Graduate Fellowships

The application process for the Graduate Fellowship is now closed. Please check back in December, 2013.

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.  View the detailed job description. To apply, submit resume, cover letter and a sample lesson plan to: Beth Garrison,  Youth Programs Director via email, bethg@walkingmountains.org or fax (970-827-9730) or mail to PO Box 9469, Avon CO 81620.

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 Human Dimensions in Natural Resources. Over the course of their 15-month position, Educators participate in a series of five 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 Walking Mountains' Graduate Programs Director, with support from the Youth Programs Director. Completion of the five courses enables the Educator to earn 15 credits toward a customized M.S. in Human Dimensions in Natural Resource at Colorado State University, or credits will be accepted and applied towards a Master's Degree at Prescott College. In order to complete their M.S. degree, Educators must be accepted into CSU ’s graduate school or Prescott College, and complete the remainder of their coursework there following the Walking Mountains fellowship. The cost of the initial 15 credits is paid for by Walking Mountains 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, minimum 2yrs experience
• self-motivated, team-oriented, creative and organized
• current driver's license and safe driving record for 5 years
• current Wilderness First Responder and CPR certifications prior to training
• ability to communicate in Spanish is helpful

Educator Benefits

• $225 weekly stipend and housing for June through August 2013
• $20,000 stipend (no housing) for September 2013-August 2014
• Coursework for 15 graduate credits at CSU
• 4 weeks paid vacation, paid holidays, health benefits, ski pass, Avalanche Safety Training