Outdoor Education Teacher and Lead

Urban Academy staff, students and families are connected through learning, inspired by community, and empowered to contribute as we work toward our vision of truly educating for tomorrow. We value creativity, collaboration, global citizenship, technology, the outdoors and the arts as means through which we can offer excellence in education. A gender-inclusive JK–12 independent school, we are located in a beautiful facility in New Westminster, across the street from Braid Street Skytrain Station.

At Urban Academy, we seek faculty and staff who are aligned with our values of belonging, future-focused education, changemaking and entrepreneurial spirit. Urban Academy is distinguished by extraordinary teachers who provide a collaborative, inquiry-based, and student-centred approach to teaching. Through the Urban Academy educational program, students develop critical thinking, creative thinking, and problem-solving skills in a technology-rich learning environment.

Urban Academy teachers inspire students. They are actively engaged in planning, implementing and assessing student learning. They are confident in curriculum development and demonstrate an approach to teaching that is reflective of the way in which young people learn. They optimise the resources available to students. They support all learners with diverse strategies and approaches and bring innovative solutions to learning challenges experienced by students.

The students, members of your department, colleagues, and parents describe our teachers as approachable, available, knowledgeable, genuine, supportive and connected to our community. Urban Academy teachers understand the importance of parents as partners by maintaining open and collaborative relationships with the parent community.

As lifelong learners, Urban Academy teachers demonstrate a commitment to actively seek professional development, to continuously reflect on their practice and to collaborate with colleagues to maximise student learning. Urban Academy teachers participate actively in the life of the school. In addition to spending an engaging day with students who are genuinely interested in learning, thinking and playing, teachers are provided with dedicated work time as part of their daily schedule to plan and work collaboratively with others.

The Outdoor Education Teacher is a passionate experiential educator dedicated to facilitating transformative learning across middle and senior school grades (4-12). A defining feature of this role is the commitment to vertical alignment; the Teacher will work closely with the K–3 programme to develop and maintain a seamless scope and sequence that ensures a cohesive developmental journey for all students from kindergarten through graduation. This critical role involves designing, developing, and leading safe, immersive, and curriculum-aligned outdoor programmes that extend academic learning beyond the traditional classroom. The Teacher is responsible for fostering a connection to the natural world, promoting academic rigour, and cultivating essential life skills, including leadership, resilience, teamwork, and environmental stewardship, through hands‑on adventure and expeditionary learning.

Responsibilities of every Urban Academy teacher:

• Planning, implementation and assessment: Bring a student-centred, inquiry-based, and collaborative approach to the delivery of the BC curriculum, utilising competency-based assessment and instruction as well as strong formative and summative assessment strategies.
• Collaboration: Work collaboratively with teachers to plan, develop, and implement an extraordinary learning experience for each student.
• Pluralism: Demonstrate commitment to culturally sustaining teaching practices: infuse diverse voices and perspectives in the planning and delivery of learning experiences, including Indigenous, local, and global world views. Knowledge of differentiated learning approaches and current practices in Inclusive Education.
• SEL: Build relationships with teachers and staff across the school community.
• Student Life: Be an active and positive participant in the co‑curricular programme.
• Communication: Communicate consistently and professionally with students, parents, faculty and other stakeholders about student needs and growth.
• Continuous Growth: Practice professionalism through ongoing professional development, reflection, and continuous improvement.

As an Outdoor Education Teacher and Lead, your additional responsibilities include:

• Instructional Design & Delivery: Design, implement, and lead safe, engaging, and curriculum-aligned outdoor education programmes for students in Grades 4–12, including activities such as hiking, camping, navigation, and wilderness skills. This includes organising fall and spring camps with outside organisations.
• Experiential Learning Facilitation: Facilitate meaningful on‑campus lessons and off‑campus adventures, including local field studies, extended overnight trips, and weekend expeditions, ensuring a direct link to classroom subjects and educational objectives.
• Safety and Risk Management: Uphold the highest safety standards by conducting daily dynamic risk assessments, managing group behaviour in varied environments, and demonstrating proficiency in emergency response protocols.
• Student Development: Mentor students in leadership, teamwork, and social‑emotional growth, serving as a positive adult role model in challenging outdoor settings.
• Environmental Stewardship: Educate students on principles of conservation and ecological awareness, emphasising ethical outdoor practices such as “Leave No Trace.”
• Record Keeping: Maintain accurate records of student participation, assessment data, and programme logistics, communicating effectively with administration and parents/guardians regarding programme details and student progress.

Qualifications and requirements:

• Essential: BC Ministry of Education Certificate or Independent School Certification qualification criteria. Please indicate your TRB # on your application (L or J followed by 6 digits).
• A comprehensive understanding of current educational practices as outlined in the BC Ministry of Education document.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and problem‑solving skills.
• Superior EQ skills in self‑awareness, self‑management, social agility, impact and influence.
• Strong knowledge of educational IT applications and assistive technologies.

Preferred qualifications, experiences, and dispositions:

• Wilderness First Aid, 80‑hour (or ability to obtain).
• Class 4 Driver’s Licence (or ability to obtain).
• Experience with the Duke of Edinburgh Programme (or ability to take training).
• Experience guiding or leading outdoor activities and trips.
• Familiarity with risk management and outdoor industry best practices.

Please visit our website to learn more about UA’s wonderful school life and see if this is the type of environment that you feel you could thrive in and contribute to. At Urban Academy, we are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce by ensuring a barrier-free work environment. We welcome applications from all qualified job seekers, from BIPOC (black, Indigenous, and people of colour), persons with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQ (persons of all sexual orientations and genders). If you are an applicant with a disability, we will work with you to make reasonable workplace accommodations you may need for your best work performance.

Competitive Compensation at a salary range of $67,800 to $116,500, inclusive of vacation pay and commensurate with years of teaching experience. Open and collaborative culture. Matching RRSP programme. Newly built, inspiring campus setting. Innovative and progressive approach to teaching. Low student/teacher ratios.

Urban Academy offers a comprehensive total compensation package, including health benefits and an RRSP programme. We thank all applicants in advance for their interest, but only those candidates who are short‑listed will be contacted. No phone calls or drop‑ins, please.