Code Number
006
Title
Outdoor Education Teacher
Location
IACS
Description
Major Responsibilities and Duties
The duties and responsibilities of the elective teacher involve instruction that is hands-on, problem or inquiry based, and promotes high engagement. Our unique outdoor education program (we call it Lead and Explore) promotes leadership, being a responsible outdoor enthusiast, environmental science and art. Currently sections of this class are mountain biking, water recreational sports, hiking, shelter building, CPR and First Aide certification for students and so much more! There is room to incorporate aspect of outdoor recreation you are passionate about and share that with students.
The teacher shall:
• Demonstrate the ability to model, deliver, and craft rich student-centered learning experiences around Outdoor Education.
• Demonstrate the ability to create and implement strategies for weaving STEAM experiences into multi-disciplinary curricula from grades 6 through 8.
• Work in partnership with teachers and staff, modeling consistent effective teaching with Technology and engagement, lesson plan design.
• Demonstrate fundamental knowledge of the connection between your subject and other core subjects
• Understand and be able to design, develop, assess, plan, and manage highly engaging hands-on learning experiences.
• General to advanced knowledge of mountain biking and mountain bike maintenance.
• Have exceptional classroom management.
Leadership and Professional Growth
The teacher shall:
• Identify and apply educational and technology-related research, the psychology of learning, and instructional design principles in guiding use of technology in education.
• Participate in professional development experiences that allow him or her to observe, evaluate, and apply the use of technology to support instruction.
The duties and responsibilities of the elective teacher involve instruction that is hands-on, problem or inquiry based, and promotes high engagement. Our unique outdoor education program (we call it Lead and Explore) promotes leadership, being a responsible outdoor enthusiast, environmental science and art. Currently sections of this class are mountain biking, water recreational sports, hiking, shelter building, CPR and First Aide certification for students and so much more! There is room to incorporate aspect of outdoor recreation you are passionate about and share that with students.
The teacher shall:
• Demonstrate the ability to model, deliver, and craft rich student-centered learning experiences around Outdoor Education.
• Demonstrate the ability to create and implement strategies for weaving STEAM experiences into multi-disciplinary curricula from grades 6 through 8.
• Work in partnership with teachers and staff, modeling consistent effective teaching with Technology and engagement, lesson plan design.
• Demonstrate fundamental knowledge of the connection between your subject and other core subjects
• Understand and be able to design, develop, assess, plan, and manage highly engaging hands-on learning experiences.
• General to advanced knowledge of mountain biking and mountain bike maintenance.
• Have exceptional classroom management.
Leadership and Professional Growth
The teacher shall:
• Identify and apply educational and technology-related research, the psychology of learning, and instructional design principles in guiding use of technology in education.
• Participate in professional development experiences that allow him or her to observe, evaluate, and apply the use of technology to support instruction.
Benefits
What We Offer
At Independence Academy Charter School, we are committed to supporting educators as professionals and as people. We offer:
• Work–Life Balance: A four-day instructional work week designed to support teacher wellness, planning, and sustainability
• Comprehensive Benefits: Fully paid medical, and dental benefits for employees
• Professional Growth: Ongoing, meaningful professional development aligned to instructional best practices and teacher interests
• Smaller Class Sizes: Class sizes that allow for strong relationships, individualized instruction, and effective student support
• Leadership Opportunities: Opportunities to take on instructional leadership roles and help shape curriculum and practice
• Collaborative Culture: A supportive, team-oriented environment that values collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement
At Independence Academy Charter School, we are committed to supporting educators as professionals and as people. We offer:
• Work–Life Balance: A four-day instructional work week designed to support teacher wellness, planning, and sustainability
• Comprehensive Benefits: Fully paid medical, and dental benefits for employees
• Professional Growth: Ongoing, meaningful professional development aligned to instructional best practices and teacher interests
• Smaller Class Sizes: Class sizes that allow for strong relationships, individualized instruction, and effective student support
• Leadership Opportunities: Opportunities to take on instructional leadership roles and help shape curriculum and practice
• Collaborative Culture: A supportive, team-oriented environment that values collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement
Requirements
Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree in PE, Health, Agriculture, Science, or a related field
• Valid Colorado Teaching License (or ability to obtain)
• Strong understanding of adolescent development and best practices in social studies instruction
• Experience or interest in inquiry-based instruction and interdisciplinary teaching
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills
• Strong written, verbal, and technology-based communication skills
Professional Expectations
In addition to instructional responsibilities, the teacher is expected to:
• Support and uphold IACS’s mission and educational philosophy
• Promote a positive and inclusive school culture
• Collaborate respectfully and professionally with colleagues, students, and families
• Maintain confidentiality regarding students, staff, and school operations
• Demonstrate responsibility, punctuality, flexibility, and professionalism
• Respond positively to feedback and demonstrate a growth mindset
• Model the character traits and values expected of IACS’s students
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and three professional references (names, phone numbers, and email addresses) to:
Lisa Gonsalves, Executive Director – [email protected]
Becky Polniak – [email protected]
For more information about Independence Academy Charter School, please call (970) 254-6850 or visit http://independenceacademygj.com
• Bachelor’s degree in PE, Health, Agriculture, Science, or a related field
• Valid Colorado Teaching License (or ability to obtain)
• Strong understanding of adolescent development and best practices in social studies instruction
• Experience or interest in inquiry-based instruction and interdisciplinary teaching
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills
• Strong written, verbal, and technology-based communication skills
Professional Expectations
In addition to instructional responsibilities, the teacher is expected to:
• Support and uphold IACS’s mission and educational philosophy
• Promote a positive and inclusive school culture
• Collaborate respectfully and professionally with colleagues, students, and families
• Maintain confidentiality regarding students, staff, and school operations
• Demonstrate responsibility, punctuality, flexibility, and professionalism
• Respond positively to feedback and demonstrate a growth mindset
• Model the character traits and values expected of IACS’s students
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and three professional references (names, phone numbers, and email addresses) to:
Lisa Gonsalves, Executive Director – [email protected]
Becky Polniak – [email protected]
For more information about Independence Academy Charter School, please call (970) 254-6850 or visit http://independenceacademygj.com
Start Date
08/01/26
Salary
Starting at $46,000 (0 years of professional experience) more based on years of experience
Contact
Becky Polniak
Phone: 9702546850
Fax: (970) 241-2064
becky@d51schools.org
675 29 Road, Grand Junction, CO 81504
Phone: 9702546850
Fax: (970) 241-2064
becky@d51schools.org
675 29 Road, Grand Junction, CO 81504