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ACS is seeking a Middle School Outdoor Education Teacher

The Outdoor Education (OE) Teacher provides instructional leadership that enables students to learn experientially, through direct guided experience using sensory awareness, active participation and nature’s resources. He/she provides small group teacher training and works in partnership with 5-8th grade teachers to create student learning opportunities that support and enhance curriculum throughout each subject area. This is a 100% salary position with benefits. It requires four full days of work plus on-call weekend responsibilities.

During the summer months, the OE teacher facilitates important OE extension opportunities for ACS students, like Adventure Camp and Farm Club. In addition, the OE teacher oversees the well-being of our 36-acre classroom.  There is additional compensation for summer responsibilities.

Qualifications:

Preferred Education and Experience

  • Commitment to the mission of Christian education and an in-depth understanding of and commitment to the Reformed tradition of Christianity.
  • Bachelor’s degree in education or other related field, and hold a current Michigan teaching certificate
  • Advanced education in science and/or outdoor education
  • Experience in delivering and integrating outdoor education in instructional programs
  • Experience in writing Integrated OE curriculum.

Personal Qualities

  • Redeemed by Christ and committed to serve Him in all that they do.
  • Model Christ and principles of Scripture in:
    • Relationships of love and respect with students, staff and parents
    • Personal and professional choices
    • Hygiene, dress and speech
  • Practice of the fruits of the Holy Spirit: love, joy, patience, kindness, self-control, faithfulness and truthfulness.
  • Demonstrate service to Christ by carrying out responsibilities conscientiously and consistently, with a focus on others rather than self.
  • Demonstrate support for the mission, vision and goals of Ada Christian School.
  • Agree and adhere to Ada Christian School's Statements of Belief. 
  • Intentionally seek to apply Reformed Christian perspective to areas of their responsibility.
  • In good standing at a Protestant church.
  • Willingly follow school policies.
  • Demonstrate commitment to ACS by serving on committees as needed.
  • Children in grades K-8 attend a Christian school.

Work Skills

  • Knowledge of God’s world and ways to incorporate outdoor education learning experiences throughout each subject and at each grade level 
  • Self-directed, responsible, cooperative, and organized
  • Effective communicator, both orally and in writing
  • Comfortable working with students and adults, all ages and abilities, in all weather conditions
  • Ability to be an active, effective member of a curriculum committee
  • Must be able to lift 50lbs.
  • Willingness to utilize tools and machinery.

Responsibilities and Duties:

Plan and Co-Teach

  • Communicate and collaborate regularly with teachers to support outdoor education integration
  • Assist in the development, implementation, evaluation, and refinement of programs related to outdoor integration into curriculum
  • Use knowledge about current ideas, trends, methods, programs, materials, and equipment for outdoor education integration to ensure optimum instructional delivery
  • Co-teach integrated outdoor education lessons with classroom teachers 

Farm and Facilities Management

  • Responsible for year-round care of chickens, goats, and farm cat, including off hours, breaks and weekends. 
  • Make purchasing decisions regarding new animals, breeding, incubation, straw, grain, equipment, cleaning supplies, etc. 
  • Make purchasing decisions regarding new animals, breeding, incubation, straw, grain, equipment, cleaning supplies, etc. 
  • Train and communicate with students and parents regarding chore schedules, especially for weekend coverage. 
  • Lead students in deeper discussion and research of animal life cycles, physiology, sustainable practices, food systems, and economics.

Professional Development

  • Lead outdoor education professional development for faculty, staff and administration
  • Collaborate with teachers to establish and follow up on specific outdoor education goals for each teacher

This position reports to the Principal

    Ready to Apply?

    Here's what we need to know.

    Basic Information

    Name
    Address
    Phone
    Email

    We'd also like to see:

    • a cover letter
    • a resume
    • a list of references (including email addresses)

    Provide the following information:

    1. Please tell us about yourself, including church membership and involvement, family, and other activities you enjoy.

    2. Describe your relationship with Jesus Christ and share how that influences your work as a teacher.

    3. At ACS, we are committed to educating our students from a Reformed Christian perspective. In your words, what does that mean? 

    4. Describe what you love about working with animals and being outdoors.

    5. What are some specific strengths would you bring to our outdoor education program? To our staff?

    6. Why are you seeking a position at Ada Christian School?

    Include the following statement and data in your response:

    In consideration of the receipt and evaluation of this application by Ada Christian School, I agree and represent that the information contained in the application is correct to the best of my knowledge. I also authorize any references listed on this application, or not identified in this application, to provide Ada Christian School, if asked, information regarding my character and fitness for employment.

    Signature (may be electronic)
    Date

    Submit Your Application

    Please email the information listed above to Kevin Sall, Principal.

    Ada Christian School does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, or national or ethnic origin. Prior to employment, all candidates must undergo a background check that includes fingerprinting and a performance check with former employers, in accordance with state law.