MCOZ Camp Lead Teacher

Department: Middletown Child Opportunity Zone

Employment Type: Seasonal - Full Time

Location: Middletown - Gaudet

Reporting To: Jamoya Ridgell

Compensation: $57.80 / hour

Description

Position Overview
The Camp Lead Teacher designs and delivers engaging, high-quality academic and enrichment programming for school-age children within a structured summer camp environment. This role ensures the implementation of inquiry-based literacy, math, and thematic learning experiences that promote student engagement, skill development, and social growth. The Camp Lead Teacher creates a dynamic classroom environment that adapts to student interests and learning needs, while maintaining strong classroom management and ensuring safety during both instructional and recreational activities, including weekly on-site water activities.

o Shift 1 - Part Time - 11:00-4:00 Mon-Thurs, 8:00-4:00 on Fri, plus 2.25 hours of planning time.

Key Responsibilities

Primary Responsibilities (≈50%)

Develops and implements weekly thematic lesson plans that integrate literacy, math, and enrichment activities aligned with student developmental levels and program goals, ensuring meaningful and measurable learning outcomes.
Facilitates engaging, inquiry-based instruction that promotes critical thinking, creativity, and student-led exploration through both individual and group learning experiences.
Creates a structured, safe, and inclusive classroom environment that maintains high behavioral expectations and ensures consistent classroom management practices.
Designs and adapts activities in real time based on student engagement, ability levels, and emerging interests to maximize participation and learning impact.
Ensures students participate in a balanced schedule of indoor and outdoor programming, including hands-on and experiential learning opportunities.

Core Responsibilities (≈35%)

Monitors student progress and engagement to adjust instructional approaches and ensure all participants are actively supported in achieving learning objectives.
Coordinates and leads safe participation in weekly on-site water activities, ensuring adherence to all safety protocols and active supervision standards.
Collaborates with program staff to maintain consistent program quality, behavior expectations, and student support strategies across classrooms and activities.
Prepares and organizes instructional materials, classroom supplies, and activity spaces to ensure readiness and smooth daily program execution.
Communicates effectively with program leadership regarding student needs, behavioral concerns, and program improvements to support continuous quality enhancement.

Additional Responsibilities (≈15%)

Participates in required pre-program training and ongoing staff meetings to ensure alignment with program policies and expectations.
Contributes to a positive team environment by sharing ideas, supporting colleagues, and maintaining flexibility in daily operations.
Maintains accurate attendance records and ensures accountability for student supervision at all times throughout program hours.
Performs other duties as assigned to support successful program delivery and student experience.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

Qualifications

Required Credentials & Experience

Elementary teaching certification required.
Demonstrated experience planning and facilitating engaging educational activities with school-age children, preferably at the elementary level.
Proven ability to manage a classroom effectively and maintain structured, positive learning environments.

Core Competencies

Instructional Agility: Adapts lesson delivery and learning activities responsively based on student engagement, comprehension, and evolving group dynamics.
Classroom Leadership: Establishes clear expectations, maintains consistent routines, and ensures a safe and productive learning environment.
Student Engagement: Designs and facilitates high-interest learning experiences that sustain participation and promote curiosity.
Accountability & Execution: Demonstrates reliability in planning, preparation, supervision, and delivery of program activities with consistent attention to quality and safety.
Collaboration: Works effectively with program staff to align on expectations, resolve challenges, and maintain a cohesive program experience.

Preferred Qualifications

Prior experience working in summer camp or extended learning programs.
Experience incorporating hands-on, project-based, or inquiry-driven learning models.

Physical Requirements
This role requires the ability to actively supervise and engage with children in both classroom and outdoor environments. Responsibilities include standing for extended periods, moving between program spaces, and participating in recreational activities, including water-based activities. The role may involve lifting or carrying program materials and maintaining active visual and physical supervision of students at all times.