Teacher Apprenticeship Program

Overview

The Island School, a not-for-profit organization based on the island of Eleuthera in The Bahamas, was founded to create and support transformational educational experiences with the vision of leadership effecting change. 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.

Apprenticeship Program Description

The Island School Apprentice Program is a semester-long opportunity for recent college graduates who are interested in pursuing a career in education.  It is an ideal space for future leaders to immerse themselves in all aspects of youth development while contributing to a progressive education model, while receiving the support and training necessary to be successful as educators.

Apprentices assist our full time faculty in teaching two class sections of 13 students, act as a student co-advisor to 7-8 students, do residential duty, and generally participate in all aspects of Island School life. Apprentices will have the opportunity to receive professional development in pedagogy based on The Island School philosophy and curriculum, while being mentored by faculty. The apprenticeship program seeks to provide future educators with the practical knowledge and experience to be confident and effective educators.

For the 2022-23 academic year, we are seeking Apprentices interested in interdisciplinary teaching.  There will be opportunities to assist in the humanities, math, science and art.

Schedule

Apprentices are fully engaged in a fall or  spring 100-day semester with ample preparation and debrief time at the beginning and end of each term. Apprenticeship roles are based on academic calendars beginning in early August through mid-December or from mid-January through May.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Assist full time faculty in the design, facilitation, and assessment of 3-4 class sections

• Assist with community engagement activities

• Tutor students in the evenings with assignments and homework

• Support daily morning exercise

• Assist sea-kayaking expeditions and/or down island trips

• Co-advise 7 -8 students throughout the semester journey alongside full time faculty

• Participate in weekly duty rotations including periodic weekends

• Participate alongside students and staff in the daily maintenance and care for the facility through chores and other tasks

• Create interdisciplinary connections between subjects

• Collaborate with researchers, staff and other school employees to enhance the student experience and utilize our campus, resources, and location as a classroom

• Work professionally and cooperatively within the school community and broader South Eleuthera community

• Attend weekly faculty and community meetings as necessary

• Participation in a regular Professional Development Seminar exploring educational theory and practice

• Participation in apprenticeship orientation, semester prep, and semester debrief

Qualifications & Experience

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree
• Strong interpersonal, communication (written and oral), and organizational abilities
• Proficient computer skills especially Google-suite use
• A commitment to culturally diverse teaching and learning
• Adaptability and flexibility for remote island living

Compensation & Benefits

• Monthly stipend
• Housing provided in dorm style building
• Access to dining hall for on-campus meals when available
• Participation in Apprenticeship seminar focusing on The Island School teaching philosophy, including but not limited to outdoor and experiential learning, and classroom management
• Regular meetings with a designated mentor who provides positive and constructive feedback regarding your development
• Periodic opportunities to develop and deliver lesson plans, assessments, and/or full units of study
• Opportunities for professional development