PATH Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor

Lansing School District; Lansing (MI); On-site; USD 42,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

The Lansing School District is seeking a PATH CTRI certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor to plan and lead safe, effective riding lessons for diverse learners within a supportive, inclusive environment.

The role requires coordinating with families, staff, and volunteers, developing individualized lesson plans, and maintaining high standards of horse welfare and client safety. A strong commitment to accessibility and student growth is essential.

Qualifications

• Excellent communication, oral and written.
• Experience working with students with disabilities preferred.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and manage time effectively.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate therapeutic riding services following a pre-planned lesson.
• Oversee preparation and cleanup of each lesson.
• Maintain rider records per standards.
• Ensure horse welfare and safety during sessions.
• Direct and supervise volunteers and staff during lessons.
• Attend staff meetings and trainings as appropriate.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Communication skills

Safety mindset

Horse handling experience

Team supervision

Education

PATH Intl. CTRI Certification

CPR and First Aid Certification

Job description

The Lansing School District serves over 10,000 PreK-12 students across 25 school buildings in the increasingly diverse urban community of Lansing, MI. We are unique compared to other districts because of the wide variety of exciting and innovative educational options from which families and staff members can choose. All of Lansing School District’s team members are dedicated to our mission to provide an excellent education to all students in a safe and nurturing environment.

In Pursuit of This Mission, we are looking to hire a PATH Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor. This individual will be responsible for planning and leading safe, effective therapeutic riding lessons in accordance with PATH Intl. standards. The role includes assessing participant needs, developing lesson plans, supervising volunteers, ensuring horse welfare, and maintaining a positive, supportive environment. The instructor will work collaboratively with staff and families to support participant goals while fostering horsemanship skills, confidence, and independence.

Qualifications

• High school diploma required, college degree preferred;
• PATH Intl. CTRI Certification required;
• Certified in CPR and First Aid (or willing to obtain);
• 3 to 5 years of previous horse experience required;
• Previous experience with students with disabilities required;
• Demonstrated ability to work in multiethnic and multicultural learning environment;
• Proven ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing;
• Proven ability to prioritize tasks based on performance goals;
• Excellent problem-solving and time management skills;
• Reliable, dependable, and self-starter with a growth mindset;
• Valid driver’s license and good driving record required;
• Reliable transportation; and
• Willingness to perform other duties as assigned by supervisor

Job Responsibilities

• Facilitate therapeutic riding services for ECL clients following a pre-planned lesson plan to ensure timely, efficient, and impactful classes;
• Oversee preparation and clean up of each lesson;
• Review and maintain accurate rider records according to standards;
• Utilize horses under the direction of the Program Manager and Arena Programming Coordinator;
• Report any issues with horses to the Herd and Barn Coordinator as soon as possible;
• Assist in maintaining orderly stalls, barns, equipment, and arena following proper cleaning protocols;
• Maintain a supportive, friendly and encouraging environment to staff, students, volunteers, parents/guardians;
• Direct lesson volunteers in a positive, respectful manner before, during, and after lessons. Empower volunteers to provide the best possible experience for the participant;
• Maintain an environment conducive to volunteer, student, staff, and horse safety;
• Be familiar with First Aid/emergency procedures for horses and guests;
• Attend staff meetings, ECL functions, fundraisers, and trainings as appropriate;
• Other duties as assigned

Physical Demands

• Regularly required to stand, walk, sit, talk, and hear;
• Standing and walking for long periods of time in uneven footing;
• Occasionally required to reach with hands and arms and to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl;
• Occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds;
• Regularly required to use close vision, distance vision, and peripheral vision. Must also have the ability to adjust focus

At Lansing School District, we champion diversity, equity, and inclusion, providing equal opportunities to all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or sexual orientation. We foster a rich environment for professional growth and student experiences by valuing diverse perspectives. As an equal opportunity employer, we invite passionate individuals dedicated to educational excellence to apply for our positions.

We value internal mobility and list "Strong Internal Candidate" when considering an internal candidate before posting a job. We still encourage all candidates to apply.

This job description is intended to outline the general responsibilities and qualifications for the position. It is not an exhaustive list of duties, and the Lansing School District reserves the right to modify job responsibilities as needed. Due to the evolving needs of the District, additional job responsibilities may be assigned (depending on funding sources).

1 fte