Job Description

Job Title: Instructor, Outdoor Wilderness Laboratory (OWL) Program

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Pay Range: CH 08 (No Degree) $19.39 - $21.64 /CH14 (AA Degree or Higher) $25.04 - $27.88

Work Year:  Variable

VISION: To Engage, Equip, and Empower Each and Every Student, Each and Every Day .

SUMMARY : Operating under the general direction of the Gateway School Principal this position functions as an Instructor for the District’s Outdoor Wilderness Laboratory (OWL) Classroom activities and programming. This role implements current standards and best practices bringing outdoor experiential learning to our students. Instructors work directly with the OWL Lead Teacher, other D51 Teachers, OWL support staff and volunteers to build a collaborative and robust experiential learning support network for students. In addition, this role may work with student’s primary teachers, school sites, and others as they bring OWL programming into their classroom(s). As a new program to the District this employee holds an expectation to support a collaborative network that can assist in providing experiential academic supports and requires on-going research and skill building to bring innovative solutions and effective methods to ensure the program’s success.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES : To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPORTS & DELIVERIES :

The Outdoor Wilderness Laboratory Instructor holds an expectation to utilize a solution oriented stance implementing a comprehensive district-wide strategic plan students in the areas of experiential learning and social emotional learning. Lessons are often conducted as a part of an instructional team and employee must work effectively as part of the OWL team.

Located at the Gateway School complex this OWL Instructor role is responsible for:

• Collaborating with other OWL instructors, guest instructors, and high school student counselors to provide program instruction including;
  • Lesson plans that including pre- and post-outdoor school lessons, etc.,
  • Presenting science and related subject matter using best instructional practices
  • Implementation and best practices for using field journals,
  • Continuously monitoring relevant student learning,
• Ensuring that all lessons are aligned with the D51 Learning Model, including the Teaching and Learning and Social Emotional Learning Frameworks;
• Participating in as requested, D51 teacher meetings at alternative locations promoting the OWL program purposes and facilitating school registration;
• Working collaboratively with a network of guest instructors and presenters that can help provide experiential and academic supports;
• Assisting in the training and development of expectations of OWL high school student counselors;
• Using as providing operational manuals for high school student counselors and on site instructors;
• Participating in and supporting camp volunteers including training as needed;

OPERATIONAL AND LOGISTICAL DUTIES:

Assisting the Lead Teacher in implementing an exhaustive agenda of Program logistics is a part of the OWL Instructor’s daily role. This employee is assisting the Teacher putting into practice instructional programming simultaneously with operational protocols.

Collaborating on-site with the Lead Teacher to ensure efficient and safe daily operations this role must support operational steps such as:

*Assisting with the Check-in/Departure process *Overnight & Sleeping Supervision *Serving and Clean-up of Evening Meals *Supervising Students’ Custodial Tent Duties *Understanding & Implementing Medical Protocols *Maintaining Campus Communication Protocols (radios, cell phones, etc.). *Maintaining Hiking and Outdoor Activities Protocols

SAFETY AND RISK MANAGEMENT :

The logistics and geographical location of the OWL Program require an added element of safety and risk management due diligence for Instructors. This employee must be aware of primary and contingency safety plans while implementing appropriate risk-management systems and procedures. Other safety related responsibilities include participating in annual First Aide and Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation training and follows the districts medical policies for safety and security protocols.

STAFF SUPERVISION AND DEVELOPMENT :

This position currently has no direct staff supervisory duties however, is still considered an instructional leader for Camp Counselors and promotes the District efforts to ensure:

· Student success as the primary focus;

· And intertwines the applied principles of collaborative adult learning;

Note: While not a direct supervisor, instructors hold considerable influence regarding the development of students and other OWL staff. Employee works to:

· Assist leadership in providing crucial information regarding best practice(s) for the OWL Program and learning needs,

· Participate in meetings with responsibilities to remain up to date on current science research, trends, and learning practices.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Note: The Salary range for this position is dual graded based solely on verified education of Associates Degree or higher:

CH08 = Non-degreed OWL Teacher/Instructor

CH14 = Verified Associates degree (AA) or higher = Degreed OWL Teacher/Instructor

• Minimum of two years’ experience working with and/or coaching students K-6 especially with Exploratory/Experiential Learning experiences;
• Preference given for knowledge of and/or experience working with Project-Based Learning and STEM,
• Attend and successfully complete all staff development training as required by state law or as directed by their Supervisor.

* ( Acceptable education and experience equivalent will be at the sole discretion of the District )

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS or CERTIFICATIONS :

· Criminal Background check required for hire;

· Valid Colorado driver’s license or valid Colorado Identification required.

· District’s Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), First-Aid, and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) training is required/provided for this position.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE & ABILITIES :

Community Awareness – The OWL instructor should bring a basic knowledge of local cultural and educational diversity as it relates to understanding student learning, and alternative and innovative teaching. This position is responsible for supporting and understanding the District’s Learning Model, and Alternative Campus Education philosophies and how to foster success for all students regardless of gender, race, or ability.

Legal Knowledge Base – OWL Instructors also hold an expectation to possess a working knowledge of and promote and enact federal, state, and District education policies, standards, and procedures as outlined in the:

• Every Student Succeeds Act - Title I, Title II, Title III (ESSA 2015),
• Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA, 2004),
• Title VI of the Civil Rights Act (1964),
• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA, 1974) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act,
• Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, (FERPA 1974, 2016),

Other Skills and Awareness – This role must also possess basic skills that include:

• Exceptional oral and written communication skills with consultive abilities;
• Exceptional English oral and presentation skills including consultive abilities; preference for bi-lingual Spanish;
• Well-developed knowledge base and proven research skills/experience, ability to interpret data, and lead explorative conversations;
• Well-developed writing, organizational, scheduling, report writing and record keeping skills;
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and frequent interruptions in a timely manner;
• Ability to maintain confidentiality in all aspects of the job; especially as related to student issues;
• Ability to be adaptable and flexible with collaborative critical thinking and problem solving capabilities;
• Ability to use de-escalation skills to diffuse and manage stressful and fluid situations;
• Well –developed Ability to promote and follow Board of Education policies, building and department procedures;
• Ability to lead, communicate, interact and work effectively and cooperatively with people from diverse ethnic and educational backgrounds;
• Ability to recognize the importance of safety in the workplace, follow safety rules, practice safe work habits, utilize appropriate safety equipment and report unsafe conditions to the appropriate

MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT OPERATING KNOWLEDGE :

• Operating knowledge of and experience with personal computers and peripherals;
• Operating knowledge of and experience with typical office equipment, such as telephones, copier, fax machine, ;
• Operating knowledge of and experience with software programs for word processing, spreadsheets, and email;

HOW TO APPLY

Apply directly through the  Mesa County Valley School District 51website or visit the  Outdoor Wilderness Lab website to learn more about our program. If you have any questions, please contact Greg Weckenbrock, Lead Teacher at  greg.weckenbrock@d51schools.org or Mark Allen, Principal at  mark.allen@d51schools.org .

Why work here

Working at OWL provides you with the opportunity to be a member of our dynamic, dedicated team that fosters social-emotional development and experiential science learning in 6th graders in organic outdoor classrooms. As a part of OWL, you will contribute to a valuable mission and jumpstart your career in outdoor education.

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