Fisher Teaching Fellow

Department: Faculty
Position: Fisher Teaching Fellow
Status: Full-time, Faculty, Housed

The Thacher School is one of the most selective and highly regarded boarding schools in the nation. Founded in 1889 by Sherman Day Thacher, the School serves academically talented students from over 20 states and close to 10 countries in a rigorous college preparatory experience. The faculty and students live and work closely together on a 427-acre campus nestled in the foothills of the Los Padres National Forest in Ojai, California (85 miles north of Los Angeles). Honor, fairness, kindness, and truth are the cornerstones of School life. Together, the School community commits to the belief that demands in the academic classroom, when combined with those of mountains and horses, of sports and the arts, produce independent minds, strong bodies, and powerful character. The School enrolls 260 students, has an operating budget of $30 million, and an endowment of $200 million.

Thacher seeks candidates who are interested in a two-year Fisher Fellowship designed to immerse early career teachers in boarding school education. Ideal candidates are individuals interested in exploring a career in education, regardless of previous experience or academic fields of interest. We seek to interview candidates who are eager to engage actively in all aspects of boarding school life, and be mentored and supported by experienced faculty and school leaders. Successful candidates should have a commitment to residential life and advising, to athletic coaching and/or other participation in the School’s afternoon program, and to helping co-lead camping trips. We also seek fellows who are dynamic leaders, lifelong learners, and compassionate mentors to adolescents. 

SUMMARY OF PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Work closely with a mentor teacher to observe, support and eventually teach stand-alone courses in the fellow’s discipline of expertise. Fellows can expect to observe and possibly teach 1-2 sections their first year in residence, and up to 3 their second year.
• Advise a grade-level group of between 4-6 students.
• Participate in the residential program through attendance at community dinner, evening duty one weeknight/week and approximately 6 weekends/year.
• Participate in the weekend and evening activities program by playing a leadership role in Thacher’s Indoor Committee and helping to plan and run student events.
• Participate in the afternoon program by coaching, running an activity or its equivalent for three seasons/year.
• Partner with colleagues to co-lead two outdoor backcountry trips a year (5 nights in the fall and 5 nights in the spring).
• Serve on at least one school-wide committee; participate in departmental and full-faculty meetings, provide timely written feedback to students, advisees and their families and actively support school activities and events.

PROFESSIONAL QUALITIES OF THACHER FACULTY & STAFF

• Contribute to the delivery of the mission, vision, and values of the school community.
• Build, foster and participate in an inclusive school community.
• Model lifelong learning, flexibility and a growth mindset.
• Maintain a commitment to professional development.
• Maintain high standards of professionalism with students and colleagues.
• Enthusiasm for working with teenagers
• Manage time effectively and meet deadlines and commitments.
• Values collaboration with colleagues and active participation in a community of students and adults.
• Embrace and actively participate in signature Thacher programs, including the backcountry program.
• Exhibits flexibility and adaptability to change as needed.

SALARY RANGE
Salary Range is $38,000 - $40,000. Final salary is based on experience relevant to the role and internal equity. Thacher offers a competitive total rewards package, which includes a 403(b) match, healthcare coverage, and a broad range of other benefits.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Possession of (or ability to obtain) a current California driver license with a satisfactory motor vehicle record and ability to transport students in school-owned vehicles. A criminal background check must be successfully completed before employment can begin.
• Note: The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. As prescribed by law, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.