Directors School Call for Instructors 2025

This volunteer listing is now outdated.
Click Here to view the 2026 volunteer listing.

Directors School Instructors guide and execute the curriculum at this exclusive professional development opportunity that prepares new and potential park and recreation directors to be effective leaders. Students who complete the two-year NRPA Directors School program will leave with the knowledge and confidence to navigate emerging challenges, improve operations and maximize positive impact on their communities.  Applications are currently being accepted from individuals interested in becoming a Regent leading up to the March 2026 school.

Instructor Responsibilities:

• Serve as class instructors.
• Prepare all applicable learning materials and instruct courses during the school.
• Make recommendations in the development of the school curriculum and activities.
• Recruit potential students and promote the school to professional colleagues and organizations.
• Participate in selection process of new Instructors.

Qualifications:

• Ability to instruct a minimum of two Key Subjects Covered.
• Extensive teaching experience with positive results at the local, state, regional and national levels in workshops, conferences and/or college classroom instruction. Applicants are encouraged to submit evaluation scores or recommendations via the application.
• Current member of NRPA
• Minimum of 5 years in a significant leadership position, preferably at the level of director. Exceptions are made for special and technical topics.
• Minimum of 10 years’ experience in the Park and Recreation field
• Applicants must be currently employed. Note: Instructors who retire while serving on the Directors School faculty must maintain a level of professional involvement to continue teaching.  No more than 25% of instructors can be in retirement status.
• Preferred: advanced degree, experience at CAPRA accredited agencies, publication in professional magazines or research journals.

Commitment:

• Attend the five-day school (in-person) of each year -- March in 2026
• Attend the mid-year planning meeting (might be in-person or virtual) to plan for the following year’s school
• Serve on various committees (typically virtual meetings) and perform other duties as assigned
• Term is three years (Schools in 2026, 2027, 2028) -- may be renewed
• Service as a Directors School Instructor may be submitted for Professional Service Experience (PSE) points which can assist in renewal of CPRP or CPRE certifications.

Expenses Covered:
Serving as an instructor is considered a volunteer opportunity and no compensation is provided for work as part of the Board or instructing at the School. However, Instructors are reimbursed for most expenses related to on-site participation at the School and other required meetings.

1. Instructors will be reimbursed for reasonable travel expenses to the school and the mid-year planning meeting.
2. Instructors’ cost for accommodations and meals at the school will be covered.
3. Instructors’ costs for accommodations during the mid-year planning meeting will be covered. Depending on the host site for the mid-year meeting, some meals will be covered.

Application Process:
All applications are evaluated by the current Instructors and NRPA Staff to determine possible fit with upcoming vacancies and curriculum needs.  The application asks several questions including:

• Upload a current resume
• Upload a one page letter of interest
• Upload speaking evaluations and or teaching ratings (preferred, not required)

All applicants are updated regarding their application status by May 31. New Instructor terms begin mid-summer 2025 to prepare for the 2026 School. Applications from qualified professionals who were not selected will be included as part of the applicant pool in the following year, if so desired.