Internship Program and Employment Opportunities

San Mateo Outdoor Education is a five day residential outdoor education program for fifth and sixth grade students from San Mateo County. Our site is situated in the Santa Cruz mountains with over 1,000 acres of natural wonders, old growth Redwood forest, and an organic garden to explore with our students. The California coast provides excellent opportunities to discover sea life in the tidepools, watch the migration of Gray Whales, go birding at a major stop-over along the Pacific Flyway, visit colonies of seals, and explore the magnificent coastline.

What Outdoor Education Internships Involve

• Teaching major program concepts to fifth and sixth grade students.
• Enforcing safety and discipline standards.
• Counseling students.
• Assisting in supervising and evaluating high school cabin leaders.
• Serving as a link between teachers, cabin leaders, and students.

Ultimately, we wish to provide an environmental education experience that brings about a greater social awareness other students from all cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds and to increase students' knowledge and appreciation of nature.

There is a two week training period during which interns become familiar with the program content and four days of winter staff enrichment. The internship period is a full school year, beginning in September and ending in late May. During the year, a variety of in-services, workshops, and field trips will be held.

Application Information

Each year, ten naturalist interns are hired to participate in our program. The application process takes place each spring. The application deadline is mid-April. Please apply early!

Internship Program Goals

The San Mateo Outdoor Education program is dedicated to providing naturalist/teachers with exciting and extensive learning opportunities. The following is a partial list of what interns will be exposed to during the 30 week internship.

Preparation for Teaching		Student Management		Program Operation & Analysis
Lesson planning techniques		Choosing activity locations		Site visit
Lesson flow		Cooperative learning		School visit
Structuring a lesson		Positive discipline		County office visit
Teaching resources		Refocusing techniques		Office duty
		Focal center		District support
		Conflict resolution		Program structure
		Large group management		Outdoor education in California
		Student health and safety		Professional organizations
Skill Development		Theory and Approach		Leadership & Communication
Peer coaching		Brain research		Facilitating staff meetings
Idea swaps		Learning modalities		Curriculum development
Informal idea sharing		Affective education		Program improvement
Friday and Monday in-service		Cognitive/process		Training cabin leaders
Observe other naturalists		Student assessment		Committee and collaboration
Two formal hike observations				Staff contract
Feedback and coaching				Project development
Goal setting				Team teaching
Resources				In-service leading
				Village Leader
				Classroom teacher meetings
Teaching Strategies		Natural History		Other Opportunities
Name games		Redwood ecology		Story telling
Nooks and grabbers		Wetland ecology		Teaching drama, dance, and art
Cooperative games		Pond/riparian ecology		Singing
Concept development		Ethno botany mycology		Special needs students
Sensory activities		Invertebrates		Local and state environmental issues
Garden activities		Local vertebrates:		Field trips
Guided discovery		– birds, mammals
Using the teachable moment		– amphibians, reptiles
Teaching with music		Local geology
Leading discussions		California geography
Questioning strategies
Vocal tone
Building self concept

Naturalist Intern

There are ten intern positions open for each academic school year. Applications are due on or by April 15 or until all positions are filled.

Position Description

During the first weeks, interns receive intensive training to prepare them for teaching environmental education classes on a variety of subjects in numerous settings. In addition to teaching during the daytime, interns participate in evening activities which include campfires, night hikes, and dancing. Staff training is ongoing throughout the year. Duties will include teaching major concepts to fifth and sixth graders enforcing safety and discipline standards, counseling students, and acting as liaison with teachers.

Organization Description

This is an outdoor education center located on 1,000 acres in central California, 12 miles from the coast and at the foot of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Groups of approximately 180 fifth and sixth graders come for a 5 day residential environmental education program that utilizes redwood forests, tide pools, ponds, marshes, and other natural areas in the coastal and mountain regions. The California coast provides great opportunities to discover sea life in the tide pools, watch the migration of gray whales, go birding along the Pacific Coast Highway, visit colonies of seals, and explore the coastline.

Qualifications

You must have a strong interest in environmental education as demonstrated by previous teaching experience and/or course work in the natural sciences. You should be flexible, enthusiastic, and enjoy working with kids. Singing or other musical talents are also useful.

To Apply

Send a resume, cover letter, and the names and phone numbers of three references. Positions fill early. Apply by April 15 for the September start date.

Starting Date:

September through June.

Location:

La Honda, CA.

Compensation:

Room and board and a stipend of $275 per week.

Arrangements:

Full-time, nine month commitment, ten positions available.

Deadline:

April 15 — Apply early!

Contact:

Mark Nolan
San Mateo County Office of Education
101 Twin Dolphin Dr.
Redwood City, CA 94065-1064

You can also e-mail Mark Nolan, Director of San Mateo Outdoor Education with any specific questions about the program or the positions available.