WHAT IS THE FELLOWSHIP IN NATURAL SCIENCE EDUCATION ?
The multi-faceted Fellowship in Natural Science Education is a full-time, 15-month professional development program focusing on field and classroom science instruction for youth. In conjunction with their teaching responsibilities, Educators participate in graduate level environmental education courses accredited through Colorado State University.
The 15-month Fellowship At-A-Glance
During the first summer Educators are mentored by both the Youth Programs Director and an outgoing class of seasoned Educators. Educators collaborate to prepare and teach weeklong natural science camps for youth. Beginning in the fall Educators teach programs for local Eagle Valley school groups. They are responsible for planning, preparing, and teaching K-12 students a variety of classroom and field science topics such as stream research, geology, forest ecology and winter ecology. Field programs run most weeks throughout the school year, range in duration from one to five days, and are sometimes residential. During the second summer, Educators mentor the incoming class of Educators and thereby round out their professional experience by providing critical leadership and program coordination.
Professional development for this position is tied to graduate credit through Colorado State University ’s Department of Natural Resources, Recreation and Tourism. Over the course of their 15-month position, Educators participate in a series of four graduate courses that complement and support their ongoing teaching responsibilities and professional growth as an environmental educator. Courses convene in a weekly seminar style format. Course readings and assignments are required, some of which will take place outside of the Educator’s regularly scheduled work week. Courses are taught by the GRNSS Graduate Programs Director, with support from the Youth Programs Director. Completion of the four courses enables the Educator to earn 12 credits toward a customized M.S. in Natural Resource, Recreation, and Tourism at Colorado State University ( CSU ), and/or to earn a Certificate in Environmental Education from CSU. In order to complete their M.S. degree, Educators must be accepted into CSU ’s graduate school, and complete the remainder of their coursework there following the GRNSS fellowship. The cost of the initial 12 credits is paid for by GRNSS as a component of an Educator’s compensation and benefits package.
POSITION DETAILS
Qualifications & Expectations
Successful applicants will possess:
- BA/BS in science, education, or an environmental science-related field
- outdoor and classroom teaching experience
- current Wilderness First Responder and CPR certifications
- working knowledge of conservation issues, ecology and natural history of the Rocky Mountains
- fluency in Spanish (desired)
GRNSS seeks self-motivated, team oriented, creative and organized individuals capable of working hard in the office and the field, assisting with hut trips and other backcountry programs, and who can represent GRNSS to the community in a professional and enthusiastic manner.
Location : Eagle County , CO
Duration : June to August of the following calendar year (a 15 month commitment)
Positions Available: Not currently hiring
Educator Benefits :
Weekly stipend + housing for June through August of the incoming year
$20,000 stipend (no housing) for September through August of the following year
Coursework for 12 graduate credits at Colorado State University
4 weeks paid vacation, paid holidays, ski pass, Avalanche I certification
Dates of Employment: June to August (15 month commitment)
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