Seasonal Educator

Seasonal Educator

The ODC Education Network provides education, training, and support to local school districts in order to implement high quality outdoor education programs. The ODC Network is a nonprofit organization focused on educating children and families about our natural resources and providing educational programming throughout West Michigan.

The Seasonal Educator will provide a high quality, developmentally appropriate nature-based experience for children in elementary who are involved in our school partnerships. The ODC Education Network strongly encourages pre-service teachers and college students to apply as well as certified, retired, or experienced educators and paraprofessionals. You will not be responsible for lesson planning, design, or material sourcing. Your job will be to carry out the experience and enjoy time with kids.

We are looking for support for our partner school's before and after school care programs. Mondays through Fridays from 6:30am-8:30am and/or 3:30pm-6:00pm. We currently have openings at Riley Farms (mornings), Lake Hills (mornings + afternoons), and Duneside (afternoons). Please note you do not need to commit to every day of the week to apply. We have flexibility to work with your schedule!

Teaching or Assisting Teaching:

• Teach lessons that have been prepared by curriculum developers to groups of students
• Assure compliance with all relevant governmental rules and regulations
• Create a safe and nurturing environment for students in our school partnerships
• Collaborate with the site lead to ensure high quality care and safety for students

Creating Community:

• Work collaboratively with the ODC Network Team
• Help maintain high quality physical facilities and spaces
• Provide adequate and appropriate supervision for children at all times that promotes the safety and well being of child participants.

Supervision:

• Provided by Education Network Manager and/or Lead Ambassadors

Desired Education/Experience:

• Experience or college coursework in areas of early childhood or K-12 Education preferred but not required
• Background/experience in nature-based instruction, outdoor education, or personal interests in outdoor activities preferred
• Experience in childcare or after school programming

Other Skills and Abilities Desired:

• Demonstrated interest in elementary children
• Interest in nature and being outdoors
• Willingness to spend a significant amount of time outdoors each day, in most types of weather
• Demonstrated good character, responsibility and suitability to meet the needs of children
• Demonstrated ability to work in a team
• Able to set aside constant demands of personal technology i.e. cell phone or personal device in order to build relationships with students
• Must pass complete background check, including fingerprinting

Physical Demands:

This position requires the following physical activities: pushing, pulling, climbing, walking, standing, squatting, stooping, kneeling, twisting, reaching, sitting, lifting, bending, finger dexterity, grasping, repetitive motions, talking, hearing and visual acuity. The work/teaching is performed indoors and outdoors in most weather conditions.

These job responsibilities represent only the essential and most significant duties of the position. This job description does not exclude other work assignments, directives and responsibilities not mentioned above.