Cape Eleuthera Island School Master Teacher

The Island School was founded in 1999 and offers an independent semester abroad program in The Bahamas for high school sophomores or juniors. The 14-week course of study includes class work in ecology, applied scientific research, history, math, art, and English literature, as well as physical and outdoor education programs and a weekly community service component. In order to make each semester successful, we look for energetic educators with highly developed organizational and improvisational skills, willingness to stretch beyond traditional job descriptions, and the ability to take care of themselves in an island environment lacking the comforts of the developed world.

Though the primary responsibility of our teachers is to deliver progressive, thoughtful coursework in their area of expertise, they must also be able to juggle myriad responsibilities beyond academics. This includes supporting the morning exercise program, doing chores alongside the students, and countless smaller duties associated with running a boarding program, often requiring a presence into the evenings and over the weekends. We encourage you to apply if you have experience and/or expertise in our core subject areas: human and marine ecology; environmental science; mathematics; environmental art; English literature; and history. Medical training, experience in SCUBA instruction, kayaking and outdoor leadership skills are also beneficial. Finally, skills related to the general operation of a remote campus setting—facilities maintenance, gear maintenance, special event support, office support, and general administration—further enrich your candidacy.

The Master Teacher in Residence Program is designed as a sabbatical opportunity for educators with at least 8 years of experience in subject areas including: field ecology, marine science, anthropology, English literature, visual art, environmental science, research science, and mathematics. This program provides professional development for both the visiting teacher and the faculty at The Island School and neighboring Cape Eleuthera Institute. For the visiting educator, it is a chance to gain exposure to experiential and outdoor education, live on an ecologically designed campus, and rekindle their passion for and creativity in the craft of teaching. For our faculty, it allows our staff to work with an experienced course designer, receive feedback on their development as a teacher, and gain access to the wisdom of a professional with years of experience.

Am I A Good Candidate?

This program is not for everyone. The rural location of the school and the challenges of living on a green campus require a great deal of flexibility. Candidates must be comfortable working in a small, intentional community, navigating the complexities of living in a foreign culture, and willing to experiment with alternate philosophies and strategies of education. Our pedagogy is founded on principles of place-based, hands-on education that requires the students to take ownership over the learning. Consequently, Harkness discussions typify our classroom activities, and field work is pivotal to each course. Familiarity with these methods, as well as knowledge of tropical marine environments and Caribbean cultures, are extremely beneficial to an applicant’s candidacy.

Quick Facts:

Length of Stay: 9 weeks min.; ideally full semester (18 weeks)

Stipend: Dependent on length of stay and arrangement with home school

Housing: Housing provided by the school

Food: All meals provided by the school

Transportation: Shared school vehicles are available for basic necessities; cars can be rented locally for personal excursions

Responsibilities:

Team teaching 1 section of 12 students Attending weekly department meetings Conducting classroom observations across all disciplines Attending most school meals and important school events Attending weekly faculty & community meetings

Benefits:

Room and board provided for family Access to school resources, including vehicles and boats Flexible teaching schedule to accommodate travel and exploration of Eleuthera Cultural immersion in the local Bahamian community Re-energize about the craft of teaching Connect to the natural world through place-based learning Live on a “green” campus Tuition to Deep Creek Middle School for children in grades 6-8 and/or St. Anne’s Catholic School for children in grades K-5 Certification in SCUBA , participation on sea kayak expeditions

Please send cover letter, curriculum vitae or resume, and references to f98f+919f@app.catchthebest.com. For more information about the position, our school, and our hiring process, please visit our website: www.islandschool.org