Humanities Teacher

Overview

The Island School, a not-for-profit organization based in The Bahamas, was founded to create and support transformational educational experiences with the vision of leadership effecting change, on the island of Eleuthera. The diverse educational initiatives, including our High School Semester and Summer Term, Deep Creek Middle School, Elementary Learning Center, and our Community Engagement and Partnerships, deliver unique educational journeys in conjunction with the authentic and meaningful work our organization undertakes in research and sustainable development at the Cape Eleuthera Institute, our research and innovation hub. We are reimagining what education is for, and redesigning how education is delivered.

The Semester is the flagship Island School program offering 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 teachers with a demonstrated career commitment to experiential education and a love for teaching and learning. The primary responsibility of the teacher is to deliver thoughtful, interdisciplinary coursework in their area of expertise. In addition, faculty are fully immersed in the daily operation of the school; from early morning exercise, to classes, to off-campus expeditions and weekend activities. Our teachers pursue opportunities to guide students in making connections between coursework and life in the community, with the goal of solving real problems and creating new understandings. This includes advising a group of students, engaging in the morning exercise program, doing chores alongside students, leading student activities, and other duties associated with running a residential program in a remote setting. Additionally, teachers lead or assist kayak expeditions, assist with SCUBA or boat driving, contribute to our community outreach program, and support a medical response team in a wilderness setting.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Design, facilitate, and assess two sections in humanities based classes
• Create interdisciplinary connections between subjects
• Co-facilitate community engagement or scientific research class
• Mentor teaching apprentices
• Co-lead sea-kayaking and/or camping expeditions
• Advise 5-7 students throughout their semester journey
• Participate in residential life (duty, chores, campus maintenance, etc)
• Work professionally and cooperatively within the school community and broader South Eleuthera community

Qualifications & Experience

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher
• Teaching experience, preferably in outdoor or experiential education settings
• Experience designing curriculum and writing lesson plans
• Strong interpersonal, communication (written and oral), and organizational abilities
• Proficient computer skills especially Google-suite use
• A commitment to culturally diverse teaching
• Demonstrated intercultural competence
• Experience mentoring adolescents
• Adaptability and flexibility for remote island living

Desirable Qualifications

• Experience with semester-based or immersion programs

• Experience with expedition leadership/outdoor trip leading

• Wilderness First Responder certification

Schedule

Semester Faculty are fully engaged in a fall and spring 100-day semester with ample preparation and debrief time at the beginning and end of each term. Semester faculty roles are based on academic calendars with faculty beginning in early August through June with a mid-winter break. There is an opportunity to also work summer programs for an additional stipend.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary commensurate with experience
• Access to dining hall for on-campus meals when available
• Medical insurance
• Life Insurance
• Dental reimbursement
• Eligibility for matching retirement plan after two years of service
• Professional development opportunities
• Housing provided

How to Apply

Applicants should include the following in their application:

1. Cover letter and personal statement.
2. Current resume.
3. Three references (to include name, telephone number and email address).