Outdoor Educator

Are you looking for an experience that is more than just a job? A teaching role with Nature’s Classroom, Inc. could be the life-changing opportunity you’re searching for. Our staff come from all across the United States to live here and work together in our fun-loving, seasonal community. Room and board provided, no experience necessary, love of inspiring children to be life-long learners required.

Nature’s Classroom, Inc., a non-profit organization established in 1973, has been recognized for excellence by the National Science Teachers Association, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and the State of Connecticut. As the premiere residential environmental education program in the northeast, approximately 300 schools make Nature’s Classroom an integral part of their academic experience annually. Now in our 50th year of programming, over one million students have come to us to learn and grow.

We are currently hiring for our Spring semester which runs from mid-March to early June, and accepting applicants for Fall (September-December).

A Bachelor's Degree in any academic discipline is welcome. No formal teaching experience or certification is required. A few paid internships are available for candidates who do not yet hold a bachelor's degree. Internship salary starts at $350 weekly.

The following are some of points of interest that have helped people decide if Nature's Classroom, Inc. is a good fit for them:

• Relocate to Charlton, Massachusetts for seasonal employment. On-site living in shared housing
• Current Spring season begins mid-March and runs through mid-June.
• Due to our communal living situation, cats and dogs are not allowed (sorry, no ferrets either)
• Because of the seasonal nature of the position, as well as the long hours required Monday through Friday, this position is not conducive to bringing a family
• In addition to weekly salary, food and housing are provided for the length of contract

Nature's Classroom, Inc. operates in Charlton, located in central Massachusetts (about one hour from Boston, one hour from Hartford, CT. and approximately three hours from New York City).

Responsibilities and Duties:

- Group leader and teacher in the 5-day seasonal residential program.

- Develop and present classes in a variety of academic areas of your choosing and/or implement already designed curriculum

- Supervise and explore with elementary and middle school students in field experiences. Staff must be able to walk up to four miles daily while instructing students safely; at times over uneven and/or uphill terrain.

- Facilitate students in team building initiatives and low ropes courses

- Evening activities and mealtime duties

Qualifications and Skills:

- Bachelor's Degree in any field of study (a few paid internships are available for people who do not yet hold a bachelor's degree. Internship salary starts at $350 weekly)

- Strong commitment to educate children

- Energetic, dedicated & able to become involved in all aspects of the program

- Special skills (musical instruments, singing, storytelling) helpful

- Experience working with children desired

Benefits:

- Weekly salaries starting at $450 per week

- Food and lodging 7 days a week for the length of contract (dogs, cats and ferrets are not allowed)

- Your weekends are free

- Educate in an informal setting at a 1 to 12 ratio

- A supportive organization that is willing to help you develop professionally

- Freedom to explore new areas for classes and programs

- Program leadership (Program Coordinators) are elevated from the teaching ranks

Job Type: Full-time

Salary: From $450.00 per week

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• No weekends