Who is an out-of-school educator and what do they do? The task of the out-of-school educator is to educate children and adolescents out of school, i.e. for example in an after-school care centre, hostel, children’s home, etc., to develop their personality, interests, and possibly skills as a whole.
What are the activities of the out-of-school educator job? Organising the overall routine in the appropriate educational facility, inspection to make sure it is being complied with – organising children’s activities in their leisure time – developing some skills and abilities of children through variously orientated activities (physical, mental, musical, art, handicraft and other), leading various interest groups – organising trips and excursions – organising cultural events – monitoring and assessing children’s qualities, their attitudes and opinions – paying special attention to some children – offering advice or other help as the case may be, to solve the personal problems of particular children – sorting out disciplinary problems – keeping necessary records of the children – working within the operation of the appropriate educational facility. The educator can also specialise in education of children who require special care – then, s/he works primarily in diagnostic centres and other facilities for children who require special care.
Where is it done and under what conditions? The job is done primarily in classrooms and other similar spaces, in school gardens, cultural facilities, playgrounds, common rooms, etc. – the work environment will have few problems except that in exceptional cases there will be occasional duties at weekends or at night, and occasional exposure to the weather. Predictably, you may be working with problem children.
What tools/equipment do they use? Writing and drawing supplies, computer technology, video and audio equipment, and especially the spoken word.
What do you need to succeed? You need to have graduated from a teacher-training programme of some kind, have positive attitudes to children and young people, be able to exercise authority, able to improvise, organise and have a cultivated appearance and manners, ability to use words fluently, and a good memory.