Program Overview: Albuquerque Academy is an independent day school, serving approximately 1150 students in grades 6-12. The Department of Experiential Education is staffed by three full time faculty members, two seasonal field faculty members, and one teaching fellow. The department helps support and enhance the school’s rigorous college-preparatory curriculum and experiential education trips are required for students in grades 6-9. Students in grades 10-12 can elect to take Outdoor Pursuits and Outdoor Leadership for elective or physical education credit. Programs are offered throughout New Mexico and the Four Corners region. Detailed information can be found here: (https://www.aa.edu/academics/departments/experiential-education/). 

Fellowship Overview:  The Experiential Education Fellowship will provide a comprehensive experience in the workings of one of the most developed and well-resourced outdoor experiential education programs in the country. It is intended to support the development of a relatively new professional to the field of experiential education and should provide excellent experience to support future professional goals in outdoor and experiential education. The fellowship runs for the following dates during the 2020-2021 school year: August 10, 2020-December 17, 2020; February 8-May 29, 2021.  This position is based in Albuquerque, New Mexico and does not formally provide room and board, although free, or very reduced rent is almost always available in community members’ homes and all efforts to connect teaching fellow to such opportunities will be made. Lunch will be provided on campus each day. The position provides a total stipend of $15,000.00 and includes optional medical benefits. 

Responsibilities:  Assistant leading 4-5 day wilderness-based expeditions for groups of approximately 12 9th grade students; Assistant leading then leading 4-day 7th grade backcountry basecamp trips; Lead instructing 6th grade day hikes and overnights; Logistical management of trips (equipment packing and repair, food packing, trip administration, etc.); Supporting/co-teaching Outdoor Pursuits and Outdoor Leadership classes and associated field components; Assistant leading three week field-based senior seminar; Being a part of the community of a dynamic college preparatory independent school.

Qualifications:  Experience working with grades 6-12 students; Outdoor skills and backcountry trip leading experience; Basic competence or interest in technical skills (rock climbing, river kayaking, mountain biking, survival skills); Interest in working within an independent school setting and investing in a career of outdoor education; Current medical certification at Wilderness First Responder (teaching fellow responsible for covering the cost of certification); Clean driving record (minimum age 21);  Administrative skills including organization, written and verbal communication, computer literacy; Bachelor’s degree preferred. 

Procedure: Qualified applicants should submit a cover letter, resume (including the contact information for three references), and a personal and professional trip-leading resume (Include length of trip, type of trip, dates, locations, participant age, on/off trail specifics, your role in leadership, planning, logistics, etc.  Please also include any mountain biking, rock climbing and kayaking experiences). Phone and/or Skype interviews will be arranged for qualified applicants. Final candidate would be subject to background and driving record check.