Thorne Natural Science School Instructor

The mission of Thorne is to build Earth Stewardship by "connecting kids to nature" through hands-on environmental education experiences.

Thorne Ecological Institute believes in discovery, exploration and connection to the natural world.  Founded in 1954, Thorne has a rich history and has reached over 195,000 children and adults with its programs.  Recognized as a leader in children's environmental education in Colorado, Thorne offers programs through Project BEAR (Building Environmental Awareness and Respect) and Thorne Natural Science School (TNSS) at locations ranging from the Sombrero Marsh Environmental Education Center in Boulder and Thorne at Waterton Canyon in Littleton, to indoor classrooms and field-based locations in the Denver Metro area.

Position Overview:

Thorne Ecological Institute's flagship summer program, Thorne Natural Science School (TNSS), celebrating 53 years of hands-on environmental education in Boulder and Littleton, Colorado is accepting applications for part time, seasonal Instructors. 

Thorne Natural Science School Instructors provide ecology-based environmental education programs to up to 12 students aged 3-15 years old, fulfilling Thorne's mission "to connect kids to nature".  We are looking for creative, energetic, passionate outdoor educators with experience in teaching children about Colorado ecology and related nature themes.  Open Spaces are our outdoor classrooms, and all programs are held in the field. 

Duties include: submitting required paperwork in a timely manner, curriculum development, mentoring a Teaching Assistant, behavior management, and teaching in an outdoor setting.

• Reports directly to Education Director
• Must attend TNSS teacher training (May 8, 2010) and site-specific training (date TBD)
• Instructor must attend a total of 15 hours of professional development training as required by the Colorado Department of Social Services child care licensing standards (Thorne teacher trainings are included)
• Submit a class lesson plan with a description of the course as found in the 2010 TNSS catalog 2 weeks prior to teaching each class with:

• o the Course Title
• o Instructor Name
• o The Dates of the course
• o Daily Themes
• o Teaching Concepts
• o Daily Activities
• o Any Materials or Supplies needed that are not on the given supply list

• Must have current First Aid, CPR, Medication Administration, and Universal Precaution trainings or attend scheduled trainings (dates TBD)
• Complete all required forms and submit all required information needed by Thorne Ecological Institute for compliances with Colorado Department of Social Services child care licensing standards
• Create new or revise example Parent letters for each week's class 2 weeks prior to class
• For typical classes, arrive at 7:45 am on Mondays, no later than 8:00 am every other class day, and stay at the pick-up site until 12:15pm or until all the children are picked up and signed out or proper arrangements have been made with the Director.  If Instructor is teaching a field class that meets at different locations, arrive at the drop-off site a half hour before class time and stay at pick-up site until last child is signed-out and picked-up
• Make sure parents sign in and out students each day
• Develop class curriculum as needed and time allows
• Encourage stewardship in students through enthusiasm, knowledge, and passion for nature
• Act as a role model for all students and teaching Assistants, illustrating appropriate behavior and environmental ethics
• Encourage a fun, safe, meaningful outdoor experience for students

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Environmental Education, Environmental Studies, Biology, Geology, Early Childhood Education, or related field
• 1,000 hours of environmental education experience in the field with children between the ages of 3-15 documented by past employers
• 2 verbal and 2 written references
• Background check and fingerprints submitted and cleared by the Colorado Department of Human Services (Thorne helps with this)
• Current CPR, First Aid, Universal Precautions Certifications (Thorne holds trainings)
• Medication Administration Certification and Delegation by Thorne's R.N.

Compensation: starts at $15/hour as an Independent Contractor; benefits are not included.

Dates: Minimum commitment of 3 weeks during: June 7-August 6, 2010 (excluding July5-9)

Hours: Most classes are 20 hours/week (8am-12pm, 5 days a week); while a select few classes hold different hours

Please visit TNSS for more info or email to receive a catalog of TNSS classes.

To Apply: 

To apply for the Thorne Natural Science School Instructor position, please submit:

• a cover letter indicating position title, which site you are interested in working at (Boulder or Littleton), and why you are interested in this position
• and copy of your resume

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