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 the Denver Green School (DGS) in Southeast Denver with opportunity to take on additional contracts at other schools. CAP blends service learning, environmental education, and outdoor education. At DGS CAP will be implemented with 7th and 8th graders from 8-9 a.m. Monday – Thursday throughout the school year. The contracted instructor will receive full support in how to successfully implement the CAP curriculum. The position location is primarily at the Denver Green School (6700 E Virginia Ave, Denver) with some time required at 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.
• Availability 8-9 a.m. Monday-Thrusday during the school year.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bilingual: Spanish and English speaking and writing is highly valued.
• Experience living and/or working in Southeast Denver area.
• Preference for Denver-based applicants.
• Valid drivers license, good driving record, and competency driving 15 passenger vans.
• Reliable transportation.
• Classroom teaching experience
• Experience leading diverse teenage students in the outdoors.
• College degree in pertinent field.
• Current certification as a Wilderness Firs Responder and in CPR.

Responsibilities and Expectations:

• Teach Community Adventure Program (CAP) at Denver Green School 4 times per week September through June 2016 (with school breaks).
• Lead 2 overnight field trips for the class each semester with co-leader.
• Begin training and introductions in advance of scheduled course, August 1st, 2016.
• 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.
  • Work within and elaborate on CI’s mission and inclusivity goals.
  • 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 DGS).
• Conduct yourself in a professional manner at all times.
• Attend annual Cottonwood Institute Instructor Training and PD throughout the year.
• Oversee the overall risk management during programming activities and be responsible for the safety of all participants and volunteers.

Compensation: This is a temporary 10 month independent contract. Weekly hours will vary around 8-10 hours per week depending on school schedule. Compensation will be based on experience ($15-$20/hr) and paid monthly for the contract.

Preferred Start Date: Contract information and education starts as soon as possible. Teaching starts August 22nd, 2016.