Cadet Teacher Program
Learn by Leading. Grow by Teaching. Inspire Through Nature.
The Airie Cadet Teacher program is a selective, mentoring program for motivated teens who are ready to move beyond being a student and begin developing the skills of an educator, mentor, and outdoor leader.
Working alongside Ms. Kylene to learn and assist in teaching a Forest School class. Cadets gain authentic, hands-on experience helping younger children learn through nature, play, inquiry, and adventure.
Cadets become valued members of the Airie community as they develop leadership, communication, wildlife knowledge, instructional techniques, and professional responsibility—all while discovering whether a career working with children, education, environmental science, or outdoor leadership is right for them.
What Will You Learn?
As a Cadet Teacher, you'll receive mentorship and real-world experience in areas such as:
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Leadership and teamwork
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Child development and positive guidance
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Teaching strategies and lesson facilitation
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Outdoor risk management and safety
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Wildlife identification and natural history
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Bushcraft and outdoor living skills
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Communication and public speaking
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Problem-solving and critical thinking
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Professionalism and workplace expectations
Throughout the semester or year, responsibilities grow as your confidence and skills develop.
Working alongside Airie's teaching staff, Cadets may:
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Assist with daily learning activities
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Lead games, songs, and group discussions
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Support younger learners during projects
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Practice teaching mini-lessons
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Guide outdoor explorations
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Learn safe outdoor leadership techniques
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Receive coaching and constructive feedback from Ms. Kylene
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Reflect on their growth through their reflective log, note-taking, and goal-setting
Each experience is designed to build confidence, responsibility, and leadership.
Apprentice Experience
Who Should Apply?
Why Become a Cadet?
What Makes a Great Cadet?
We're looking for teens ages 16 - 18 years old who are:
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Responsible and dependable
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Patient and kind
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Curious about teaching or working with children
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Interested in wildlife, nature, or outdoor education
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Willing to learn from feedback
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Excited to serve others
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Ready to grow as leaders
The skills gained through this apprenticeship prepare students for far more than teaching.
Cadets develop transferable leadership skills valued by colleges, employers, volunteer organizations, camps, and future careers. Whether you hope to become a teacher, park ranger, environmental educator, pediatric therapist, camp counselor, conservationist, scientist, or simply a confident leader, this experience provides an exceptional foundation.
Students also leave with meaningful volunteer experience, mentorship, and professional references.
The most successful Cadets are those who:
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Love learning
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Care deeply about others
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Embrace challenges
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Lead by example
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Take initiative
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Communicate respectfully
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Stay curious
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Aren't afraid to get muddy
Cadet Teacher Application Process
What are the Next Steps?
Every applicant completes a multi-step application process designed to help us get to know each student and ensure they are ready for the program's responsibilities.
Step 1 — Submit an Application
Complete the online application and tell us about yourself.
Step 2 — Resume
Submit a one-page resume that highlights your experience, volunteer work, leadership roles, hobbies, clubs, achievements, and interests.
Step 3 — Personal Essay
Write a short essay (approximately 300–500 words) answering the questions:
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Why do you want to become an Airie Cadet Teacher?
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What do you hope to learn during this apprenticeship?
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Email this essay and your resume to kylenepepper.aoa@gmail.com
Step 4 — Walking Interview
Qualified applicants will be invited to Airie's Nurture Center for a relaxed interview with Airie staff, where we'll discuss your interests, goals, experiences, and readiness for the apprenticeship.
This gives both you and our team an opportunity to determine whether the program is a great fit.
Airie Outdoor Academy admits students of any race, color, gender, sexual orientation, neurological difference, religion, nationality, or ethnic origin. All students may access the privileges, offerings, and activities as they are developmentally capable. We honor each person in administering our enrollment processes, educational policies, or school-administered offerings.
