Education Programs Internship

Thorne Ecological Institute (TEI) is a non-profit organization that is committed to building Earth stewardship by connecting youth to nature through joyful, hands-on, place-based environmental education experiences.  TEI believes in discovery, exploration, and a connection to the natural world.  Founded in 1954, Thorne has a rich history and has reached more than 200,000 children and adults through its three programs: Project BEAR, Thorne Natural Science School, and the Sombrero Marsh Field Trip Program.

Project BEAR (Building Environmental Awareness and Respect) Program Description:

Initiated in 2005, BEAR reaches nearly 3,500 elementary students each year through in-school programs and field trips to Sombrero Marsh and Waterton Canyon. BEAR expands students' knowledge in the areas of science and literacy through a three class series of lessons that involve interactive explorations, inquiry based experiments, scientific instruments and specimens, and writing a picture book. Emphasis is placed on working with low-income, low-scoring, and culturally diverse schools throughout the Boulder/Denver Metro Area, ensuring that students from all backgrounds have the opportunity to become connected with nature.

Position Overview: 

Expectation for All Interns:

Support the TEI mission and exhibit a commitment to:

• Working collaboratively, with integrity and respect for fellow employees, associates, and our communities.
• Embracing personal responsibility and accountability for your role at Thorne.

Internship Purpose:

The Education Programs Intern provides program support for Project BEAR, contributing to our mission of connecting youth to nature through joyful, hands-on, place-based environmental education experiences.  The Education Programs Intern will have the opportunity to shadow, support, and help teach programs under the full guidance of an experienced educator and will support the program by creating computer-generated picture books (eBooks) for each student that participates in a BEAR program.

Responsibilities:

• Support Thorne Instructors by assisting in the teaching of BEAR programs or activities within programs with guidance of Thorne Staff
• Support BEAR program by creating computer-generated picture books (eBooks) for each student that participates in a BEAR program, including: typing students' words into the computer program, editing, printing, and assembling eBooks.
• Assist with program logistics: taking photos/video, managing students and materials
• Act as a role model for students and teachers, illustrating appropriate behavior and environmental ethics
• Encourage joyful, safe, meaningful, nature-based experiences for students.
• Attend Mandatory training on September 13, 2011
• Complete all required forms and submit all required information needed by Thorne Ecological Institute

Desired Outcomes:

• Contribute towards successful delivery of Project BEAR programs and the achievement of Thorne's mission.
• Contribute towards achieving the participation of 3,500 Front Range elementary students in BEAR programs.
• Contribute towards achieving 99% or better positive rating from teachers who feel that their students are completely engaged during a BEAR program.
• Contribute towards achieving 99% or better positive rating from teachers who feel that their students learned something new from a BEAR program.
• Contribute towards achieving 92% or better positive rating from teachers who feel that their students are more connected to nature after a BEAR program.
• Contribute towards achieving 100% positive rating from teachers who feel that eBooks have a lot of benefit in providing students with lasting documentation of students' learning.
• Contribute towards achieving 97% or better positive rating from teachers who feel that eBooks had a lot of benefit in incorporating literacy into science and/or meeting literacy goals.

Job Interrelationships:

• TEI Staff
• BEAR Students and Elementary teachers
• Other TEI Volunteers and Interns
• General Public
• Community Partners

Reports to: Education Programs Director  

Qualifications: 

Desired Skills and Abilities:

• Strong communication skills with adults and children
• Good organizational skills and ability to handle multiple tasks and roles, patiently and professionally

Desired Behavioral Traits and Attitudes:

• Team player, fun, outgoing, passionate, organized, creative, resourceful, critical thinker, results-oriented, and self motivated.
• Strong interest in and/or some experience in environmental education in informal settings.
• Passionate about TEI's mission and environmentally concerned and aware.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Must be 18 or older
• Preference for those with experience or a strong desire to work with school-age children
• Preference for those with or working on a Bachelor's degree in Environmental Education, Environmental Studies, Biology, Geology, Education, or related field
• Background check and fingerprints submitted and cleared by the Colorado Department of Human Services (Thorne pays for this)
• Minorities encouraged to apply

Compensation:

• This is an unpaid Internship, however you will complete 90 or more documented hours of professional environmental education experience through this internship.
• Thorne Staff is willing to fill out required forms for school credit, act as a reference for Intern, and/or write a letter of recommendation if desired.

Dates of Internship:

• September 13-December 16 (skipping the week of Thanksgiving) with the opportunity to continue internship from January-May 2012

Special Requirements:

• Must commit to working at least 6 hours/week for entire internship
• Additional time may be required as necessary

Application Deadline: August 17, 2011 (interviews will be held during the week of August 22-26)

To Apply:       

Additional information and application is available at Thorne Ecological Institute. Questions regarding the position can be directed to Erin O'Neill Saunders and will be responded to within 3 business days. 

To apply, submit an application, together with a resume by mail or email to:

Thorne Ecological Institute
Attn: Erin O'Neill Saunders, Education Programs Director
P.O. Box 19107
Boulder, CO  80308