Outdoor Education Teacher

Position: Outdoor Education Teacher (PK - 4th Grade)

Reports to: The Lower School Principal and collaborates with the Outdoor Education Lead.

Primary Responsibility To provide outdoor education instruction for Pre-K through 4th-grade students, engaging them in hands-on learning experiences that connect nature, environmental stewardship, and biblical truth in a way that is developmentally appropriate and aligned with the mission and values of Traders Point Christian Schools.

Position Goal The goal of this position is to support Traders Point Christian Schools mission to challenge and educate students within the framework of a Biblical worldview, leading them to a personal faith and a transformed life in Jesus Christ. We are Jesus-Centered, Relationally-Driven, and Educationally-Anchored.

Qualifications We are looking for candidates who embody our core values and bring enthusiasm to environmental education.

• A bachelors degree in environmental science, education, recreation, or a related field is preferred but not required.
• Teaching license preferred but not required.
• The ideal candidate is someone who thrives in variety while pointing students toward Christ.
• Familiarity with outdoor activities, environmental science, or youth ministry is a plus.

Key Priorities

• Personal Faith and Values Alignment: A strong personal commitment to Christ and alignment with TPCSs core values-Jesus-Centered, Relationally-Driven, and Educationally-Anchored. We prioritize candidates who embody a servant mindset, approaching their work with humility, enthusiasm, and a desire to serve others.
• Passion for Environmental Education: Genuine exuberance for outdoor learning and environmental stewardship with a creative approach to making nature accessible and inspiring for young learners.
• Cultural Fit: Ability to thrive in a collaborative faith-based community where relationships are key. We are looking for team players who value flexibility, adaptability, and a positive attitude in a constantly evolving work environment.
• Servant Mindset: A humble, flexible attitude ready to serve students, staff, and the community in a dynamic work environment. Outdoor education, even more than a typical classroom teacher, requires increased flexibility as lesson plans are affected by weather and other unforeseen circumstances.
• Organizational Skills: Proven ability to manage multiple tasks, plan effectively, and stay organized amid changing priorities such as shifting weather conditions or program adjustments.
• Experience in Outdoor Activities: Experience in outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, or environmental fieldwork with a knack for incorporating hands-on elements into learning.
• Communication Skills: Strong communication and interpersonal skills to build meaningful relationships with students, colleagues, and parents.
• Biblical Integration: Familiarity with biblical integration in education or a willingness to learn how to weave scripture into environmental themes (e.g., exploring Psalm 24:1-"The earth is the Lords"-through ecosystem studies).
• Physical Fitness: Comfort working outdoors in various weather conditions with a focus on safety protocols.
• Innovative Thinking: Ability to contribute to program growth, such as developing new activities.
• Observation Skills: Outdoor education is rooted in a place-based education model. A key component is the ability to recognize and observe unplanned learning opportunities in nature in real time.
• Collaboration: Thrive in a co-teaching model where multiple instructors are contributing to discussion and learning.

Responsibilities & Duties

• Curriculum Development and Delivery: Design and implement engaging outdoor lessons that integrate environmental science with biblical teachings, emphasizing Gods role as Creator and our responsibility to care for the earth. Activities may include nature exploration, sustainability projects, team-building exercises, and seasonal events. Flexibility to work with a range of age groups is necessary.
• Collaboration with Faculty: Partner with classroom teachers to align outdoor experiences with academic goals, creating seamless connections between indoor learning and outdoor application. This could involve tying a science unit on ecosystems to a field study or incorporating relational discussions during group activities.
• Student Engagement and Safety: Lead groups of students in safe, age-appropriate outdoor activities, fostering a love for nature while prioritizing their physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Adapt lessons on the fly to accommodate weather changes, student needs, or unexpected opportunities in the natural world.
• Event Coordination: Plan and execute special events such as outdoor retreats, environmental awareness days, or community service projects that highlight our core values and build lasting relationships among students, staff, and families.
• Program Support: Assist in the ongoing expansion of the Outdoor Education program, including resource management, equipment maintenance, and contributing ideas for high school integration. Report to the Director of Outdoor Education and collaborate with leadership at assigned grade levels to ensure program alignment with school-wide objectives.
• Faith Integration: Infuse every aspect of teaching with biblical principles, encouraging students to see environmental education through a lens of faith, stewardship, and relational growth.
• Team Collaboration: Work under the guidance of the Director of Outdoor Education and grade-level leadership, contributing to program expansion and sharing ideas in a collaborative, servant-minded team.
• Attendance: Attend staff meetings and other required events.
• Other Duties: As assigned.

Position Status Full-time, 10-month school year.

Application Instructions If interested, please apply directly on our website: http://traders-point-christian-schools-inc.prismhr-hire.com/job/1004248/outdoor-education-teacher-pk-4th-grade-cw