Coordinator

Description:

The Walden Project-NY Service Learning Coordinator is responsible for providing support for the coordination, implementation, and direction of the Cumming Nature’s Center’s Walden Project-NY. The primary goal of the program is to engage high school aged youth in the curriculum designed around Henry David Thoreau’s Walden. This person collaborates internally with their co-teacher and CNC staff to strengthen the mission and values of both the Walden Project-NY and the Cumming Nature Center.The Walden Project Service Learning Coordinator must: be a great communicator and teacher; at ease interacting with individuals and groups; able to organize and facilitate student service learning projects; comfortable with doing all of these in the outdoors. The ideal candidate will have a positive attitude, an unassailable work ethic, and will cheerfully embrace teaching in all weather conditions.Ultimately, the Walden Project-NY Service Learning Coordinator supports the Lead Teacher in the curriculum goals by participating in the activities and discussions. This person works with each student individually to plan a six-week service learning project, ensuring that it aligns the student’s goals as well as the goals of the sponsoring organization. This person also manages the physical location logistics and day-to-day site preparations for the Walden Project campus.

Work schedule may include flexible hours, weekends, weekdays, evenings, holidays and extended hours in order to meet the needs of the organization.

• Works with each student individually to plan a six-week service learning project, ensuring that it aligns the student’s goals as well as the goals of the sponsoring organization.
• Work closely with Walden Project-NY Program Designer & Lead Teacher to ensure supplies and infrastructure are maintained and prepared for student activities.
• Follow all state, regional and institutional guidelines to ensure that Walden Project-NY ensures a physically and emotionally safe environment for students to learn.
• Plan workshops and lessons to teach relevant skills, like carpentry or trail work.
• Ensure that students have what they need to be successful.
• Meet with students once per week to monitor progress.
• Communicate with organizations regarding service learning placements.
• Periodically visit project sites to check in on students.
• Make sure students adequately document their experiences.
• Read student reflections about projects and provide feedback.
• First Aid as necessary

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Supervise students and manage relationships with partner organizations.
• Manage expectations/adequately prepare students for experiences.
• Oversee temporary team members working with the Walden Project-NY