Semester Lead Marine Ecology Teacher & Expedition Leader
Overview:
The Island School, a not-for-profit organization based in Eleuthera, The Bahamas, was founded in 1999 to create and support transformational educational experiences with the mission of leadership effecting change. The diverse CEIS educational initiatives, including the Island School Semester and Summer Term, Deep Creek Middle School, the Early Learning Center, and Community Outreach, deliver unique education in partnership with the authentic and meaningful work our organization undertakes in research, sustainable development and innovation at the Cape Eleuthera Institute.
The Island School Semester program is a single immersive semester on Eleuthera for approximately 52 high school sophomores and juniors. Semester faculty often have experience in experiential education in addition to a focus in a specific academic discipline.
Job Summary:
We seek educators with a demonstrated commitment to experiential education and a passion for both teaching and learning. Our Marine Ecology Teacher and Expedition Leaders are responsible for facilitating an immersive learning experience for their students, both in and out of the classroom. In addition to on-campus teaching, teachers also lead several multi-day sea kayak expeditions on the coastal waters and remote beaches of South Eleuthera each academic year. Teachers play many roles throughout the semester including: classroom teacher, mentor, disciplinarian, coach, community leader, expedition leader, and role model. Ideal candidates are able to deliver thoughtful, interdisciplinary coursework in their subject, but also share an excitement for connecting classroom learning to life in the community and learning experiences outside the classroom too.
All in one day, a teacher's work often includes: participating in morning exercise with students, teaching a class, doing chores with students, supporting an off-campus SCUBA experience or research project, supporting a project in the local community, and having one-on-one conversations with individual students. By design, student learning extends far beyond our physical classrooms and students do not go home at the end of the “school day”. That means our teachers’ days can be long, fast-paced, and dynamic, but also filled with the rewards of living and working in an intentional community and of having a lasting impact on our young learners.
Duties & Responsibilities:
Experiential Learning
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Design and facilitate two to three sections of classroom teaching in Marine Ecology (Science)
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Assess student work and provide meaningful feedback and summaries of student growth
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Facilitate interdisciplinary connections across subjects
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Facilitate connections between classroom learning and community life, student research, expeditions, and personal growth
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Support experiential student research classes which may take place at sea, on the farm, or at the Cape Eleuthera Institute research labs
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Serve as a mentor and advisor for a designated group of 5-8 students throughout their semester journey
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Lead or support (depending on qualifications) two sea kayak and van-camping expeditions each semester (3–8 days duration)
Community Leadership & Residential Life
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Provide community leadership and role model the Island School’s values
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Participate in and lead community chores
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Participate in and facilitate the morning exercise program, including running and swimming
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Be "on duty" approximately 1-2 evenings per week and one weekend per month to support student needs and after-school programming
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Support minor student medical needs as they arise
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Attend and participate in weekly team meetings with semester staff
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Facilitate student group meetings
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Facilitate student experiences off-campus in the local community
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Provide professional mentorship for aspiring Semester teachers
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Other duties as assigned by the Semester Leadership team
Minimum Qualifications:
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Patience, flexibility, and ability to work well in a dynamic, fast-paced, team setting in a remote island location
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Ability to be an inspiring and involved leader
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Experience working with and mentoring high-school-aged students
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1–2 years of teaching/educating experience in formal or non-traditional settings
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Excellent communication, interpersonal, verbal, and writing skills
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Experience in outdoor/experiential education with organizations like Outward Bound or NOLS
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Commitment to culturally diverse teaching and demonstrated intercultural competence
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Proficient computer skills (Google Suite & Microsoft Office)
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Bachelor’s degree or higher
Desirable Qualifications:
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Skill in leading or supporting sea kayaking expeditions
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Experience designing curriculum and writing lesson plans
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Experience with semester-based, gap year, or immersion programs
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Experience with expedition leadership/outdoor trip-leading
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Experience living abroad and/or in an intentional community setting
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Wilderness First Responder certification
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Familiarity with Bahamian culture
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Scuba diving certifications of Rescue Diver or higher
Schedule:
The role follows the academic calendar from early August to the end of May, including training, orientation, preparation, and debriefing. Mid-winter break between semesters. June and July are typically off unless staff choose to instruct the summer term (additional compensation). Involves early mornings, evenings, and weekends.
Compensation & Benefits:
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Salary commensurate with experience
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Access to dining hall meals (3/day) when the dining hall is open
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Comprehensive international medical insurance (includes spouse & children)
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Life insurance
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Dental reimbursement
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Eligibility for matching retirement plan after two years of service
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Professional development opportunities
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Housing provided, including utilities and internet
How to apply:
Applicants should include:
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Cover letter
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Creative response to: "What do you believe education should look like?" (written, video, artwork, etc.) – send to christinawickman@islandschool.org
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Current resume
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Three references (name, phone number, email address)
Submit through the BambooHR portal: https://ceis.bamboohr.com/careers
