Temporary Community Adventure Program
Job Description
Position: Community Adventure Program Instructor
Organization: Cottonwood Institute http://www.cottonwoodinstitute.org/
Location: Denver, CO and Boulder, CO
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 underserved students to the outdoors and empower them to take action to improve their schools, their communities, and the environment for future generations. CI runs programs in the Boulder and Denver areas and trips throughout the Colorado Front Range.
Description:
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 Community Adventure Program (CAP) Instructor will teach CAP at KIPP Montbello in Northeast Denver. CAP blends service learning, environmental education, and outdoor education. The individual will receive full support in how to successfully implement the CAP curriculum. The position location is split between KIPP Montbello (most visited), New Vista High School in Boulder where gear is stored, and the CI office at the Alliance Center in Downtown Denver.
Qualifications
● Must be 21 years or older.
● A minimum of two years experience leading, instructing, or teaching high school students in the outdoors and/or the classroom.
● Experience working in under resourced urban neighborhoods.
● Passion for connecting with teenage students and empowering change.
● Knowledge of local environmental issues and ability to teach multiple aspects of issues to teens.
● 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.
● Experience facilitating project-based and/or service-learning curriculum with teens.
● Familiar with classroom management tools and techniques.
● Current Wilderness First Aid (WFA) certification or willingness to acquire WFA Training within 3 months of hire.
● Experience camping and/or hiking and willingness to take on outdoor challenges.
Preferred Qualifications
● Bilingual: Spanish and English speaking and writing is highly valued.
● Experience living and/or working in Northeast Denver area.
● Valid drivers license, good driving record, and competency driving 15 passenger vans.
● Reliable transportation.
● Classroom teaching experience.
● Experience leading teenage students in the outdoors.
● College degree in pertinent field.
● Current certification as a Wilderness First Responder and in CPR.
Responsibilities and Expectations:
● Teach Community Adventure Program (CAP) at KIPP Montbello. 2-3 times per week for 2 classes (specific schedule will vary). January through June 2016.
● Begin training in advance of scheduled course, TBA early winter of 2015.
● 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.
– 2 Overnight Trip dates to be determined with school schedule: 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 Staff, Co-Instructors, and Partner Organizations (mainly KIPP Montbello).
● Conduct yourself in a professional manner at all times.
● Attend annual Cottonwood Institute Instructor Training.
● 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 6 month independent contractor position. Weekly hours will vary around 8-10 hours per week depending on school schedule. Compensation will be based on experience and paid monthly for the contract.
Preferred Start Date: Position information and education starts in late November and/or early December. Teaching starts January 5th.