Bright Futures Looking for Teacher In Training at Gunnison, Colorado and Telluride, Colorado Full Time

This is an entry-level one year term beginning August 16, 2023 and going through July 26, 2024. The position will provide you with an opportunity to serve directly with youth. You will serve 40 hours a week from Monday-Friday, with specific time allocated for specialized training and continuing education, including college-level courses and behavioral support training. As an AmeriCorps member, you will have the opportunity to connect with young children and witness their growth by leading them in age-appropriate activities, lessons, and positive behavioral strategies. You will end your AmeriCorps term with a minimum of an Early Childhood Teacher Certification.

AmeriCorps Member Position Service Activities:

• Under the guidance of the lead teacher, you will have the opportunity to further develop the skills you are learning in a hands-on setting. You will engage children in the educational curriculum, imaginative play, books, toys, and various learning activities. 
• You will serve in an Early Childhood Education Center as an AmeriCorps Teacher in Training in an infant/toddler setting (0-3 year olds) or a preschool setting (3-5 year olds). You will help to ensure teacher:student ratios, and to support the classroom lead teacher with lesson planning, schedules, routines, circle time and planned activities.
• Demonstrate a positive attitude while focusing on each individual child and the group as a whole.
• Implement positive behavioral framework tools and strategies which are provided during the service term. These tools will allow you to help children work through difficult behaviors while providing them with a safe environment to manage their emotions. 
• Model healthy behavior and communication with the children in order to reinforce and foster healthy social skills. You will focus on interacting with children in a nurturing and responsive way.
• You will assist the lead teacher with diaper changes, nap time, dressing, putting on shoes and jackets for outside time, helping children wash their hands, and assisting with snack time and bottle time.

Qualifications:

• Ideal candidates will have a passion for service, a growth mindset and an interest in serving with young children
• Certify that they have or will obtain their high school diploma, GED or equivalent 
• Must be 17 years or older at the start of service (no upper age limit)
• Be able to pass a national service criminal history check
• Hold one of the following citizenship statuses: US citizen, US national, or Lawful Permanent Resident
• Enjoys working with young children and has a desire to use positive behavioral strategies as provided during your service year
• Willingness to participate in continuing education and trainings to further your early childhood knowledge
• Must be comfortable being active and moving around throughout the day
• Ability to speak Spanish is a plus, though not a requirement

Benefits:

• Living Allowance in the amount of $813.04 paid semi-monthly (twice a month)
• Education Award received upon successful completion of your term of service in the amount of $6,895
• Student loan forbearance for eligible loans during your service term
• Continuing education provided during your time in the program with the intention to become assistant/lead teacher certified in order to excel and improve hireability in the ECE industry
• Specialized training in positive behavioral framework including the Pyramid Model
• Health care is available, if applicable
• Childcare coverage, if you qualify
• Assistance with housing placement in a region where housing is difficult to find
• Wellness benefit that can be used on your choice of wellness activity to benefit your mental health
• Monthly individual check-ins; Monthly cohort check-ins and activities; Cohort orientation at start of program
• Strong AmeriCorps Alumni network after completion of term

Equity or Nondiscrimination Statement:
Bright Futures follows an equal opportunity employment policy and employs personnel without regard to race, creed, color,
religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental handicap, veteran status, and marital status. Bright
Futures prioritizes equity, diversity and inclusivity (EDI) in our hiring process and throughout the organization. We strive to
support the needs of the cultural landscape specific to the San Juan region. Through collaboration, training, advocacy,
partnership opportunities and ongoing evaluation, we will support EDI development and sustainability efforts.