Environmental Humanities: American Government​/English Teacher

Now in its 8th year, the Chesapeake Watershed Semester is a unique opportunity for highly motivated high school juniors or seniors to join a talented community of learners who will immerse themselves in the study and restoration of the Chesapeake Bay for one semester. Through dynamic and diverse field-study Expeditions, students travel the region meeting with stakeholders and conducting research. From our waterfront campus, students take honors and AP level classes while maintaining an intense, hands‑on engagement with the natural environment.

We seek the following for the  school year:

We seek a dynamic, energetic, and student‑centered teacher for the Chesapeake Watershed Semester. The primary responsibilities of the position include teaching two courses, American Government Seminar and Literature of the Land and Water during the fall “experiential” semester, and environmental humanities electives (English and US Government) for The Gunston School during the spring semester. We seek candidates who can utilize an array of experiential and student‑centered instructional strategies that promote both rigorous intellectual thinking and meaningful engagement.

As one of two lead teachers for the fall program, we seek individuals with strong organizational management skills, willingness to tackle projects large and small, creativity, flexibility, and a passion for both the environment and the humanities.

Candidates applying for teaching positions should have at least ONE of the following academic qualifications:

• Undergraduate or Master’s degree in a relevant content area (i.e. English, Political Science, Environmental Studies)
• 2-3 years of teaching and/or outdoor learning experience preferred

This is a paid, annual position with the opportunity for contract extensions each year. The teacher will have residential life and expedition (five overnight expeditions during the semester) duties during the fall Chesapeake Watershed Semester. Teachers applying for this position will teach at our parent institution, The Gunston School, during the spring semester.

Curious about the Chesapeake Watershed Semester? Check out our website.

More questions? Please contact Head of School, John Lewis at jlewis

Fall:
Teach 2 extended block courses for ten to fourteen students.

• Supervise student independent study time
• Work with students to prepare meals and care for shared spaces during overnight Expeditions.
• Assume other responsibilities related to individual skills and interest.

Spring:
Teach humanities elective courses & lead a Bay Studies module

Support course curriculum design and development across both semesters

• Regular responsibility for driving a 15-passenger van
• Give extra help as needed, especially with writing.
• Assist with the capstone se
• Fall:
  Help plan and lead field Expeditions.
• Assume other duties, as assigned

• Driver’s License approved by Gunston’s insurance carrier to drive participants
• Must pass annual background check
• Current Red Cross CPR and First Aid certification

• Will embrace the demands of being an impactful teacher with high expectations of students
• Possess a curiosity and growth‑oriented mindset
• Be keenly interested in contributing to a highly effective and compassionate team of adults guiding students through transformative learning.
• The role is a physically active position that requires the ability to facilitate learning in the diverse and dynamic landscapes of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. The successful candidate must be able to traverse and navigate varied terrain, including wetlands, sandy shorelines, and wooded trails, while transporting field equipment weighing up to 50 lbs. This role involves maneuvering safely in and out of small watercraft (such as canoes or skiffs) and maintaining a presence in outdoor environments for extended periods in all weather conditions, including rain, high humidity, and temperature extremes.
  
  Essential functions include the ability to observe and detect environmental indicators in the field and effectively communicate safety protocols and complex ecological concepts to student groups in open‑air settings. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

This is a full‑time position on an August to mid‑June schedule and includes residential responsibilities for five weeks during the fall semester. Expected salary range: $56-68K

Please send the following materials to John Lewis, Head of School at jlewis

• Resume
• One page statement of educational philosophy or writing sample
• Additional relevant teaching/competency evidence, as available (i.e. teaching portfolio)