Teaching Fellow

Chewonki Foundation is seeking Teaching Fellows who 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. 

• Location: Wiscasset, Maine (Residential)

  • This is a residential position, housing included during the Academic Year.

• Schedule: Full-time, Academic (End of August - Beginning of June)

• Permanent/Temporary: Two academic year program

• Reports to: Director of Maine Coast Semester

• Salary:  $13,520/Annually (Academic Year)

• Benefits: Mount Holyoke tuition will be paid directly to Mount Holyoke on the Teaching Fellow’s behalf. Benefits include health insurance, access to professional development funds, shared housing during the academic year, and meals when served in the dining hall.

• Deadline to Apply: January 15, 2025

Position Summary:

The Maine Coast Semester Teaching Fellow program offers early career educators an introduction to place-based and experiential education in a residential school setting. Fellows assist with academics, outdoor activities, and residential life while taking on specific responsibilities aligned with their skills. They also participate in Mount Holyoke College’s Independent Schools Fellowship Program, combining graduate courses in pedagogy and leadership with hands-on teaching experience and mentorship at Chewonki, working toward a master’s degree.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Observe, assist, and teach class(es) in collaboration with a mentor teacher.

• Help to plan and co-lead backcountry expeditions and weekend activities, with physical rigors that include hiking, camping, paddling, and/or winter sports.

• Serve as advisor to 3-4 students and serve as liaison to families.

• Serve as cabin parent along with another faculty member (faculty and fellows do 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 alongside students in the afternoon work program and morning chores.

• Secure and maintain enrollment in Mount Holyoke College’s Independent School Fellowship Program.

• Care for classroom spaces and materials, and curate resources for students.

• Aid in admissions and program promotion, including open houses, campus tours and potential visits to sending schools. 

• Fulfill 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. 

• Must have a valid Driver’s License and Motor Vehicle Record approved by Chewonki’s insurance carrier.

  • Must be at least 21 years old (to drive students).

• Attend required onboarding and training sessions (in-person/on campus).

QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum of a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (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 WFA certification required, WFR preferred; Chewonki can provide training upon hire.

• Current lifeguard certification (preferred).

• Commitment to following safety protocols and maintaining positive, respectful interactions with students is expected.

• Willingness to embrace the lifestyle of working and living in a dynamic semester school by being a team-player, eagerly assuming many roles, and devoting the time required to model excellence in job performance. 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be able to work in an active, outdoor environment in a variety of weather conditions.

• Some duties require the ability to complete desk and computer work.

• Must be able to lift 50 pounds at a time.

• Must be able to travel as needed.