Summer Program Field Instructor

The Field Academy is a United States traveling semester school. Our mission is to connect, engage, empower, and educate young people in the United States in order to create a more just and healthy nation. This mission is accomplished by bringing together diverse groups of students from across the United States to study critical issues in different regions of the country in the form of a traveling, experiential education program.

We serve high school age students 16-18 years old from around the United States. We run three courses; a 15 week long academic semester school, a 5 week regional summer high school, and custom built travel programs around the country. We strive to build and maintain deep connections with communities throughout the U.S. where we travel and work. The Field Academy has been a working organization for the last 10 years and is opening a semester high school during the 2023 academic year and running multiple summer courses in Appalachia and the Southwest. 

Job Description: Teach, supervise, and mentor Field Academy students during the 5-week summer program. Ensure program quality and promote student and team satisfaction. Facilitate and execute course logistics, summer curriculum, safety expectations, and be an advocate for maximizing the student experience of each unique course. 

The Field Academy is hiring for two separate 5-week summer courses:

June 1-July 2, Appalachia (North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Tennessee, & Kentucky): During this 5 week course, students will learn about the history of environmental justice movements in Central Appalachia. Throughout the program, we will meet climate change, indigenous rights and racial justice activists. 35 days on course, 3 prep days.

July 11-August 18, Southwest  (Colorado, Arizona, Zuni Nation, New Mexico): During this 5 week course, students will explore the Four Corners regions of the US. They will learn about desert ecology, discover the resiliency of communities living in these environments, and learn about the human relationship to water. 35 days on course, 3 prep days.

Requirements: A passion for teaching in an experiential learning model and personal connection to working with under-resourced communities. This position requires creative problem-solving, effective team-building, English oral and written communication, and strong facilitation and leadership skills. The ability to work independently and in a team environment is crucial. Must also be able to work flexible and irregular hours while on course. 

Teaching experience, either classroom or other role working directly with students (preferred)

Passionate about working with students of diverse backgrounds

Can maintain flexibility of schedule and work responsibilities while on course

Strong group facilitation and communication skills

Detail oriented and organized

Current driver’s license 

Responsibilities

80% Student supervision and Group culture facilitation

Manage and teach a group of up to  10-12 students ages 16-18

Plan, prepare and teach appropriate curricula for designated program focused on team building, life skills, and college readiness. 

Provide students with a safe and exciting environment in which to learn and travel

Supervise students and create safe guidelines for the course at each location and activity on the schedule

Build rapport with students, facilitate positive group dynamics, and provide consistent mentorship throughout the course

Ensure students are practicing good self care habits to maintain health and hygiene 

Other duties as assigned

15% Curriculum planning and Logistics support

Personalize Field Academy curriculum to be able to facilitate group culture at a high level

Assist with course logistics, material preparation, meal preparation, and vehicle checks to contribute to excellent student service

Share in the responsibility of maintaining safe, clean and efficient facilities. 

5% Other

Responsible for cash accounting for private services, course logistics, course emergency money or emergencies. 

Brief and Debrief with Field Academy program staff to provide feedback and identify areas of improvement

Attend all staff meetings and trainings as assigned

Things We Really Want

Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion through continuous development and modeling inclusive behavior.

A belief that people come first (you’re exceptional at program and operational build out, but you never forget who you’re building it alongside and/or for)

Team players (you go out of your way to coach, support, seek feedback, and collaborate with your teammates)

Insatiable curiosity (you’re always asking questions and refining your worldview)

You know how to “bring the joy,” even - and especially - when the work feels hard

Commitment to Field Academy’s  mission, values, and integrity and diversity

A deep passion for working with high school student

Compensation: $140-160 a day for 35 days on course + 3 prep days in course area. Payment based on experience and certifications. All travel to and from the course location is covered. 

Work Location and Conditions:

All courses are based in the region you are leading in- Appalachia or the Southwest.

Closing Date for Applications: Open Until Filled.

Employment Dates:

The Appalachia program Field Instructor position:  June 1 - July 9. 

The Southwest program Field Instructor position: July 11 - August 18.

Please specify which program you are applying for, you can apply for both!  

Thank you for your interest in Field Academy! 

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Field Academy does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetics information, disability unrelated to job or admission requirements, or status as a protected veteran. The school’s nondiscrimination policy applies to all phases of its employment process, its admission and financial aid programs, and to all other aspects of its educational programs and activities. Retaliation directed to any person who pursues a discrimination complaint or grievance, participates in a discrimination investigation, or otherwise opposes unlawful discrimination is prohibited.

Criminal Background Check: A criminal background check is required from all Field Academy employees.

Motor Vehicle Record: Applicants must be at least 21 years of age by the position start date and possess a valid driver’s license. Must have a clean driving history and be able to meet the criteria for Field Academy vehicle insurance coverage.

COVID-19 Vaccine Policy:

All employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by their first day of work, unless they meet a medical, disability or religious exemption and a reasonable accommodation is approved. Any COVID-19 vaccine approved by the World Health Organization (WHO) is an acceptable vaccine for the purpose of this policy. Full vaccination or an approved exemption is a condition of employment for all new employees.

See Google Doc for Job posting: https://docs.google.com/document/d/149iwfrvsOgGVWw9hYw9LDmgFs7pe03-11EtSLs0dY3U/edit?usp=sharing 

How to apply:

Submit your resume

In lieu of a cover letter, please answers the following questions:

• Why are you compelled by the mission and work of Field Academy? Why would you choose to work in the role of  instructor? What does a strong community based programming mean to you?

Responses to questions can be submitted in writing, presentation, or audio/video file. Responses to questions replace a cover letter. Please see length guidance below.

• Written responses should be no longer than two pages

• Audio/video recording from 5-7 minutes

• Presentations should be no longer than 7 slides

Please submit to Field Academy Director, Anna Graves at agraves@fieldacademy.org. Email heading: “Summer Program Field Instructor_Last Name”. In email, please specify which program you are applying for (Appalachia, Southwest, or both).  Our email only takes .doc or .pdf attachments. If you have other attachments, please download them to google drive, and link them in a word document or pdf. Please carefully check viewing access to your documents- access should be set to ‘anyone with the link can view’ so that our team can review.