Grand Rapids Christian Schools
Director of Nature-rich Learning
Grand Rapids Christian Schools seeks applicants for a Director of Nature-rich Learning.
Position Title: Director of Nature-rich Learning
Building: Rockford Christian School
Contract: 1.1 Teacher Contract (.58 FTE STEAM Teaching Responsibilities)
Reports to: Building Principal
Coordinates with: Building Principal; Classroom Teaching Staff; Academic Program Coordinator; Facilities Manager
The Director of Nature-rich Learning creates and supports meaningful and integrated nature-rich learning opportunities for all students at Rockford Christian School through outdoor-focused STEAM teaching, teacher collaboration and coaching, and active management of the campus as an outdoor learning environment. The position contract includes part-time summer responsibilities to support the program’s needs.
Job Requirements
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES
The Director of Nature-rich Learning is responsible for three main areas of work: Teaching and Learning, Coaching and Collaborating, & Creating and Maintaining.
- Teaching and Learning: Fully half of the Director’s time will be devoted to teaching co-curricular outdoor-themed STEAM classes to grades K-8. The Director will plan curricular scope and sequence, identify grade-level themes, and implement off-campus learning opportunities such as field trips and overnight experiences.
- Coaching and Collaborating: The Director of Nature-rich Learning will serve as a key resource and coach for PreK-8 teachers as they work to integrate meaningful nature-rich learning into core subject areas. In addition to collaboration with classroom teachers, the Director will work with community partners to create learning opportunities.
- Creating and Maintaining: The Director of Nature-rich Learning will create and maintain natural learning environments on campus, preferably with student involvement. Examples include, but are not limited to, outdoor classrooms, rain gardens, pollinator gardens, veggie gardens, meadow restoration, and trail maintenance. Some time is required during the summer months to maintain outdoor learning spaces and prepare for the upcoming school year.
Education Requirements
QUALIFICATIONS
- Knowledge, understanding, commitment to a reformed Christian educational worldview
- Valid Michigan Teaching Certificate (Certification in Grades K-8)
- Relational, Collaborative, and Flexible
- Passion and prior experience working with students outdoors
- Hard Worker
The Director of Nature-rich Learning is a/an:
- Disciple of Christ
- Culturally competent professional
- Communicator and collaborator
- Thoughtful neighbor
- Justice seeker
- Creative solution finder
- Lifelong explorer
Applicants should complete the online application form for Professional Staff on the GRCS website. Applicants should also send a resume, letter of interest, and statement of faith to Ben Buursma (bbuursma@grcs.org), Principal, Rockford Christian School.