Fisher Teaching Fellow

The Thacher School•Ojai, CA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Thacher School seeks early-career teachers for a two-year Fisher Fellowship that immerses fellows in boarding school education. Candidates may come from any academic field and need not have previous teaching experience. Fellows work closely with a mentor teacher, participate actively in boarding school life, and receive mentoring and support from experienced faculty and school leaders. The role combines teaching and advising with residential duties, afternoon and weekend programming, athletics or activities, and outdoor backcountry trips. Fellows may observe and support courses before teaching stand-alone courses in their discipline. They can expect to observe and possibly teach one to two sections during their first year and up to three sections during their second year. The position is full-time, faculty, and housed on The Thacher School’s campus in Ojai, California. The School enrolls 260 students and is located on a 427-acre campus in the foothills of the Los Padres National Forest. The salary range is $38,000–$40,000, with final salary based on relevant experience and internal equity. The School offers a competitive total rewards package, including a 403(b) match, healthcare coverage, and other benefits. Candidates must have or be able to obtain a current California driver license with a satisfactory motor vehicle record and be able to transport students in school-owned vehicles. A criminal background check must be successfully completed before employment begins.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree (B.A.) or equivalent.
Commitment to residential life and advising.
Commitment to athletic coaching and/or other participation in the School’s afternoon program.
Interest and willingness to help co-lead camping trips and actively engage in all aspects of boarding school life.
Enthusiasm for working with teenagers; dynamic leadership, lifelong learning, and compassionate mentoring qualities.
Possession of, or ability to obtain, a current California driver license with a satisfactory motor vehicle record.
Ability to transport students in school-owned vehicles.
Successful completion of a criminal background check before employment begins.

Responsibilities

Work with a mentor teacher to observe, support, and eventually teach stand-alone courses in the fellow’s discipline of expertise.
Observe and possibly teach one to two course sections during the first year and up to three sections during the second year.
Advise a grade-level group of four to six students.
Participate in the residential program, including community dinners, evening duty one weeknight per week, and approximately six weekends per year.
Take a leadership role in the Indoor Committee and help plan and run student events as part of the weekend and evening activities program.
Coach, run an activity, or undertake an equivalent role in the afternoon program for three seasons per year.
Partner with colleagues to co-lead two outdoor backcountry trips each year, one five-night trip in fall and one five-night trip in spring.
Serve on at least one school-wide committee and participate in departmental and full-faculty meetings.
Provide timely written feedback to students, advisees, and their families.
Actively support school activities and events.
Contribute to the School’s mission, vision, and values and help build and participate in an inclusive school community.
Model lifelong learning, flexibility, and a growth mindset; maintain a commitment to professional development and high standards of professionalism.
Participate collaboratively with colleagues and actively engage in the community of students and adults.
Embrace and participate in signature Thacher programs, including the backcountry program.
Manage time effectively and meet deadlines and commitments; adapt to change as needed.