Professionalism for the Outdoor Educator

Overview

Many people jump through the hoops. They get a few certifications, they build their outdoor resume and then they try to make the transition. They try to transition from the traditional workplace to a career in the outdoors.

This can be a very difficult transition.

It's difficult for several reasons. First, how do you get a job in the outdoors? And if you're lucky enough to get one, how do you hold onto it? Second, how do you build your brand? How do you grow your student base? Third, how do you manage the problematic assignments you receive? How are you going to deal with it if you're thrust into the difficult position of planning something completely and totally new.

Professionalism for the outdoor educator isn't just wearing the right clothes or saying the right thing to impress the right person. It's the ability to create an aura of respectability and trust around oneself all the time.

The American Alpine Institute Professionalism for the Outdoor Educator program is a five-day program that sends time both in the classroom and in the field, allowing prospective outdoor educators to look behind the curtains and to see what goes into making a job in the outdoors into a career.

Professionalism for the Outdoor Educator

Curriculum

The curriculum for the Professionalism for the Outdoor Educator program is multifaceted. Some of the material is focused on how to get a job. Some is focused on how to keep a job. Some is focused on how to make a living and how to make your job a career. Other parts are focused on program development, field management and expedition planning. The combination of these things will provide prospective outdoor educators and guides with a solid baseline of skills that they will be able to take into their careers in the outdoors.

Day One:

Introduction to professionalism
How to obtain and keep employment
Common reasons for termination
Introduction to mountain electronics
Leave No Trace - Plan Ahead and Prepare
Map and compass for professionals
Tour planning

Day Two:

Diversity and gender issues in the outdoors
Commercial permitting and land management issues
Liability and accident insurance
Resume development
Personal marketing
Ancillary income (sponsorship, writing, photography, etc.)

Type of jobs available and employment requirements
Ancillary industry organizations
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) inspections
Development of a risk management plan

Day Three:

Hike into the backcountry for a single night. Students will teach Leave No Trace principals while in the field and receive feedback.
Leave No Trace - Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
Leave No Trace - Dispose of Waste Properly, Leave What You Find

Day Four:

Morning and evening guide meetings
Leave No Trace - Minimize Campfire Impacts, Respect Wildlife
Leave No Trace - Be Considerate of Other Visitors
Hike out of the field. Begin final assessment preparations.

Day Five:

Final Assessment

Final Assessment:

Students will work in teams of two to develop a comprehensive expedition plan. This plan will include marketing materials, meeting place, itinerary, permit rules, equipment lists and a tour plan. They will present their final plan to the group at the end of the day.

Professionalism for the Outdoor Educator

Dates

2024

June 10 - 14, 2024
July 15 - 19, 2024
Sept 09 - 13, 2024

2025

April 07 - 11, 2025
June 13 - 18, 2025
July 14 - 18, 2025
Sept 08 - 12, 2025

Professionalism for the Outdoor Educator

Details

Students who complete this course will have the following:

Leave No Trace Trainer Certification
Outdoor Resume
Personal Marketing Plan
Interview Skills
Ability to build a tour plan
Analog map and compass skills
Digital map and compass skills
Field electronics skills
Ability to develop a marketable trip

Included

Instructor fees, course manual, permit fees, camping fees for field section, transportation for field section, group equipment for field section, live Zoom gear consult before the course.

Exclusions

Notebook, computer, writing utensil (note taking materials), subscription to mapping application, personal backpacking equipment, food, lodging while in the frontcountry, and parking while in the backcountry.