Outdoor Education Teacher

Location: Whitestown

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 School's 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're looking for candidates who embody our core values and bring enthusiasm to environmental education.

* A bachelor's 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, all while pointing students toward Christ.

* Familiarity with outdoor activities, environmental science, or youth ministry is a plus.

Key priorities include:

* Personal Faith and Values Alignment: A strong personal commitment to Christ and alignment with TPCS's 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're 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, such as camping, hiking, or environmental fieldwork, with a knack for incorporating hands-on elements into learning.

* Strong communication and interpersonal skills to build meaningful relationships with students, colleagues, and parents.

* 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 Lord's"-through ecosystem studies).

* Physical fitness and comfort working outdoors in various weather conditions, with a focus on safety protocols.

* Innovative thinking to contribute to program growth, such as developing new activities.

* 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.

* 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 God's 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.…