North Cascades Institute’s mission is to inspire environmental stewardship through transformative learning experiences in nature. Since 1986, we have helped connect people, nature and community through science, art, literature and the hands-on study of natural and cultural history. Our goal is to help people of all ages and backgrounds experience and enjoy the mountains, rivers, forests, people and wildlife of the Pacific Northwest – so all will care for and protect this special place.

The Program Instructor position participating in the Blaine and Mount Baker Connections program will provide in-person instructional support for Blaine (K-2nd grade) and Mount Baker (6th grade) Public School students. The position will be the lead teacher for a group of 8-9 students and will provide outdoor education experiences as well as helping the Mount Baker 6th graders navigate 30 minutes of online learning each afternoon. This program runs on Wednesdays at Kendall Elementary School (Mount Baker) and Fridays at the Birch Bay Bible Church (Blaine). The position will work an average of 22 hours per week.

The Connections program is a collaboration of community partners to provide supported academic learning, childcare, food, and social and emotional learning to those students in the district unable to access traditional child care in fall of 2020. The Connections program aims to mitigate barriers to accessing learning for district’s most vulnerable youth, targeting the 10% furthest from opportunity, by providing childcare, meaningful interaction with peers and trusted adults, breakfast and lunch, and academic support. The long term vision of the program is to build capacity for students to succeed at home in a remote learning environment. The main partners are Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association, Camp Saturna and Whatcom Conservation District.

This is what a “typical” day looks like: You will start with your pod of 8-9 students eating a school provided breakfast outside, weather permitting. There will be a school district employee, a paraeducator, assisting all day with each pod. The rest of the day, besides in Mount Baker where the day ends with 30 minutes of online learning, will be working with kids outdoors as much as possible – kids leave for home around 2:30 and the day ends with a debrief. This position will be the lead instructor for outdoor activities, some days there may be special guests providing some additional instruction.

This position is based at the Birch Bay Bible Church and Kendall Elementary School. This position will work approximately 22 hours/week on Wednesdays and Fridays. Each day lasts approximately 8 hours, the remaining 6 hours each week are used to prepare curriculum, debrief meetings, etc. The tentative program dates are February 9 – May 28, 2021 and the first two days are orientation and training on February 9 and 10, 2021. The program with students will start the following week.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide full day learning support for a ‘pod’ of 8-9 students, which includes:
• Providing technical support, with assistance from a school district employee, to connect students to online learning facilitated by their teachers.
• Being the lead instructor for the outdoor portion of the day.
• Engage in age appropriate behavior management by modeling desired behaviors, creating individual connections with students and using positive reinforcement.  
• Ensure compliance with COVID-19 safety protocols outlined during staff training.
• Practice effective risk management at all times, creating a safe learning experience for all. 
• Maintain clear, responsive, honest, and respectful communications with students and staff
• Share successes and concerns with the on-site program coordinator.
• Support equity initiatives at North Cascades Institute and actively contribute to NCI as a community of belonging that is welcoming and accessible to everyone. Develop a personal equity, diversity, and inclusion related goal(s) and track progress towards your goal(s) with your supervisor.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Strong work ethic and professional work habits 
• Ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures
• Experience working with youth, preferably K-6
• Current First Aid/CPR certification or willingness to obtain 
• Basic computer skills 
• Willingness to comply with COVID-19 safety measures such as social distancing, mask wearing and materials sanitization
• Good judgment, flexibility and ability to work independently and reliably
• Ability to lift and carry 30 pounds
• Final offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check that may include employment history, national criminal background check, national sex offender registry search and a driving history check 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATONS

• Spoken proficiency in Spanish or languages in addition to English
• Experience working with underserved populations (i.e. people experiencing homelessness, migrant families, English language learners, children with cognitive or physical disabilities, historically excluded groups, etc.)
• Comfort working outside
• Experience instructing or teaching youth in a professional setting

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

• Weather can vary from hot and dry to cold, rainy, and snowy. Candidates must be able to use personal outdoor equipment to prevent exposure to elements.
• The position requires potential travel by car to schools or meeting places, depending on where you live.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Sit, stand, dance, talk, yell, sing, and hear, use hands and fingers to operate field equipment; reach with hands and arms
• Bending over, standing and sitting to assist students on laptop computers