SVA STAFF POSITION DESRCIPTIONS - ROLES AND FUNCTIONS

THE FLIGHT DIRECTOR (FD) - "Runs the room."
                                             "Makes sure every child as much fun as possible while fulfilling his/her level."

Space Voyage Academy is a high energy place for kids to learn. Each week as many as 36 students ages 5-16 attend to have fun and learn.  Each week, the program is directed by a special staff member called the flight director (FD). The FD is charged to have a successful program week for participants and staff.  All decisions for the program week go through the FD.  The FD works with the program directors to manage the room, including supervision, health and safety, cadet achievement, special needs, scheduled events and staff morale.  All staff members at the academy wear a communication device, called a comm, to communicate with the FD to make communication easy and efficient.  All  staff members communicate their interests, needs and report status to the Flight Director.  The FD then reports needs and status to the program directors.  Each week has one Flight Director. Instructors grade 3 and above qualify to be the FD.

INSTRUCTORS - "Assists Flight Director as needed."
             "Serves as a role model for crews and pathfinders."

Instructors are staff members who have gone through the academy as cadets and understand the program from the cadets perspective.  After completing cadet level 4 and an apprenticeship, instructors are certified as a instructor grade 1, also called a Jouneymen Instructor or I1.  Certification as an instructor continues indefinitely with the following expectations: 1) instructors report their personal status on how they are doing four times a year to Doc Palmere (quarterly), 2) instructors maintain strong character and serve as positive role models.  Instructors can be de-certified for violations of the SVA instructor honor code (cheating, lying, drug use, stealing, etc.)   Movement to the next grade of instructor, I2 or Crew Chief requires completion of Cadet Level 5.  Advancement as an instructor from Crew Chief (I2) to Flight Director (I3) is based on demonstrated ability to handle the responsibilities associated with the next instructor level.

Instructors get first consideration in filling staff positions due to dedication and service to the program.  Instructors can staff summer camps, school seminars, R&D projects and community events.  Instructor pay is based on expertise, responsibility and longevity.  Below are the five grades of instructor with some expectations:

Instructor Grade  I1 - "Journeymen Instructor"

• Maintains strength of character and the SVA instructor honor code.
  
• Reports to Flight Director for assigned duties.
  
• Makes FD aware of new guests in the room.
  
• Knows first and last name of every person in the pavilion, speaks to people by correct name.
  
• Works with assigned crews on requirements and time studies.
  
• Role model for pathfinders and cadets.
  
• Signs off cadet requirements (using his/her initials).
  
• Supports mini-lectures being presented, may present mini-lectures with help of FD.
  
• Works to keep pavilion an organized, clean and safe place.
  
• Models "A clean ship is a happy ship."
  
• Anticipates what needs to be done, and does it.
  
• Reports status of completed assigned/completed tasks to FD (flight director).
  
• Communicates what they need.
  
• Assists with pathfinders as assigned.
  
• Sets up, certifies participants and secures lab packs as directed.
  
• Assists with other duties as assigned.
  

• Able to conduct mini-lectures independently.
  
• Collects monies from lunch sales for FD.
  
• Helps maintain a clean and organized instructor area.
  
• Is proficient as an I1 instructor for minimum of two program weeks.