Walking Mountains Foley Graduate Fellowship

Responsibilities

Teaching:

• School Programs: Teach standards-based natural science topics during mostly one-day field programs to a group of 10-13 students in grades K-8, in all weather conditions, utilizing inquiry-based, hands-on teaching methods.
• Teach occasional residential programs including some meal preparation, evening programming and overnight supervision. 
• Conduct virtual pre-classroom visits prior to students participating in a field science program for all age groups.
• Summer Programs: Co-Teach weeklong day camps and occasional 2-night residential camps focused on science topics, exploration, and fun for up to 13 campers in grades K-8.
• Afterschool Programs: Lead one afterschool Girls in Science or High School Green Team program each week throughout the second school year of the fellowship.

Program Preparation and Logistics:

• Engage in reflective teaching practices including regular preparation and review of curriculum, development of science content knowledge, and ongoing adaptation of teaching techniques following field experiences and feedback.
• Rotate ‘Lead Educator’ responsibilities and assist with program logistics, coordination, and teacher/parent communication.
• Contribute to creation and maintenance of teaching materials for school and summer programs.
• Assist database management including student participation data, assessment data, and evaluations.
• Take program photos and collect student work to be used for website updates and development efforts.
• Attend or conduct occasional evening and weekend programs and events.

Learning Community:

• Work as a productive team member with other educator/fellows, instructors and coordinators in the office to organize, develop and improve curriculum and materials utilizing an ongoing program evaluation, curriculum review, and revision process. 
• Contribute to a positive team dynamic within the graduate cohort and larger youth programs department.
• Be a productive member of a supportive learning community by sharing your knowledge and expertise and being willing to learn from others.
• Be a positive, responsible, and respectful member of the on campus housing community and follow all housing policies. 
• Contribute to the local community through researching, writing and submitting one Curious Nature article.
• Complete five required formal observation/coaching sessions in first year of fellowship.

Curriculum Development:

• Assist in ongoing program evaluation, curriculum review, and revision based on Walking Mountains’ program goals and objectives, Eagle County Schools’ needs, Colorado Academic Standards, and Next Generation Science Standards.
• Develop or revise existing summer camp or school field curricula as part of graduate coursework. 

Special Events & Assignments:

• Participate in organization-wide fundraising events outside of normal work hours (i.e. A Taste of Nature, Fright at the Museum, etc.)
• Participate in community events outside of normal work hours (i.e. Wild West Days, etc.)
• Write at least one blog post for the Youth Programs blog annually
• Complete a passion or special project each year of the fellowship designed to further learning with fellow areas of interest

Operations & Risk Management:

• Evaluate environmental conditions and make safety decisions that incorporate Walking Mountains’ emergency protocol and current wilderness emergency medical procedures.
• Maintain a clean workspace and fulfill facility cleaning responsibilities.
• Assist with upkeep and maintenance of WMSC vehicles and program resources, including first aid supplies, teaching supplies and equipment, field gear, specimens, and library books.
• Safely transport students in 15-passenger vehicles during summer months.
• Responsible for financially covering and maintaining required medical certifications.
• Participate in rotating campus security duties per housing guidelines.

Professional Development and Graduate Fellowship:

• Participate in a combination of face-to-face and online courses in science and environmental education, leading to 30 graduate credits and a Master of Arts Degree in Science Education.* 
• Participate in all classes and complete your coursework outside of your 40 hour work week teaching school, afterschool and summer camp programs. 
• Participate in five to seven weeks of staff training and professional development opportunities. 
• Attend the Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education annual conference, paid for and coordinated by WMSC.
• Engage in ongoing reflective teaching practices including regular discussion, exploration of interesting topics, and sharing of new ideas and insights. 
• Conduct an action research project as part of the degree program that is in line with the goals and mission of Walking Mountains Science Center. 

*Fellows must earn grades of B or better in all coursework in order to earn their degree. 

All other duties as assigned. 

Location: Avon, CO

Duration: May 27, 2025 to July 30, 2027 (2 year and 3 month commitment) start and end dates tentatively

flexible based on school district calendar, graduation and programming needs

Requirements

Qualifications & Expectations

• BA/BS in science, education, or an environmental science-related field (coursework in biology, chemistry, and other hard sciences is a plus, but those with other degrees should not hesitate to apply)
• A minimum of 1 year of outdoor and/or classroom teaching experience or equivalent
• Current Wilderness First Responder and CPR certifications (Can be secured upon acceptance and prior to start date; need-based financial support is a possibility if this is a barrier to participation)
• Positive, self-motivated, organized, flexible, and creative individual who can work independently and as part of a team. 
• Spanish Language Skills (desired, but not required)
• 3.0 GPA in undergraduate work (required by UNC, special circumstances may be considered)
• Working knowledge of conservation issues, ecology, and natural history
• **Those who have had historical and systemic barriers to the field of outdoor education, and consequently the workforce, are encouraged to apply**