Foley Graduate Fellowship in Natural Science Education

Founded in 1998, Walking Mountains' mission is to awaken a sense of wonder and inspire environmental stewardship and sustainability through natural science education. As an employee of our organization, you are a member of an inclusive and dynamic team that values community, professionalism, collaboration, diversity, equity, a positive work environment and a passion for the mission of Walking Mountains and the impact it’s making in the community.

This full-time, 2-year and 2-month position at Walking Mountains is responsible for serving the organization with a personal commitment to awakening a sense of wonder and inspiring environmental stewardship and sustainability through natural science education. The Graduate Fellow position requires dedication to experiential learning, environmental education, natural science education, and lifelong learning. The Graduate Fellows teach natural science programming in the field during our summer science camps, school field programs, and early childhood programs.

In addition to teaching responsibilities, Graduate Fellows simultaneously participate in a fully funded Master’s program and are enrolled in courses taught at Walking Mountains and online through the University of Northern Colorado (UNC). Upon successful completion of all required coursework and job responsibilities of the position, Fellows will earn a Master of Arts degree in Science Education from the University of Northern Colorado.

Fellows report directly to the Youth & Graduate Programs Director (Y&GPD).

• School Programs:
  Teach standards-based science topics during 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 occasional pre-classroom visits prior to students participating in a field program.
• 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-9.
• After school Programs:
  Lead one after school program each week throughout the second school year of the fellowship.

• 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 preparation, coordination, and teacher/parent communication.
• Contribute to creation and maintenance of teaching materials for school and summer programs.
• Assist with 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.

• Work as a productive team member with other educator/fellows, instructors, and managers 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 blog posts and…