Maine Coast Semester School at Chewonki is seeking growth-minded candidates for its Teaching Fellow Program. Candidates should have a high level of interest in place-based, experiential teaching practices targeted at the high school level. Successful fellowship candidates frequently have at least one year of work experience following college graduation.

Fellows are expected to report for work no later than August 19, 2020 and continue through June 4, 2021. This is a two-year position and renews August 2021 – June 2022. Fellows are required to live on-campus in shared housing with other fellows or staff.

Position Title:  Teaching Fellow
Employment Category: Category E
Permanent/Temporary: One academic year, renewable for a second year
Reports to:  Head of Semester School and Dean of Academics
Exempt/Non-exempt: Exempt
Schedule (hours and weeks): Full time, academic year
Benefits Eligible: Yes

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION

The ideal teaching fellow shares the values expressed in Chewonki’s Mission, is intellectually curious, believes in the principles of lifelong learning, is an agile problem solver, can integrate feedback into their practice, and is growth-oriented, highly collaborative, and appropriately self-directed. Furthermore, it is essential that teaching fellows have a deep interest in working closely with teenagers and are committed to working on a team that is dedicated to collaboration as they guide, lead, and support the ongoing success of Maine Coast Semester at Chewonki. 

The teaching fellow program provides an introduction to working at the intersection of place-based and experiential education in an independent residential school setting. Fellows work across the school’s programming, which includes rigorous academic classes, outdoor skill development, and residential life. Fellows observe and assist lead teachers while also holding primary areas of responsibility based on their skills and qualifications. Although the teaching fellowship is not a teacher-training program, there is an explicit mentorship structure that provides an introduction to practice, provided by the dean of academics and supported by the Maine Coast Semester faculty. Fellows are eligible for professional development grants in the second year of their program.

The residential nature of the semester school demands that each fellow serves on a weeknight and weekend duty team that is responsible for supervising students and leading activities. Additionally, each fellow acts as a co-cabin parent who supports a cabin of 6-8 students and advisor to 3-4 students.  

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Observe and/or assist in class(es) in collaboration with a lead teacher
• Be part of the semester school team that supports wilderness trips and outdoor leadership weekends each semester.
• Advise 3-4 students.
• Co-Cabin parent to a cabin of 6-8 students
• Participate in duty schedule on weeknights and weekends.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Live on the Chewonki campus and share meals with the community.
• Assist Director of Admissions as needed.
• Work with students for afternoon work program and during morning chores.
• Serve as co-cabin parent along with another faculty member (does not live with students).
• Assistant leader on student wilderness trips in the fall and spring.
• Serve as lifeguard and waterfront coordinator for swimming and boating.
• Assume other responsibilities and leadership as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum of a BA or BS degree
• Demonstrated passion for intellectual pursuits
• Record of personal academic success
• Demonstrated history of successful experience(s) working with adolescents in a variety of learning environments
• Significant small group leadership experience
• Wilderness First Responder and Lifeguard certifications
• Attend Chewonki trip leader training week of June 13, 2020
• Annual background check
• Fingerprinting as required by the State of Maine Department of Education prior to the start of employment
• Acceptable driving record as determined by Chewonki’s insurance carrier