Position Purpose

The Director of Experiential Education provides visionary leadership, strategic planning, and program coordination for all aspects of experiential, outdoor, and service learning across the PK–8 program. This role ensures that experiential learning is woven into the fabric of the School’s curriculum and culture, reflecting the School’s mission and Episcopal identity. The Director partners with faculty, administrators, parents, and community organizations to design programs that foster curiosity, resilience, leadership, and a sense of stewardship in students.

Key Accountabilities

Program Leadership

• Oversee the design and implementation of a comprehensive experiential education program that prioritizes student experiences with service learning, field trips, outdoor learning (including the Service Garden), and heritage and cultural immersion.
• Partner with Division Heads, Dean of Student Formation, and faculty to set a vision for and alignment of experiential programs with the School’s mission, Episcopal values, and academic curriculum to foster student leadership, civic engagement, and stewardship.
• With other faculty and staff partners, embed experiential learning into the overall student experience by developing signature co-curricular experiences (e.g., day and overnight trips and field excursions, summer Grand Classroom wilderness expeditions, and service projects) appropriate for developmental stages across grades PK–8.
• Establish and maintain safety, health, and risk management protocols for all experiential programs, including trip planning, emergency preparedness, and vendor/partner vetting.
• Manage logistics for field trips, including contracts, transportation, budgets, and communication with families.
• Support the organization and coordination of the in-school club period and foster student leadership within clubs.
• Lead, train, and mentor faculty/staff involved in experiential programs.
• Build partnerships with local, national, and global organizations to expand program opportunities.
• Serve as a visible leader in the life of the School, participating fully in community events and traditions.

Curriculum & Instruction

• Teach a Middle School elective
• Collaborate with faculty to integrate hands-on, place-based, and project-based learning into classroom experiences, including service-learning opportunities that connect students with meaningful community engagement.
• Provide resources and professional development to faculty on experiential education best practices.
• Create assessment tools to measure student growth in areas such as collaboration, leadership, problem-solving, and civic responsibility.
• Help create opportunities for students to present learning to authentic audiences (e.g., exhibitions, showcases, community partnerships).

Administration

• Manage the experiential education budget and make recommendations for program growth and sustainability.
• Collaborate with other key School stakeholders- facilities, operations, and security.
• Maintain accurate records of trips, permissions, risk assessments, and incident reports.
• Communicate effectively with parents, trustees, and School leadership about the value and impact of experiential learning.
• Ensure compliance with School policies, accreditation standards, and applicable law/regulations.
• Serve on Risk Management Committee, Student Experience Team, and Administration Team

Opportunities and Challenges

The Director of Experiential Education prepares students for the self-advocacy, stamina, and rigor required in eighth grade algebra and subsequently in high school. The teacher helps students continue to develop effective habits, skills, and attitudes in the completion of their academic work. The teacher must:

• Model the St. John’s Code of respect, responsibility, honesty, and care.
• Demonstrate clarity in verbal and written communication.
• Demonstrate strong listening skills.
• Embrace the School’s Episcopal identity, ethos, and commitment to respecting the dignity of each individual.

Growth Mindset

• Collaborate with colleagues on the development of curriculum and in the practice of instructional strategies.
• Leverage the knowledge, skills, and abilities of the Student Formation Team in support of students’ academic, social, and emotional needs.
• Pursue growth in relevant technology skills.
• Network with peers at other local and national independent and Episcopal schools.
• Demonstrate commitment to personal and professional growth. Able to meaningfully receive, reflect on, and apply feedback to one’s professional growth.
• Attend conferences and professional meetings to remain current with math curriculum, instructional strategies, culturally responsive instruction, and social and emotional learning.

Qualifications and Personal Attributes

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree in education, experiential education, or related field strongly preferred.
• Minimum 5–7 years of teaching or administrative experience, with a focus on project-based, experiential, outdoor, or service learning.
• Demonstrated expertise in curriculum development, project-based learning, logistics, and risk management.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills.
• Experience working with children in grades PK–8, with developmental understanding of student needs across age levels.
• Commitment to the mission and values of Episcopal education, including inclusivity, service, and respect for the dignity of every human being.
• Creative and visionary thinker who inspires students and colleagues.
• Skilled relationship-builder who collaborates effectively across constituencies.
• Flexible, adaptable, and calm under pressure, especially in outdoor or trip settings.
• Passion for helping children develop resilience, confidence, and empathy through lived experiences.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift approximately 30 lbs.
• Ability to work for extended periods of time, including weeknights and weekends when required.
• Ability to work with children and adults in indoor and outdoor settings.
• Ability to work in on-campus, home, day trip and overnight trip settings.

About St. John's Episcopal School

St. John’s is an independent, coeducational Episcopal school serving up to 500 students in grades pre-k through eight. Located in a park-like setting on 10 acres in East Dallas, the School offers its employees and students a supportive esprit de corps fueled by a common mission – one dedicated to a program of academic excellence designed to train the mind, strengthen the character, and enrich the spirit of each student in a Christian environment. We think of St. John’s not only as a School, but also as a very special kind of community. We seek to employ people who – regardless of the role they play in the School – understand that they impact the lives of our students, families, and colleagues. The St. John’s Code calls us to model honesty and respectfulness in our relationships, responsibility in the performance of our assignments, and a caring attitude that extends to all members of our community. Do you dream of becoming the best educator you can be? Of coming to work each day with a sense of mastery, belonging, and purpose? Of working with fun, collegial, collaborative, growth-minded professionals? If so, you could thrive at St. John’s. In our commitment to diversity and equi...ty, St. John’s Episcopal School does not discriminate regarding race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, age, genetic information, disability, pregnancy, marital status, religion, military status, and/or any protected category. This commitment extends to our employment, educational, admission, and financial-aid policies, and other school-administered programs.

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Connections working at St. John's Episcopal School