Teva Educator

The Associated and its Agencies • Canaan, CT

144d • Onsite

About The Position

Teva, a program of Adamah, provides Jewish environmental education through nature-based experiences for Jewish day school students and guests of the Isabella Freedman Retreat Center. Fall educators lead and develop interactive outdoor learning experiences that connect youth with the natural world, build environmental awareness and activism, and engage students in Jewish culture and tradition. Educators spend their days outside with student groups, teaching concepts including awareness, interconnectedness, ecology, and responsibility. The role includes working independently or with a co-educator, collaborating with colleagues, and participating in staff training and program activities. The fall season is expected to run approximately August 26 through November 24, 2026; dates will be finalized by August 15, 2026. Compensation is $17.00 per hour, with weeks ranging from 25 hours to over 40 hours depending on programming. Room and board in a communal house at the Isabella Freedman Jewish Retreat Center are provided.

Requirements

• Demonstrated strong skills in working with children through prior experience.
• Engagement with nature and an interest in Teva’s mission of connecting youth to nature, environmental awareness and activism, and Jewish culture and tradition.

Nice To Haves

• Skills or experience as a musician, teacher, wilderness leader, artist, mentor, performer, athlete, scholar, or other lover of life.

Responsibilities

• Introduce students to the natural world through exploration of the forest, farm, and campus of Isabella Freedman Jewish Retreat Center.
• Plan and lead outdoor learning blocks and electives teaching ecological and Jewish concepts, independently or with a co-educator.
• Lead children’s programming during Adamah holiday retreats.
• Work collaboratively with supervisors and colleagues.
• Participate in theatrical presentations, large-scale games, evening programming, and song sessions.
• Support programming at meals for students and chaperones.
• Participate in Shacharit morning prayer services and add creative educational elements.
• Assist with developing curriculum, skits, and program materials.
• Participate in staff training and development, which accounts for one-third of total work time, and learn Teva’s curriculum.
• Prepare the site for each week, including programming materials, setup, and takedown.

Benefits

• Room and board in a communal house provided by Adamah at the Isabella Freedman Jewish Retreat Center.
• Professional development and networking opportunities throughout the season.
• Opportunity to develop teaching skills in a creative experiential setting.
• Participation in a vibrant, ecological, Jewish community.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: No Education Listed