Who Is Orange County Academy of Sciences and Arts (OCASA)?

www.ocasacharter.org

HANDS-ON LAB INTERNS POSITIONS

Who is Orange County Academy of Sciences and Arts (OCASA)? OCASA is a tuition-free charter school, currently in Laguna Niguel, that opened in August 2016.

We believe in an experiential approach to STEAM focused education. Our students will learn by doing. They will be encouraged to ask questions, take risks, make discoveries, observe patterns, exhibit creativity, and reflect on their own work. With an emphasis on science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics, our students will apply real world experiences to understand new concepts. Multiple hands-on labs on campus including Science Lab, Maker Lab, Audio/Visual Lab with Music, Arts Lab, Resource Lab, and Practical Life Studio, will encourage exploration and experimentation.

Our students will be connected, active and involved participants in our community. Our students will engage with our community through Inquiry Arc projects. Inquiry Arcs are a project-based learning tool in which the entire school will focus on a topic such as the Fibonacci Sequence, medicine, the violin or California's Missions. Students will explore the topic, choose their focus and exhibit their findings within the school and to the greater community. Inquiry Arc projects will teach students how to gather, filter and share knowledge to the benefit of our community and our world.

We will provide individualized learning in a collaborative environment. Each student will follow an Individual Learning Plan tailored to their academic, social and emotional, and personal needs and goals within a mixed-age class of their peers. Mixed-age classes will encourage older students to be role models and helpers, fostering a culture in which students work together, help each other and genuinely care for one another. Teachers will have meaningful relationships with students and their families, and together they will ensure the needs of each student are being met.

We are UNIQUE! A Common Core education will be enhanced by the unique facilities, collaborative approach, and project-based learning elements of OCASA's model. Students will build the independence to think critically, test ideas, solve problems and reflect on their own learning in an environment that will foster a love of learning.

Job Description

OCASA is seeking passionate and skilled interns to help facilitate hands-on lab experiences on a flexible schedule. Specific hands-on labs in need of intern assistance include:

 Spanish language and culture  Instrumental Music  Mandarin Chinese language and culture  Sewing and/or Fashion Design  Culinary Arts  Carpentry  3D Design and Printing  Art (clay, general art)  Technology  Science Interns will directly engage with the students both individually and in small groups. Interns will collaborate with teachers, teaching assistants, and parent volunteers to organize and execute unique learning experiences. Ideal candidates will celebrate failures, are comfortable in controlled chaos, and value the process over the product. Full responsibility for appropriate instruction, curriculum materials and evaluation procedures remain with the full-time Teaching staff.

During hands-on lab experiences, interns will:  Help students develop creative, technical and personal skills through hands-on learning.  Operate and assist students in the operation of equipment in our multiple hands-on labs.  Initiate and/or accompany students on field trips.  Welcome parent involvement in the hands-on labs.  Share their passion for their specific subject area with K-8th grade children.  Respect the confidential nature of pupil records and school reports.  Assist in the management of student behavior through the use of positive reinforcement strategies and techniques.  Aid in maintaining an orderly, attractive, and positive learning environment.

Qualifications Selection will be based on proven experience meeting the following qualifications:  High School Diploma (some community college course experience is preferred)  Be willing to lead workshops using inquiry-based teaching practices  Adaptability. We are in start-up mode, so every aspect of OCASA is subject to change.  Commitment to continuous improvement  Ability to communicate effectively  Outstanding organizational skills  PASSION for the subject they are helping instruct

Ideally…  Relevant successful experience in a paid or non-paid position working with school aged Children, and/or youth leadership experience  Experience in a multicultural school environment  Prior experience with project-based learning activities  Interest in Orange County Academy of Sciences and Arts innovative model of public charter education and commitment to the school’s success

How to apply Qualified candidates should submit the following via email to [email protected]:  Letter of Introduction detailing why you believe you are the right person for the position, Including mention your professional and relevant experience working with students and/or your passion for working with children.  Resume  At least one (1) strong reference’s contact information

Interns will be required to enroll in Saddleback College’s Cooperative Work Experience (CWE) course to earn at least one-unit of college credit per academic semester. Contact [email protected] for further program requirements and details.