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Full Circle Program Instructor
We’re looking for a dedicated educator to take over as lead Program Instructor for our Full Circle program.
Job Structure:
The job is part time and seasonal. If you need a full time gig, this ain’t it.
The spring assignment will begin in January and will only be a couple of days a week for 10 weeks, including training. The fall assignment will be 4 days weekly beginning in August of 2009.
The program structure consists of working once a week for eight weeks with an elementary school class for the duration of the entire school day. The school day begins before 8 a.m. and ends around 3 p.m. The classes are either fifth or sixth grade, which means 10-12 years old, and usually consist of 25 – 30 students.
RED FLAG WARNING: If you have never worked with this age group and/or you don’t have traditional classroom teaching experience… reconsider applying.
The number of days per week that a Program Instructor works depends on the number of classes and number of schools with which we are conducting programs. The maximum number of days per week are four and we almost never conduct programs on Tuesdays as they are early dismissal days for Los Angeles Unified School District.
Program Description:
Full Circle is an academically-integrated community-building and leadership program for elementary school classes. Inspired by the work of Fritjof Capra (Tao of Physics author and founder of the Center for Ecoliteracy), Full Circle is built around Capra’s “systems theory” idea that natural ecology is a perfect metaphor for human society. And thus, the principles that are at work in nature’s ecosystems are just as important in our communities: interdependence, diversity and sustainability, to name a few. Full Circle’s curriculum uses ecology as a springboard to introduce students to these principles with the goal of students applying that understanding on a social level as actively engaged citizens.
This happens first on an inter-personal level in the classroom as students develop positive communication skills and conflict resolution techniques. At the conclusion of the program, students put that thinking into action on a larger scale by developing and implementing a community service project based on the needs that they identify in their neighborhood.
By developing an understanding of the value of diversity and of their own personal impact upon the natural world and their community, students take an important step toward becoming socially responsible individuals. It is this focus on individual responsibility that sets Full Circle apart from traditional outdoor or nature-based programs.
Position Description:
Instructors lead a series of classroom and outdoor activities: Cooperative Team-building Games, Wilderness Survival Skills, Photography, Community Service and Arts & Crafts projects. Instructors also facilitate debriefing discussions at the conclusion of each session. (Sub-contractors conduct a ropes course.)
Program Instructors’ primary responsibility is to be intimately familiar with the program’s lesson plans. Although modification and improvisation are encouraged, keeping to the curriculum framework is essential. Instructors (along with the program coordinator) are also responsible for prepping program materials and sites, filing daily reports (including any accident reports) and participating in professional-development training for the classroom teachers.
Additionally, Program Instructors are responsible for recruitment, training and supervision of a team (8 - 12+) of high school-aged “Peer Counselors” that serve as a support team assisting the Program Instructor with group management during all program activities. Peer Counselor recruitment and training takes place over the two to three weeks prior to the beginning of the program. Instructors are responsible for coordinating all campus visits with the designated high school representative (Assistant Principal, Academy Coordinator, etc.).
Qualifications:
Excellent group facilitation and group management skills are a must! Likely applicants will have teaching experience and/or experience leading groups at camps or outdoor schools. As we said earlier, “Formal classroom teaching experience is especially attractive.” Also, some background in child development and psychology is helpful. Experience as an interpretive naturalist is beneficial.
Applicants should possess the ability to work independently, maintain a “big picture” perspective and self-monitor program support needs. (In other words, work alone, think ahead, be prepared for the next task at hand – including all necessary resources, materials and supplies.)
Applicants should also possess general knowledge and experience in the following fields and topics: Cooperative Team-building Games & Activities, Natural Science, Human Ecology, Wilderness Skills (tracking, fire-building, cordage and edible & medicinal plant usage), Arts & Crafts, Photography, Service Learning and Systems Theory.
Knowledge of and familiarity with the native tradition of “council” is helpful. The same goes for “coyote” methods, as practiced by Tom Brown, Jr. and the Wilderness Awareness School.
First-Aid training is required.
Additional training (in any or all areas) will be provided as necessary to qualified applicants.
All applicants reaching the interview process will be required to submit to a background check.
LOCATION: Los Angeles, CA
STIPEND/SALARY/BENEFITS:
$18/hour during training - $24/hour during program.
Upon completion of training, assignment to a program is subject to schools’ commitment.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE:
Do us all a favor. If this isn’t you – save your time and ours. However, if you think it might be, then drop us a line. Tell us something about yourself. Address cover letter & résumé to:
Dwain Wilson, Executive Director
The Wildwoods Foundation
1000 N. Alameda, Suite 240
Los Angeles, CA 90012
…or…
Instructor@WildwoodsFoundation.org
Absolutely No Phone Calls, please!
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