Teaching Fellow

Position Title: Teaching Fellow (Maine Coast Semester) Employment Category: Category E Permanent/Temporary: Two academic year program Reports to: Co-Directors of Maine Coast Semester Exempt/Non-exempt: Exempt Schedule (hours and weeks): Full time, academic year Location (on campus/hybrid/remote): On Campus, Residential Benefits Eligible: Yes SUMMARY DESCRIPTION The 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 are actively pursuing teaching as their chosen career path, 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 Maine Coast Semester Teaching Fellow program provides an introduction to working at the intersection of place-based and experiential education in an independent residential school setting.
Teaching Fellows work across the school’s programming, which includes rigorous academic classes, outdoor skill development, and residential life.
Teaching Fellows observe and assist teachers while also holding primary areas of responsibility based on their skills and qualifications.
While playing a valuable role in our program,Teaching Fellows will enroll in Mount Holyoke College’s Independent Schools Fellowship Program, a graduate program designed for aspiring and early career educators.
Teaching Fellows take courses in pedagogy and leadership, collaborate with a cohort of colleagues from other Independent Schools, and test their skills on the ground at Chewonki with support and mentorship from Maine Coast Semester staff.
They work towards a Masters degree and gain valuable teaching experience at the same time.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES Underlying Maine Coast Semester’s residential educational landscape for high school juniors is our commitment to promote Chewonki’s Mission, our Goals for Graduates, and a sense of belonging grounded in principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion for all participants and staff.
With these guiding principles, our Teaching Fellows will: Observe and/or assist in class(es) in collaboration with a teacher.
Be part of the semester school team that supports outdoor skills training, backcountry expeditions, and outdoor leadership weekends each semester.
Advise 3-4 students and serve as liaison to families.
Serve as co-cabin parent along with another faculty member (does not live with students).
Participate in a rotating residential education duty schedule on weeknights and weekends.
(Weekend duties span ~8 weekends each Semester, which includes ~4 on-duty weekends and ~4 all-on weekends or partial weekends at key transitions around outdoor programming, breaks, and at the start and close of Semester.
) Work with students in the afternoon work program and on morning chores.
Support student transitions with sending schools and the college process.
Secure and maintain enrollment in Mount Holyoke College’s Independent School Fellowship Program.
Help to plan and co-lead backcountry expeditions and weekend activities, with physical rigors that include hiking, camping, paddling, and/or winter sports.
Care for classroom space and materials, and curate resources for students.
Community Responsibilities Work to honor and uphold the principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, and a lens of anti-racism in the best interest of participants, constituents, and staff across the organization.
A willingness to work as a team member among the Maine Coast Semester program and the greater Chewonki community.
Work on the Chewonki campus and share meals with the community.
Contribute to and collaborate with the Chewonki community through committees and foundation wide events.
Share the collective responsibility within risk management (physical, behavioral, institutional, etc.
) by: Using sound judgment Operating within your skill set and Chewonki protocols Responding to and/ or alerting the appropriate person(s) when you see something that may compromise safety Fullfull other duties as assigned.
PREREQUISITES/ REQUISITES Must complete fingerprinting requirements/pass criminal background check with the Maine Department of Education prior to the start of employment and Annually.
Attend required onboarding and training sessions (in-person/on campus).
Hold a driver’s license and have an acceptable driving record as determined by Chewonki’s insurance carrier.
QUALIFICATIONS Minimum of a BA or BS degree.
Will enroll in Mount Holyoke College’s Independent Schools Fellowship Program.
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.
Current WFR certification (preferred).
Current lifeguard certification (preferred).
As a professional educator you are expected to follow all safety protocols, meet all behavioral standards for safely interacting with students, and act as a role model beyond reproach.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
Must be able to lift 50 pounds at a time.
Must be able to travel as needed.