Fennville Area Education Network After School Program Facilitator

The ODC Education Network provides education, training, and support to local school districts in order to implement high quality outdoor education programs. The ODC Network is a nonprofit organization focused on educating children and families about our natural resources and providing educational programming throughout West Michigan. The after school  program is a camp-like education setting where informal and formal learning experiences are driven through exploration in nature.  We have positions available in  Holland Area, Grand Haven, and Fennville for 2026!  

You DO NOT need to commit to every day of the week.  We have flexibility to work with your schedule!  

ODC Network Diversity Policy Statement:
The ODC Network is an equal opportunity employer. Click here to read our diversity statement.

Purpose: The After School Educator will provide a high quality, developmentally appropriate nature-based experience for children in elementary who are enrolled in after school programs at school sites with ODC Network. The ODC Education Network is seeking after school educators with wide varieties of experience and backgrounds.  The organization strongly encourages pre-service teachers and college students to apply as well as certified, retired, or experienced educators and paraprofessionals.  

Job Details:  

Teaching or Assisting Teaching

• Work cooperatively with team to incorporate nature into daily practices


• Teach lessons to 10-15 students that have been prepared by curriculum developers


• Assure compliance with all relevant governmental rules and regulations


• Create a safe and nurturing environment for kids in afterschool programs. 


• Collaborate with school site staff to ensure high quality and safe afterschool programs.  

Creating Community

• Work collaboratively with the ODC Network Team


• Help maintain high quality physical facilities and spaces


• Provide adequate and appropriate supervision for children at all times that promotes the safety and well being of child participants.  

Supervision

• Provided by Education Network Director and Lead Ambassadors

Desired Education/Experience:

• Teaching certificate with elementary, early childhood, ZS endorsement, or Degree in Outdoor Education with teaching certificate preferred but not required.


• Experience or college coursework in areas of early childhood or K-12 Education preferred but not required


• Background/experience in nature-based instruction, outdoor education, or personal interests in outdoor activities preferred 


• Experience in place based, hands-on, or informal learning experiences for elementary students preferred


• Experience in STEM for elementary aged children preferred


• Experience in childcare or after school programming. 


• Given the number of english learners in this program, the ODC Network is encouraging and prioritizing bilingual candidates for this position.  

Other Skills and Abilities Desired:

• Demonstrated interest in elementary children


• Interest in nature and being outdoors


• Willingness to spend a significant amount of time outdoors each day, in most types of weather.


• Demonstrated good character, responsibility and suitability to meet the needs of children


• Demonstrated ability to work in a team


• Able to set aside constant demands of personal technology i.e. cell phone or personal device in order to build relationships with students.  


• Bilingual Qualifications or experience preferred


• Must pass complete background check, including fingerprinting

Physical Demands:

This position requires the following physical activities: pushing, pulling, climbing, walking, standing, squatting, stooping, kneeling, twisting, reaching, sitting, lifting, bending, finger dexterity, grasping, repetitive motions, talking, hearing and visual acuity. The work/teaching is performed indoors and outdoors in most weather conditions. 

Equipment Operated: 

Must be proficient with Microsoft Office applications, Google Suite, and the operation of general office equipment

These job responsibilities represent only the essential and most significant duties of the position. This job description does not exclude other work assignments, directives and responsibilities not mentioned above.