Field Studies Instructors

Part-Time Position

Founded in 1958, Sequoyah School is an independent progressive K-12 day school in Pasadena, California, built on the belief that diversity of all kinds is fundamental to a powerful education. Students find joy and deep learning as they navigate through curriculum while teachers guide problem-centered classrooms that foster curiosity through intellectual exploration and opportunities for application. The school’s mission to challenge the mind, nurture the heart, and celebrate human dignity is evidenced in its place-based program and signature experiences like Field Studies, the Social Innovation Program, Talking Leaves, and more.

Sequoyah School hires experienced outdoor education instructors to expand the quality and level of productive challenge in the Field Studies Program. Many of our instructors only work one or two trips, but sometimes we are able to offer multiple contracts per season.

A majority of our Instructor positions are on backpacking programs ranging from four to fifteen days in length. On these programs, instructors co-lead a group of students alongside a faculty member of the school. While we seek to foster a co-leader relationship, a Field Studies Instructor must be capable of stepping in as the primary leader, as needed, on these trips. We expect an Instructor to be able to solo instruct an entire trip if necessary.

Position Overview

Sequoyah School hires experienced outdoor education instructors to expand the quality and level of productive challenge in the Field Studies Program.

Qualifications

Sequoyah School has a rich history of diversity and seeks candidates to enhance that tradition.

Minimum qualifications: 21 years of age, current WFA (or equivalent) and CPR certifications. WFR preferred
Must have and maintain a clean driving record and have a current driver’s license to drive school vehicles
Highly professional and competent leaders with a proven track record of excellence and prudent judgment in the outdoor education field
Experience recognizing and acting on appropriate and inappropriate student behavior
Ability to manage student-to-student, instructor-to-student, and instructor-to-parent relationships, in order to help students develop on course and apply those learnings back home. This includes the ability to give feedback and deal positively with conflict and stress
Technical skills necessary to lead specialized activities (e.g. rock climbing on a climbing trip, or backcountry travel for a backpacking trip) and travel safely in the course areas used. They should have the ability to teach these skills to participants, apply good risk management skills applicable to
institutional settings, and support the learning of all students
Positive role models of upstanding behavior and competence in the field
Consistent with the school’s mission and ethos, steward a culture of community and belonging for all participants, inclusive of sexual orientation, gender identity, ability, socioeconomic status, race, and ethnicity
Ability to communicate with students and staff across all intersections of identity in ways that are respectful and mindful

In addition to the above qualifications, a Sequoyah Field Studies Instructor excels at:

Creating an atmosphere of positivity where students feel safe, supported, included, and empowered
Facilitating age-appropriate activities designed for personal growth and inspiring students to challenge themselves
Developing meaningful relationships with students, faculty, and parents – engaging thoughtfully with poise and professionalism
Challenging participants’ beliefs in order to develop critical thinking skills and nurture their passions
Thoughtfully weaving their personal flair into the trip in a constructive manner

Additional Information

Compensation

For the 2025/2026 school year the full field day (17 hour) rate is $432 and prep/post day (8 hour) rate is $144. Instructors are paid based on an hourly scale with time and half and double time for overtime.
Instructors are covered by Worker’s Compensation insurance while contracted. Taxes are deducted from paychecks as Instructors are temporary employees of the school.
Lodging is provided before and after a course that requires prep or post days in Pasadena.
Food is provided on trip days, other meals might be provided during prep and post days.
A professional purchase program is set up through Outdoor Prolink with a variety of companies from which Instructors may purchase discounted items.

Ongoing Selection Criteria

We seek to match the best instructor to each group of students and trip. Due to the limited number of instructor spots available, this often results in different staffing opportunities with each season. We are excited to continue offering work to Instructors who demonstrate the following attributes, in addition to the
above qualifications:

A strong history of positive feedback from our students, parents, and faculty and the ability to receive and engage with constructive feedback during and after the trip.
Demonstrate investment in program growth and development and build strong relationships with school stakeholders.
Ability to work independently, proactively, and identify opportunities to positively contribute to a multifaceted team leadership environment, while also modeling appropriate risk management decision making.
Commitment to fostering an inclusive and welcoming outdoor community for both students and adults, across all identities and backgrounds.

We send out wish lists and work offers for upcoming seasons roughly 6 to 8 months in advance, on a rolling basis.

Diversity is a founding value of Sequoyah School, and we seek candidates willing and interested in upholding an equitable, inclusive environment. Sequoyah School is also an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in any phase of employment. We consider applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, sexual orientation, age, disability, marital status, or any other legally protected status.

Campus Location

Foxes Den

Salary Range

See below for details.