We are seeking Middle School Advisors for Outdoor Experiential Learning (Multi-Lingual and Homeless Youth Focus)
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Specific Job Details:
Starts in June 2024
Reports To: Leader of Summer Programming, Maine Outdoor Learning Initiative
This is a part-time, seasonal position (mid-June through the end of July) ranging in duration from two four-day weeks to a full six-week program. All candidates are encouraged to apply as we seek energetic outdoor enthusiasts eager to lead students. Some weekend and overnight travel is required for extended outdoor program sessions.
The Outdoor Experiential Learning Advisor will develop and lead outdoor education programs specifically targeted toward Middle students experiencing housing insecurity and/or who are New Mainers. The primary role is to provide enriching outdoor learning experiences that foster personal growth, environmental stewardship, and resilience skills for an underserved youth population.
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 have experience in the following areas:
- Contribute to designing and leading outdoor experiential learning programs that blend 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 protocols to support students.
- Cultivate an inclusive learning environment that meets diverse needs (cultural, ability, socioeconomic status)
- Establish community partnerships to enhance program opportunities.
- Remove barriers and create novel experiences for students through outdoor opportunities that capitalize on the natural splendor of Maine.
- Maintain accurate student records and submit program reports
- Facilitate program, travel, adventure, and work with students to overcome conflict, cultural barriers, etc.
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 record
Education:
Bachelor's degree in outdoor education, recreation, or related field
Experience: - 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
Equal Opportunity
The 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 Check
All 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 at https://www.maine.gov/doe/cert/fingerprinting
Please see other Job Openings at :
Biddeford Schools
Dayton School
Southern Maine Administrative Collaborative
PILLAR 1 PILLAR 2 PILLAR 3
We are a leader in student-
centered learning in the
region. We will not retreat to
one-size-fits-all academics.
We will continue to educate
ourselves and our communi-
ty about serving the whole
child, being mindful of trauma
and the ravages of substance
abuse. We will not ignore--nor
excuse--the impact of what
happens outside of school.
We will support all learners.
We will not norm our expec-
tations to the population we
serve. Those who struggle or
excel will be met, each in her
own way.
COMMITMENT TO STUDENTS
Faculty and staff recognize the individuality of
our students and will continue to provide learn-
ing opportunities that are engaging, rigorous,
and based on personal need.
The school-as-factory model will be abandoned.
Learning will not be governed by bells, class
periods, and top-down instruction. Instruction-
al leadership in Biddeford will move toward the
facilitation of learning at all levels.
Teachers will continue to utilize the power of
formative assessments to modify instruction to
best meet the needs of our students.
All faculty and staff, ranging from instructional
personnel to bus drivers to athletics coaches to
food service workers, will better understand
how chronic stress and adverse childhood expe-
riences inform student behavior.
District leadership will allocate resources for
additional staff to support teachers and students
who work to better understand and mitigate the
impact of trauma day in, day out.
Instructional personnel will work together
to refine and expand a curriculum of social-
emotional learning.
All faculty and staff will redouble efforts to
engage the families of “new Mainers,” and sup-
port the programs and staff required to educate
those for whom English is a second language.
We will begin a three-year cycle of aligning
and reinforcing our efforts around inter-
vention. Students who struggle will be met
earlier, with greater intentionality, and will
realize better outcomes. Students who excel will
engage in rigorous learning opportunities.
Everyone is a teacher of literacy. Professional
support for parents, faculty and staff will be
paired with refinements to curricula, schedule,
outreach, and summer programs to support
increased student literacy.
As Biddeford becomes younger, more
diverse, and continues an economic
and cultural renaissance, our schools
must also change. We are a caring
faculty and staff who want our stu-
dents to be healthy, balanced, and
equipped to compete in post-second-
ary pursuits. We will improve academ-
ic and social-emotional outcomes with
a laserlike focus on three foundational
pillars in the next five years.