Wednesday, September 7, 2016

SEA Teaching Position

SEA Teaching Position (Volunteer with Stipend)

The Anacostia Watershed Society’s Saturday Environmental Academy (SEA) is looking for a strong volunteer(s) to join its teaching team for the Fall Semester, which will run from October 1 – December 10, 2016. SEA offers a free outdoor education program to 7th and 8th graders, many of whom live in the Anacostia Watershed. Through this unique, fun, educational experience, students learn about their river and local environment while developing their skills in team building, critical thinking, and scientific investigation.

Our ideal volunteer(s) must have an interest, and preferably skills and experience, in environmental education and working with predominantly African American students from under-resourced communities. On average this position takes a total of seven hours per week for 10 weeks each semester. Duties include:

  • Develop or modify existing lessons for specific topics (for 2-3 sessions per 10-week semester), as needed. Lessons are to be interactive and experiential, supporting the philosophy of the Academy that students learn best by doing.
  • Take “lead” in delivering weekly lessons on rotating basis (i.e., 2-3 times per semester). At least one other staff person will be available to assist each session.
  • When “lead,” create short assignments for Student Leaders and email schedule and relevant evaluation questions to Director, Teachers, and Student Leaders by Thursday before Sat. when you are the lead.
  • Accompany students in transportation to site visits.
  • Provide guidance and discipline for student behavior.
  • Assist in logistical arrangements for sessions as needed.
  • Attend and assist with overnight, including directing activities, helping with meal prep and clean-up with student teams, and chaperoning in sleeping quarters.
  • Provide Director with list of supplies needed by Thursday before Sat. session.
  • Provide anecdotes of student achievements for use in evaluation of program.
  • Attend up to two planning meetings before and during the 10-week program.
  • Promptly show-up at 8:30 for pre-meeting each Saturday and be able to stay until 1:45 for student dismissal and post check-in meeting. Sessions run from 8:45-1:00 except for the one overnight camping trip each semester.
  • Interact with students as friend/mentor.

A background check and drug test is required for teaching staff. This volunteer position provides a stipend of $100 per Saturday session ($150 per overnight) taught. The expectation is that teachers will make every effort to participate in each of the Saturday sessions. Please discuss any Saturday conflicts in advance with Catherine Estes, Program Director. If you are interested in this position, please send your resume to cestes@anacostiaws.org. We encourage diverse candidates to apply. Candidates must have unrestricted authorization to work in the U.S. Position is open until filled. Fall Program will run from Oct. 1 – Dec. 10, 2016. For more information about SEA, please go to www.environmentalacademy.us .