The Outdoor Academy - Core Faculty in Environmental Humanities

Eagle’s Nest Foundation is a nonprofit organization whose mission is experiential education for young people promoting the natural world and the betterment of human character. Eagle’s Nest supports three programs: The Outdoor Academy, a semester school for high school students from across the country; Eagle’s Nest Camp, a co-ed summer camp for children ages 6-17; and Hante Adventures, a wilderness and cultural adventure program for teenagers.

The Outdoor Academy is an accredited semester boarding school for talented 10th and 11th grade high school students located in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina. Approximately 24 students come to The Outdoor Academy each semester from across the country to participate in a hands-on, college preparatory curriculum highlighting environmental stewardship and place-based learning. Students live in a small boarding environment focused on community and character development, and they gain outdoor leadership skills and experience through outdoor expeditions.

POSITION SUMMARY

Faculty at The Outdoor Academy have academic, community, and outdoor program responsibilities. We seek committed members of our core faculty team with subject matter expertise in English and History, a keen interest in supporting our interdisciplinary “Bridged Curriculum” through collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to student growth and academic rigor through experiential education. Specifically, we seek high-calibre teachers to deliver our English, American History, and World History courses, which focus on place-based literature and environmental themes. Faculty at OA teach class and can also be found working on dish crew, instructing Craft class, paddling rivers, and packing and tracking student medications. This is part of a deeply rooted commitment to community living, and balanced with other responsibilities. We seek motivated and experienced educators who may also fill logistics support, residential, and academic leadership roles depending on their skills and the needs of the team and the semester. We pride ourselves on giving students a transformative experience and seek staff who model the communication practices, community investment, and intellectual curiosity we want to grow in our students.

Applicants who would contribute to the diversity of The Outdoor Academy community are encouraged to apply. We welcome applications from candidates with a strong commitment to the work of OA, even those who don’t meet 100% of the “Desired Qualifications” listed below.

ACADEMIC RESPONSIBILITIES

1. 1. Design and follow a semester syllabus (examples are available for reference)
2. Mentor students in their academic growth
3. Evaluate student performance
4. Be available to work with students on assignments outside of class as needed
5. Collaborate with other teaching faculty to plan and implement our interdisciplinary “Bridged Curriculum” and other special programming
6. Serve as Advisor for students
7. Attend all faculty meetings and pre/post-semester orientations, trainings, and debriefs

COMMUNITY RESPONSIBILITIES

All faculty members serve in a number of capacities in the community life of this residential school. Each faculty member is assigned to some combination of the following responsibilities: be in residence with the students overnight each week, support food preparations, supervise morning chores, participate in weekly student work crews, facilitate dinner clean-up, proctor study hall, or be on call to take students to appointments off campus.

OUTDOOR PROGRAM RESPONSIBILITIES

All faculty members play a role in our experiential outdoor education program. Faculty members may be expected to instruct or assist in instructing students on white-water paddling, rock climbing, or backpacking treks. Each faculty member's participation in the outdoor program is formalized in their contract for employment, and is based on skill and experience level, as well as any physical limitations.

JOB SKILLS AND REQUIREMENTS

1. BS or BA degree required, advanced degree preferred
2. Prior teaching experience in English, Literature, or History or other fields related to the Environmental Humanities
3. Experience working with young people in academic, experiential, outdoor, or residential settings
4. Experience in curriculum development, experiential education, and/or interdisciplinary collaboration preferred
5. Wilderness First Aid required (employer may able to support through scheduling and partial funding); Wilderness First Responder preferred
6. Well-developed planning and organizational skills
7. Strong oral and written communication skills

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND SCHEDULE

The majority of work will be conducted on campus; however, off-site work in the outdoors supervising teenagers will occur several times each semester. The ability to work long days in hot and/or cold environments and lift heavy gear and boxes is required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

Faculty should be flexible to work evenings and weekends as needed to fulfill program demands.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

The Outdoor Academy provides a twelve-month salary for full-time, year-round employees and faculty (Contract August-July), on-campus room and board, contributory healthcare benefits, retirement plans, extended holiday and summer vacation periods, pro-deals, and outdoor leadership training. Specific benefits for the position are outlined in the employment contract.

Eagle’s Nest Foundation is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on or tolerate harassment on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, military status, veteran status or any other category protected by applicable federal, state or local law.