, camps, organizations, agencies or situations did you gain this experience?
    • With which student populations do you have the most experience working?
    • Should you be offered an educator position after successful completion of EDP, at which NatureBridge campus would you most like to work? What draws you to teaching at your first-choice campus?
    • Which NatureBridge campus would be your second choice? What draws you to teaching at your second-choice campus?
  • Email application materials to klaizer@natureridge.org
  • Application materials may alternatively be sent to NatureBridge-EDP, PO Box 487, Yosemite, CA 95389
  • Faxes may be sent to 209-379-9510, attention Kim Laizer-EDP
  • Contact Kim Laizer with questions at 209-372-9302 x28
  • Application materials are due by March 1, 2020