Verto Education offers an innovative way for students to have a more meaningful first year of college. Through Verto, students can spend their first year of college abroad, get admitted to a better college, and stay on track to graduate in four years. Students can also apply to 40+ partner schools through Verto, including William & Mary, Bucknell University, and University of Oregon, where their credits will transfer seamlessly keeping them on track to graduate in four years. 

Our mission is to empower every student to spend impactful time abroad during their college career, and graduate with a better understanding of themselves, and the world around them. Verto Education is accredited through Portland State University.

Course Description: Identity, Politics & Equity

At some point in your life, you have probably asked, “Who am I?” or “What do I want out of life?” These questions constitute some of the most important questions human beings can consider. Although the answers to these questions may seem personal and inherent, in this course, we will explore these questions through a sociological lens. We will examine how the self is produced by society and what the relationship is between the self and society. Essentially, this course will tackle how our identities are socially produced as well as how the social production of identities is bound up with privilege, power, and oppression. The beginning of the course will focus on general theories and concepts relevant to the study of identities, the self, and society. We will then consider three key issues facing the study of identity in modern social life: multidimensionality, mobility, and authenticity. Assigned readings and course materials will often highlight specific identity categories – race and ethnicity, gender, dis/abiltiy, sexuality, religion, and social class, among others. In class, however, we will consider wider applications, including the relevance of key concepts to our own lives — both at home and abroad. This course will also challenge students to critically analyze how identity — as defined by others and oneself — shapes culture, politics, and the distribution of power. 

Essential Question: How are our identities shaped by, and how do they in turn shape, society, culture, and social interaction?

 This course is offered on the following Verto semesters: Hawaii Semester and South Pacific Semester (in New Zealand) and takes place in a 4-week intensive block.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide an engaging classroom experience through a combination of lectures and structured academic activities.
• Collaborate with a dynamic team of Program Leaders, Field Instructors, Regional Managers and in country staff to incorporate field experiences which relate to class concepts 
• Deliver course instruction in-person at the program locations.
• Engage with students and help them connect the coursework to what they are experiencing in the field.
• Facilitate coursework in compliance with credit requirements as set by the Course Director.
• Maintain flexibility with curriculum as dictated by a changing travel itinerary.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with Verto students, staff, and community partners.
• Evaluate students’ course submissions, provide ongoing feedback and a final marking of students’ mastery of course objectives.
• Work closely with other field instructors and academic success coordinators to support students with accommodations and all students as they navigate potential challenges of a traveling program
• Other duties as reasonably assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Master’s Degree from an accredited university in political science or a closely related field.

Experience

• Minimum of 2-4 years of experience in college-level classroom teaching.
• A demonstrated record of teaching excellence and ability to work with undergraduate students in a close student/faculty relationship.
• Experience delivering a curriculum and facilitating experiential education with proven success.
• Experience living and/or working abroad preferred.

REQUIREMENTS

• Must be 24 years of age or older by February September 1, 2020.
• Ability to attend Verto training mid-August.
• Ability to be on a Verto program from mid-September to early December (dates vary according to program location).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Excellent verbal communication and interpersonal skills and interest working with college students.
• Patient, enthusiastic, analytical, and solution-oriented. No day is the same on a Verto program, so adaptability is key.
• Appreciation for diversity in cultures and experiences.
• Familiarity with teaching students with Individualized Education Programs and accommodations. 
• A willingness to empathize with, and adapt to, students varied academic backgrounds and learning abilities. 
• Passion for immersive education experiences and knowledge of local and regional customs and norms in program location(s) through firsthand experience.
• Passion for discussion-based learning and helping students make meaning of their experiences.
• Understands the value of experiential education and travel for young people.
• Eager to learn from colleagues and enjoys open collaboration and teamwork.
• Able to maintain excellence under pressure and ever-changing conditions.
• Able to follow organizational protocols while working independently.
• High level of proficiency with Google Drive, Skype, and WhatsApp.

Work and Environmental Conditions

• This position is based in a remote setting in one or more of our destination countries.
• Homestay and remote experiences may require field instructors to live in close quarters with other instructors.
• The work pace is continually fast-paced and work is required for more than 4 hours at time.
• Low supervision from managers with infrequent prompts. 
• Travel is required up to 100% of the time in-country.
• The environment in which the job is performed outside may include exposure to extreme temperature, noise, heights, or other hazards.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Verto Education is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex including sexual orientation and gender identity, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Possible Changes Due to COVID-19: These position responsibilities are subject to change due to ensuring the safety of our staff, students and the communities we visit. Read more about our programming scenario plan here.