Aspen Elementary Summer Explorers Program Director

Aspen Elementary Summer Explorers Program Director

Position: Summer Explorers Teacher
Location: Aspen Elementary
Dates: June 8 to June 26, June 29 to July 17, 2026, 5 days/week
Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM (One preparation day prior to the program start date)
Compensation: $75/hour
Position Type: Summer Season Part-time/Full-Time

Position Summary:
Aspen Elementary School is seeking a visionary and organized leader to serve as the Director of the Summer Explorers Program. The Director is responsible for the overall strategic design, operational management, instructional leadership and academic recovery initiative. This program provides engaging, hands-on learning experiences for students in grades K-5, blending structured literacy and inquiry-based mathematics with robust outdoor exploration. The Director ensures that the program maintains a high standard of academic rigor and physical safety while fostering a culture of environmental stewardship and social-emotional growth.

Key Responsibilities:

• Program Leadership & Strategy: Oversee the successful implementation of the Summer Explorers mission. Design the overarching program schedule, ensuring a seamless balance between classroom-based interventions and field-based outdoor education.

• Instructional Oversight: Supervise the delivery of structured literacy and inquiry-based mathematics. Support teaching staff in integrating academic standards into outdoor settings and ensure data-informed progress monitoring.

• ODE Risk Management: Develop and enforce safety protocols for all outdoor education trips, field studies, and nature walks. Serve as the primary point of contact for emergency response and risk assessment in variable environments.

• Staff Supervision & Mentorship: Recruit, hire, and train a team of educators and support staff. Lead regular staff meetings and provide professional development on place-based pedagogy and inclusive classroom management.

• Operations & Logistics: Manage the program budget, coordinate transportation for field trips, oversee supply procurement, and ensure facility readiness in both indoor and outdoor learning environments.

• Stakeholder Communication: Act as the primary liaison between parents, school administration, and community partners. Provide regular updates on program successes and student impact.

• Other Duties as Assigned: Manage student enrollment, oversee daily check-in/out procedures, and provide direct support in the field or classroom as needed to ensure program excellence.

Qualifications:

Required:

• Current Administrative or Teaching License (Administrative license preferred)
• Proven leadership experience in an educational setting (Department Head, Program Coordinator, or Lead Teacher)
• Extensive background in Outdoor Education (ODE) leadership and field-based risk management
• WFR/WFA Certification
• Strong knowledge of structured literacy frameworks and inquiry-based mathematics instruction
• Exceptional organizational, communication, and crisis-management skills
• Demonstrated ability to lead a diverse team and foster a collaborative professional culture
• Enthusiasm for building community-centric programs for elementary-aged students

Preferred:

• Prior experience as a Director or Assistant Director of a summer academic camp or outdoor school
• Advanced certification in Outdoor Leadership or Environmental Education
• Experience with budget management and state educational compliance

Working Conditions:

• This is a full-time leadership position during the summer session, with pre-program planning hours required.
• The Director will operate in a variety of environments, including administrative offices, traditional classrooms, and diverse outdoor field sites.
• Must be physically capable of navigating uneven terrain and leading staff and students in various weather conditions.

To Apply:
Please submit your resume, cover letter, and references. In your cover letter, be sure to highlight your relevant teaching experience and why you're excited about the opportunity to work with elementary students in an outdoor education setting.

We look forward to welcoming passionate and dedicated teachers to our Summer Explorers team!