Summer School Assistant - Let's Go on Safari! (Ebersole)

As a Summer School Assistant for Ebersole in Lansing, your primary responsibilities include facilitating and leading camp sessions, assisting in engaging educational activities, and ensuring students are safe and supported during their time at camp. You will be involved in the planning and execution of hands-on learning experiences, including a safari trip that allows students to explore and interact with wildlife. Additionally, you are expected to attend mandatory training to prepare for these exciting responsibilities.

The Lansing School District requires candidates for the Summer School Assistant role at Ebersole to have successful experience working with K-12 students and excellent collaboration and communication skills. Experience or a willingness to train in project-based learning is preferred, along with creativity in content design and assessing student learning. A commitment to working closely with the Ebersole director and staff is also essential.

Training for the Summer School Assistant position at Ebersole involves mandatory attendance on June 11. During this training, you will receive all necessary materials and instructions to effectively support and engage students during the camp sessions. The training is designed to prepare you for providing high-quality educational experiences while ensuring that everyone is aligned with the mission of the Lansing School District.

Students participating in the Ebersole camp can look forward to an exciting expedition to Boulder Ridge Wild Animal Park, where they'll engage in close encounters with a variety of animals. They will enjoy hand-feeding their favorite creatures and participating in fun activities designed to enhance their understanding of nature and wildlife. The camp experience will be filled with exploration, discovery, and unforgettable memories.

To apply for the Summer School Assistant position at Ebersole, interested candidates should complete the attached online application at their earliest convenience. The Lansing School District reviews applications on a rolling basis, so it’s best to apply as soon as possible if you’re interested. Though they strive to provide quick feedback, the high volume of applicants may affect the response time. Remember to indicate your interest in other roles in the department if applicable.

When discussing your experience, focus on specific examples of how you've engaged with students, created enriching activities, and catered to diverse learning styles. Highlight any particular strategies you used to foster a positive learning environment and any challenges you overcame in previous roles.

Explain how you actively involve students in learning and encourage curiosity. Discuss techniques such as interactive demonstrations, question prompts, and collaborative group work to keep students engaged and excited about what they are learning.

Provide a concrete example that showcases your ability to facilitate project-based learning. Describe the project, your role in guiding students, and the outcomes. Highlight how you integrated creativity and assessment into the project to enhance students’ learning experiences.

Discuss your commitment to inclusivity and how you celebrate diversity in your teaching approach. Provide examples of practices you implement to ensure every student feels valued and included, such as adapting activities to meet different needs and encouraging cooperative learning.

Share your thoughts on the elements that contribute to an enjoyable summer camp experience, such as engaging activities, personal connections, and opportunities for growth. Emphasize the importance of creating a safe and fun atmosphere that encourages exploration and connections with nature.

Explain the strategies you employ to communicate effectively with younger students. Consider mentioning the use of age-appropriate language, visual aids, and interactive methods that help convey messages clearly and keep students focused.

Articulate your passion for education and working with children. Discuss specific aspects of the Ebersole program that excite you, such as the safari theme, hands-on learning opportunities, and the focus on creativity and exploration.

Outline your approach to managing challenging behavior, emphasizing understanding and patience. Discuss methods such as active listening and conflict resolution strategies, which can help you address issues constructively while fostering a positive environment.

Share your personal experiences with outdoor activities and any relevant skills you possess that could enhance the camp experience. Mention how these experiences can translate into educational opportunities for students and how you can inspire them to appreciate nature.

Discuss techniques you would use to foster teamwork, such as team-building exercises, collaborative projects, and open discussions. Highlight the importance of creating a sense of community and how you would support students in working together effectively.