Join the Chewonki Team as our new Maine Coast Semester Science Teacher! The ideal candidate for this position should have a deep appreciation for the natural world; a high level of interest in teaching exceptionally motivated high school juniors in a semester school that is committed to promoting the principles of environmental sustainability; as well as building strong relationships with students and colleagues. 

• Location: Wiscasset, Maine (On Campus, in-person)

• Reports to: Director of Maine Coast Semester

• Permanent/Temporary:  Permanent

• Schedule: Full time, year-round, Academic 

Summary:

Located on Maine’s rugged coastline, Maine Coast Semester offers a small group of diverse and academically ambitious high school juniors the opportunity to develop the habits of independent learning, an appreciation for the natural world, and the chance to practice the art of building a sustainable community. 

Maine Coast Semester at Chewonki is seeking to round out its team of science educators responsible for leading its trademark honors natural history and ecology course. In addition to classroom instruction, this teaching team spends approximately ten hours each week with students in field labs. During these twice weekly field labs, students practice their powers of observation and develop an in-depth understanding of Maine’s natural history through hands-on study and immersion in the natural world. Field labs are conducted across Maine’s ecosystems which include rocky intertidal zones, sandy shores, salt marshes, ponds, streams, bogs and forests. 

Essential Responsibilities 

• Teach 3 sections of an honors level natural history and ecology course, that includes weekly field labs.

• Collaboratively design and lead classes and field expeditions. 

• Work cross disciplinarily to create learning experiences that integrate quantitative thinking and environmental issues.

• Offer academic support for science students outside of class.

• Serve as an advisor for 3-4 students and as a mentor for a cabin of 6-8 students.

• Work with students three days a week on morning chores.

• Assume rotating evening and weekend duty assignments.

• Take on other semester school responsibilities based on skills and interests.

• Help to plan and lead field trips, weekend activities, backcountry expeditions, etc.

• 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.

• Assume other responsibilities as needed.

Prerequisites/Requisites 

• Must pass a criminal background check including motor vehicle record.

• Must complete fingerprinting requirements of Maine Department of Education

• Valid Driver’s License approved by Chewonki’s insurance carrier.

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

• Attend Chewonki driver training.

Qualifications

• Ability to constructively contribute to a diverse, equitable, and inclusive learning community.

• Must hold an undergraduate degree in a relevant field of science or have a demonstrated successful history of working in field biology; advanced degree preferred.

• Must have 3-5 years of teaching experience.

• Ability to develop close working relationships with all constituencies including students, families, faculty, and administration.

• A minimum of CPR and First Aid certification.

• Ability to allow for ambiguity; and to analytically and strategically solve complex educational problems; to work on teams and to participate effectively with colleagues from all parts of the Chewonki Foundation.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to adapt your message to students, families, faculty, and administration.

• 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. 

• Commitment to active collaboration while also possessing the internal, self-starter motivation to learn independently.

• Experience in field research, environmental stewardship work, mentoring community or student science projects.

• Familiarity with the principles of Restorative Practice and Community Building.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

• Must be able to lift 10 pounds at a time.

• Must be able to travel as needed.

Salary and Benefits

Salary: $40,000 - $42,000

Salary is in-line with that of other small northern New England boarding schools, and will be based largely on experience. Housing is included as part of living on campus. This is a full-time residential position on an August to mid-June schedule. Benefits include housing, meals, health insurance, life insurance, dental insurance, long term disability, 403B retirement plan, and access to professional development funds.