Working with high schoolers in a residential and experiential learning journey in The Bahamas

Island  School Organization Overview 

The Island School, a not-for-profit organization based in Eleuthera, The Bahamas, was founded in 1999 to create and support transformational educational experiences with the mission of leadership effecting change. The diverse CEIS educational initiatives, including the Island School Semester and Summer Term, Deep Creek Middle School, the Elementary Learning Center, and Community Outreach, deliver unique education in partnership with the authentic and meaningful work our organization undertakes in research, sustainable development and innovation at the Cape Eleuthera Institute. 

The Big “WE”: The Island School operates as a close-knit, mission-driven, island-based educational community. Collaboration, flexibility, and shared responsibility are central to our work with students and to life on campus.

Educators work closely across programs, age groups, and departments, supporting students through interdisciplinary learning, shared supervision, and community events. Teaching Fellows are supported by experienced educators and are encouraged to grow into this collaborative culture with guidance, mentorship, and clear communication.

This community-based approach is a defining feature of employment at The Island School and an essential part of our educational mission.

Semester Mentor 

Semester Mentors are early-career educators or aspiring teachers who work alongside lead teachers and experienced faculty, gradually building responsibility and confidence in a supportive, mentored environment.

Semester Mentors assist our full-time faculty in delivering all aspects of the Semester program. This includes supporting various classes, activities and community events, serving as a co-advisor to 6-8 students, performing residential duty, and generally participating in all aspects of Semester life. Semester Mentors are fully engaged in a 100-day semester with preparation and debrief time at the beginning and end of the term. Roles are based on an academic calendar from mid-August through December.

What You’ll Do:

• Assist lead faculty in the delivery of academic classes and experiential learning experiences

• Assist in an assigned area such as community engagement, research projects, residential life, or expedition planning

• Tutor students in the evenings with assignments and homework

• Support the daily morning exercise program

• Support and possibly assist/co-lead 4 and 8-day sea-kayaking expeditions and/or 5-day camping/down island trips

• Advise 4-6 students throughout the semester journey 

• Be “on duty” 1-2 evenings per week and typically 2 weekend days per month to support student needs and extra-curricular programming

• Participate with students and staff in daily maintenance and care for the facility through chores and other tasks 

• Collaborate with researchers, staff, and other school employees to enhance the student experience and utilize our campus, resources, and location as a classroom

• Create interdisciplinary connections between subjects and learning experiences

• Work professionally and cooperatively within the school community and the broader South Eleuthera community

• Participate in periodic professional development opportunities

• Participate in orientation, semester prep, and semester debrief

What You’ll Gain:

• Leadership experience: Develop leadership skills in classroom and outdoor learning settings. Build experience planning and delivering meaningful expedition experiences.

• Student Management: Work closely with students in a residential life setting to manage emotional and well-being needs alongside academic goals. Develop skills to connect with students in meaningful ways that promote growth.

• Hands-On Experience: Develop skills in lesson planning and extended educational program delivery. Build strong classroom management, curriculum design, and assessment skills.

• Student Development: Understand different learning styles and needs, understand how to identify and address individual student needs, and learn strategies to support students' social and emotional well-being.

Skills and Qualifications

Education: Degree completed or in progress in elementary or secondary education, education studies, environmental education, child or adolescent development, or a related field. 

Required Skills

• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.

• Self-motivated, self-reliant, and self-confident.

• Adaptability and flexibility for remote island living and ability to collaborate with others

• A commitment to culturally diverse teaching and learning 

• Proficient computer skills especially Google-suite use 

Preferred Experience

• WFR or WAFA certification

• Experience in place-based, inquiry-driven education

• Strong swimming background

• PADI Divemaster certification or above

Support

This role is designed as a mentorship with housing and meals provided to reduce barriers to participation for early-career educators.

• Monthly living stipend

• Travel Stipend

• Housing is provided in shared-room dorm-style living accommodation in our on campus Grad Hall residential hall

• Access to the dining hall for on-campus meals when available 

• Opportunities for the following personal development opportunities 

Schedule

This is a semester-long full-time agreement that spans one semester either Fall (August - December) or Spring (January - May). The Cape Eleuthera Island School and its related entities operate year-round, and program hours vary depending on needs. The successful candidate should expect, and desire to fully participate in a variable and mission-driven schedule.