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17 Nov 2016

Temporary Community Adventure Program Instructor

Cottonwood Institute – Posted by [email protected] Denver, Colorado, United States

Job Description

Cottonwood Institute (CI) is a 501(c)3 non-profit that provides environmental education and service learning programs for middle and high school students. Our mission is to connect students to the natural world and empower them to ignite change in their schools and communities. CI runs programs in the Boulder/Denver area and trips across the Front Range.

Cottonwood Institute is looking for an inspiring and passionate educator and well-rounded outdoor professional who can learn quickly, teach with integrity and work autonomously. The CAP Instructor will teach the Community Adventure Program (CAP) at one of a number of schools in Denver (see specific openings below). CAP blends service learning, environmental education, and outdoor education. The individual will receive full training in how to successfully implement the CAP curriculum. The position location is split between the school we are partnering with (85%), Simply Storage in Arvada where gear is stored (10%), and the CI office at the Alliance Center in Downtown Denver (5%).

Qualifications
● Must be 21 years or older.
● College degree (preferably in pertinent field) or pertinent life experience.
● A minimum of two years experience leading, instructing, or teaching in the outdoors and/or the classroom.
● Classroom teaching experience.
● Experience working in under resourced urban neighborhoods.
● Passion for connecting with teenage students and empowering change.
● Willingness to be flexible to changing conditions and program demands.
● Outstanding people skills; ability to work well with adults and teens.
● Excellent written and verbal skills.
● Knowledge of local environmental issues, civic action, and ability to teach multiple aspects of issues to teens.
● Experience facilitating project-based and/or service-learning curriculum with teens.
● Excellent classroom management tools and techniques.
● Experience camping and/or hiking and willingness to take on outdoor challenges.
● Available to teach August-June (with school breaks off) and attend weekend trips to fulfill the contract.

Preferred Qualifications
● Current certification as a Wilderness First Responder and in CPR
● Spanish speaking.
● Valid drivers license, good driving record, and competency driving 15 passenger vans.
● Reliable transportation.
● Experience leading teenage students in the outdoors.
● Strong preference for teachers living in and/or familiar with the neighborhoods in which schools are located.

Responsibilities and Expectations:
● Teach Community Adventure Program (CAP) at selected school. Specific schedule will vary.
● Begin training in advance of scheduled course August 1-2 and TBA for individual schools.
● Facilitate amazing student led projects focused on positively addressing local environmental issues.
● CAP requires classroom-based and camping trip components. Responsibilities include:
○ Create a physically and emotionally safe space.
○ Record experiences with pictures, video, and participant quotes.
○ Meet course educational goals and objectives.
○ Lesson planning, sometimes in collaboration with on-site teacher.
○ CAP Class Progression: Facilitate teambuilding activities; lead local outings; teach students about local environmental issues; guide students through an environmental action project.
○ Overnight Trip dates depend on season and class: Provide in-class guidance for students; help facilitate a positive overnight camping trip with a co-instructor; Facilitate a reflection with students to connect trip to class.
● Clearly communicate with CI Administration, Co-Instructors, and Partner Organizations.
● Conduct yourself in a professional manner at all times.
● Attend annual Cottonwood Institute Instructor Training (when appropriate).
● Oversee the overall risk management during programming activities and be responsible for the safety of all participants and volunteers.
● Follow CI Emergency Action Plan and Risk Management protocol identified in CI Risk Management Plan.

Compensation: This is a temporary independent contract. Compensation will be based on experience and paid monthly for the contract. Teaching starts at $20/hour.

Contracts Available for 2017-18 School Year:

• STRIVE Prep – RISE, 18250 E 51st Ave, Denver, CO 80249
o Schedule: 5x/week MWThF 1:48-2:36 and Tuesdays 12-12:35 (contract is for up to 8hrs/week)
o Starts August 14, 2017
o Ends June 1st, 2018

• AXL Academy, 14100 E Jewell Ave, Aurora, CO 80012
o Schedule: Trimester scheduling (CAP will be taught three times throughout the school year)
o Starts August, 2017
o Ends June 1st, 2018

• STRIVE Prep – Sunnyside, 4735 Pecos Street Denver, CO 80211
o Schedule: Tuesday and Thursday 4:15-5:15 p.m. (contract is for up to 4 hrs/week)
o Starts September 5th, 2017
o Ends December 21, 2017

• STRIVE Prep – Westwood, 3201 West Arizona Ave, Denver 80219
o Schedule: Monday and Wednesday 4:15-5:15 p.m. (contract is for up to 4 hrs/week)
o Starts January, 2018
o Ends May, 2018

How to Apply

To Apply: Send cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references to [email protected] by July 5, 2017

Job Categories: Philanthropy. Job Types: Temporary. Job Tags: outdoor education and service learning.

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