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. Living in free-standing cabins with classmates for an entire semester; starting most days before 7:00 a.m. with chores; eating meals communally; as well as managing a rigorous course load, only begins to describe the interconnected nature of teaching and learning at Maine Coast Semester. 

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 inter-tidal zones, sandy shores, salt marshes, ponds, streams, bogs and forests. 

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 diversity, equity, and inclusion; environmental sustainability;  as well as building strong relationships with students and colleagues. 

Summary Description

Maine Coast Semester co-disciplinary science teachers collaboratively teach three sections of a place-based honors natural history course that intersects with the program’s environmental science and mathematics courses.  Science is a required class for all students and is central to the program.  The science teacher spends approximately five hours twice a week in the field, complementing the work in the classroom by visiting rocky inter-tidal zones, sandy shores, salt marshes, ponds, streams, bogs and forests.  Science teachers also support students to develop an appreciation for the beauty, complexity and interconnectedness of natural surroundings.

Position Title: Science Teacher
Employment Category: Category B
Permanent/Temporary:  Permanent
Reports to:  Head of Semester School
Exempt/Non-exempt:  Exempt
Schedule (hours and weeks):  Academic
Benefits Eligible:  Yes

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

For a complete description and to apply, please visit: https://chewonki.org/about/employment-opportunities/