Glen Helen Naturalist Teacher Internship Yellow Springs, OH

Glen Helen Naturalist Teacher Internship - Glen Helen Outdoor Education Center, Yellow Springs, OH

Naturalist teacher interns transform the Glen Helen Nature Preserve into a thousand acre classroom, teaching elementary students standards‑aligned science lessons, facilitating community building, and providing a connection to the natural world during their residential program at Glen Helen Outdoor School! Ongoing training and support is provided as part of this community learning experience.

The Glen Helen Naturalist Teacher Internship begins with 2 weeks of intensive training, and segues into a semester‑long practicum, an intensive learning experience that merges theory and practice. Naturalist Teacher Interns teach elementary students standards‑aligned science lessons; facilitate community building; and provide students with an experience‑based connection to the natural world during a transformative multi‑day residential program at Glen Helen Outdoor School, all the while cultivating community and student growth!

We are committed to fostering lifelong learning at the Glen Helen OEC, and thus ongoing training, professional development, and mentorship is provided throughout the entire program. Interns live and practice within the Glen Helen Nature Preserve. This internship will provide you with real‑world experience in preparation for employment as a naturalist or educator; our alumni can be found in parks and environmental learning centers across the country.

Our curriculum is aligned with Ohio Education Standards, and Naturalist Teachers have the freedom to creatively develop individual lesson plans to hone their teaching style and persona. Lesson topics include observation, questioning, senses, wildlife, succession, nocturnal animals, forest ecology, stream ecology, geology, environmental problem solving, cultural history, cooperation and team building.

• Train as a Naturalist Teacher, sharing your learning with students and participating in ongoing, regularly scheduled workshops and weekly staff planning meetings
• Design and deliver standards‑aligned environmental education experiences for a diverse population of student participants in our multi‑day residential and day programs
• Serve as a role model for positive community engagement and responsible environmental behaviors
• Ensure safety and well‑being of program participants and OEC team members using sound judgment and applying appropriate decisions by following safety protocol and reporting incidents, near misses, or possible hazards
• Assist in the maintenance of all program supplies, equipment, and facilities
• Comply with all Glen Helen Association policies and represent the OEC in a professional manner at all times
• Share in the daily and weekly responsibilities at the Outdoor Education Center and complete other duties as assigned

• $250 weekly stipend, paid bi‑weekly
• Housing: private bedroom, shared bathroom, kitchen, common space, and laundry
• Meals during training days and when school groups are on site
• Intensive mentoring from OEC staff and ongoing professional development experiences
• Training to handle and teach with reptiles and birds of prey

To qualify for the Naturalist Teacher Internship program, an individual must be able to perform each primary responsibility. The Glen Helen Outdoor Education Center aims to make reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform primary responsibilities. The Glen Helen Outdoor Education Center does not sponsor work visas, thus, in compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify eligibility to work in the United States by completing the required I‑9 form upon hire.

• Minimum two years of undergraduate course work or associate's degree
• Demonstrate a respect and affinity for children
• Demonstrate a passion for the natural environment
• Commitment to equity and inclusion
• Willing to live in community and work closely as a team
• Willing to be mentored and receive feedback
• Applicants must be able to commit to the full duration of the program, from the beginning of training through the…