Position Title: Environmental Learning for the Future (ELF) Trainer

Position Summary:
The ELF trainer is a VINS contract employee who will teach and be responsible for the local administration of ELF in assigned school(s) and serve as VINS liaison to those schools. The ELF program now reaches over 15,000 elementary school students in over 100 schools each year.

Reports to: School/Community Program Manager

Date Last Revised: June 7, 2006

Position Status: Part-time, benefits- ineligible.

Key Responsibilities:

ELF Teaching For ELF workshops: a) Prepare all materials other than slides and other materials-to-be-loaned;
b) Be familiar with topic, reading supplemental information as needed to supplement background information in Hands-On Nature and other ELF handouts;
c) Review all activities and materials needed ahead of time;
d) Present a high-quality, engaging lesson for volunteers that prepares them for working in the classroom;
e) Share ideas and teaching suggestions (via phone or email) with other ELF trainers, when possible.

Teach assigned workshops and:
a) record all materials loaned and returned with set # on feedback form;
b) record pertinent feedback, including revision suggestions and workshop supplements;
c) discuss adapting activities for different grade levels;
d) include human impact issues wherever appropriate;
e) distribute hand-outs, including VINS publications, as available;
f) collect loaned materials from previous month (2 months is the maximum);
g) complete monthly "To Do" lists.

ELF Administration

As an ELF trainer:
a) attend three ELF trainer meetings:
b) obtain from VINS copies of Hands-On Nature and/or unit revisions, plus hand-outs and any materials-to-be-loaned for ELF workshops;
c) contact the Program Coordinator for all materials and handouts, workshop schedule changes, payment forms, and other ELF logistical needs. (VINS will arrange delivery of materials not ready at the time of meetings.)
d) complete self-evaluation forms;
e) keep Program Coordinator informed of any problems or concerns on the part of the schools and/or volunteers you are working with;
f) be responsible for returning all ELF materials by June15 and complete all end-of-year tasks.


Scheduling
a) In August, confirm time, place, date for September workshops with coordinators. VINS will provide postcards;
b) At September workshop, confirm rest of year and notify of any changes;
c) In May, make sure all assigned towns are scheduled for the following year, and send a copy of these schedules to ELF Program Coordinator (with final requisition).


ELF School/VINS Liaison:
a) Be sure to read copies of all letters to Coordinators and Principals;
b) Handle all administrative problems you feel you can, but don't hesitate to send any matters to ELF Program Coordinator - keep VINS informed;
c) Assess and discuss with Coordinator and School/Community Program Manager, if necessary, viability of ELF in your towns for following year.
d) Support the volunteers and coordinators in providing a solid, vibrant ELF program to the children in the schools.

VINS Meetings:
a) You are expected to attend three ELF meetings at VINS each year;
b) You are encouraged to attend Coordinator's retreats and ELF Day.

Qualifications
• Demonstrated ability to lead and manage creative and effective educational programs.
• Excellent teaching skills with adults and children, public speaking, writing and analytical skills;
• Familiarity with public and private school education standards and assessment strategies, governance and funding mechanisms, and statewide networks.
• General knowledge of natural history;
• Ability to lead field trips over diverse terrain in all seasons;
• Ability to carry bulky, heavy teaching equipment;
• Strong organizational skills and work ethic
• Team player
• Must be passionate about the mission of VINS
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Commitment to excellence
• Minimum B.A. or B.S. in environmental education, education, natural science or related field;
• Have access to a reliable personal vehicle.

Start Date: July 1, 2006

Work Week: Monday – Friday, with evenings and weekends as necessary.
Contact: To apply, please send letter of interest and resume to Linda Conrad (lconrad@vinsweb.org), or Linda Conrad, VINS 2723 Church Hill Road, Woodstock, VT 05091.