Director of Middle Level Outdoor Experiential Learning JobID: 2688

• Position Type:

  Middle School Teaching/ Teacher - Middle School Level

• Date Posted:

  3/20/2024

• Location:

  District Wide

    

Biddeford Schools are seeking a Director of Middle Level Outdoor Experiential LearningCheck out why we are adifferent experience (https://youtu.be/Qh-OFdjKN8U) Specific Job Details:This is a part-time, seasonal position primarily operating during summer months between mid-June and the end of July. Some weekend and overnight travel required for extended outdoor program sessions.The Outdoor Experiential Learning Director for MIddle School Students will lead outdoor education programs specifically targeted toward High School students experiencing housing insecurity, and/or who is a New Mainer. The primary role is to provide enriching outdoor learning experiences that foster personal growth, environmental stewardship, and resilience skills for an underserved youth population. The Director will be a Biddeford employee for compensation purposes, but will supervise 3 Biddeford middle educators, and 3 Saco middle level educators.School Description: We expect staff and students to embrace challenges and strive to attain excellence while exemplifying Tiger PRIDE: Perseverance, Respect, Integrity, Dependability, and Empathy.Find Biddeford School Department's Three Pillars of Commitment to Students attached.Brief Job Duties:The ideal candidate will be responsioble for the following: *Participate in some of the design of, and to facilitate outdoor experiential learning curricula integrating academic concepts, environmental education, leadership development and life skills

•Plan and lead wilderness outings, day hikes, camping trips and other outdoor adventures as agreed to during the development process this Spring.

•Emphasize outdoor safety practices and implement proactive risk management protocols

•Cultivate an inclusive learning environment that meets diverse cultural and ability needs

•Establish community partnerships to enhance program opportunities.

•Introduce students who have barriers to outdoor opportunities, or for whom these experiences are novel, to the natural splendor of Maine.

•Maintain accurate student records and submit program reports per grant requirements

•Facilitate program, travel, adventure and work with students to overcome conflict, cultural barriers, etc.

•Coordinate with high school-aged staff in a parallel program. Help with scheduling and logistics and budgeting associated with program operations.

•Recruit, hire, train and supervise seasonal Outdoor Experiential Learning Advisors

•Establish and monitor program policies/protocols related to risk management, student safety, etc.

•Cultivate and maintain partnerships with schools, youth agencies, and community organizations

•Oversee program budget and reconcile expenses against allocated funding

•Conduct program evaluation and assessment to identify strengths and areas for improvement

•Provide on-site leadership during overnight camping trips and extended outings as needed

•Compile and submit program reports and documentation as required by the grantor.

Certification/License:Wilderness first aid or higher medical certification ( or obtain before June)EDL (Educator Trip Leader) or certified Maine guide is prefered Criminal History Record Check (CHRC), which includes Fingerprints on file with the Maine Department of Education Valid driver's license and clean driving recordEducation:

Bachelor's degree in outdoor education, recreation, or related fieldExperience:

• Understanding of challenges facing homeless/highly mobile youth

• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusive practices

• Excellent planning, organizational, and risk management abilities

• Strong communication and student management skills

• Experience working with middle-level or adolescent populations

• Two years of experience leading outdoor youth programs

• Expertise in outdoor hard skills a plus (e.g. backpacking, camp craft, navigation)

Live and Work in the Biddeford, Maine Community

• Located along the Atlantic coastline with miles of beaches

• Views of the Saco River to its west

• Less than 20 minutes south of the Greater Portland Area

• Less than two hours north of Boston.

• Home to a growing population of diverse residents

• Picturesque downtown

• Maine's youngest city with a median age of 29 in the historic downtown

• Thriving economy

• Many recreational opportunities, including fishing, hiking, biking, public parks, and kayaking (https://heartofbiddeford.org/)

Equal OpportunityThe School Department is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The district shall actively work to have the teacher and administrator workforce reflect the student body's diversity.The School Department's selection will be based on those with the highest capabilities, the strongest commitment to quality education, and the greatest probability of effectively implementing the learning program. Selections will be made without consideration on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, ancestry or national origin, age, marital status, disability or genetic information, and any other state or federal prohibitions. For the purpose of this policy, "sexual orientation" means a person's actual or perceived heterosexuality, bisexuality, homosexuality, or gender identity or expression.Criminal Background CheckAll employees of Maine schools must be fingerprinted for a criminal history background check. Please create a Department of Education log-in and make an appointment for a fingerprinting appointment athttps://www.maine.gov/doe/cert/fingerprintingPlease see other Job Openings at :Biddeford Schools (https://www.biddefordschools.me/o/biddeford/page/employment) Dayton School (https://sites.google.com/daytonschooldept.org/dcs/district-information/employment-opportunities?authuser=0) Southern Maine Administrative Collaborative