Application Guide
How to Apply for Educator
at Aspen Center for Environmental Studies
🏢 About Aspen Center for Environmental Studies
The Aspen Center for Environmental Studies has pioneered immersive ecological education since 1968, uniquely blending hands-on land restoration with environmental science teaching. Working here means joining a legacy organization that transforms both landscapes and young minds through authentic outdoor experiences in Colorado's Roaring Fork Valley.
About This Role
This Educator role is a dynamic blend of classroom teaching (K-4/5), field program leadership across diverse Roaring Fork Valley sites, and camp instruction during school breaks. You'll directly impact students' ecological understanding while contributing to ACES' mission through curriculum development, animal care, and visitor engagement.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might begin with teaching NGSS-aligned environmental science to 3rd graders in a partner school, transition to leading a field program on local ecology at a Roaring Fork Valley site, and conclude with assisting visitors at ACES' facility while helping with animal care duties. During school breaks, your focus shifts to developing and teaching weeklong environmental camps.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Aspen Center for Environmental Studies Is Looking For
- Holds a degree in natural sciences or environmental education with 2+ years teaching experience, preferably at elementary level
- Has proven curriculum writing skills and familiarity with Next Generation Science Standards
- Demonstrates experience safely managing youth in outdoor environments through field programs or camps
- Possesses strong organizational abilities and enthusiasm for both formal teaching and informal visitor engagement
📝 Tips for Applying to Aspen Center for Environmental Studies
Highlight specific experience with Next Generation Science Standards alignment in your lesson plans
Provide concrete examples of managing student safety during outdoor field programs
Mention any experience with animal care or visitor center operations relevant to ACES' facilities
Describe your approach to developing environmental curriculum for both classroom and camp settings
Reference ACES' specific locations (Roaring Fork Valley, Garfield County) to show geographic familiarity
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Your philosophy on connecting classroom science standards to immersive outdoor experiences', 'Specific examples of developing and revising environmental education curriculum', 'Experience managing student safety in diverse outdoor environments', "How your background aligns with ACES' dual focus on education and land restoration"]
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → ACES' specific school partnerships in the Roaring Fork Valley and Garfield County
- → The organization's land restoration projects and how they integrate with education programs
- → ACES' animal ambassadors and visitor center operations
- → The specific age groups and programs mentioned (K-4/5 classes, children's camps)
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Focusing only on classroom teaching without addressing outdoor education experience
- Generic environmental passion without specific examples of curriculum development
- Neglecting to address safety protocols for managing youth in diverse environments
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to Aspen Center for Environmental Studies!