Recent college graduates who want to develop their skills in teaching techniques including culturally sustaining pedagogy, public speaking, group management, and generally grow as a professional.  You don’t need to go into environmental education to gain valuable skills through this fellowship!

Initial Training

The start of the program is spent in three weeks of intensive training covering teaching classes, facilitating evening activities, being a liaison, learning about SE Minnesota, and getting to know the general functions of Eagle Bluff. Fellows receive an established lesson plan for each class that they teach. Additional class trainings are scheduled throughout the year.

Seminars

Weekly seminars on Teaching Techniques, Interpretation Program Planning, and Natural History are conducted by Eagle Bluff staff and outside experts. Fellows can choose to have these seminars earn credits towards the Graduate Certificate of Environmental Education through Hamline University.

Certificate of Environmental Education

Fellows may elect to take seminars for credit to earn an Environmental Education certificate at a reduced rate through Hamline University. The cost for earning the full certificate (10 credits) is approximately $1,850.

Seminars and credits include the following:

• Fundamentals of Environmental Education (3 credits)
• Natural History of Southeast Minnesota (3 credits)
• Principles of Interpretation (2 credits)
• Program Development (2 credits)

Certified Interpretive Guide

Fellows may also choose to become a Certified Interpretive Guide (CIG) through the National Association for Interpretation (NAI). The CIG training also counts toward to the EE Certificate (Principles of Interpretation). The cost for earning the CIG certificate is approximately $150.

Evaluations

Fellows are formally evaluated through class observations by permanent education staff several times throughout the year. Feedback is constructive, specific, and includes a follow-up meeting with the evaluator. Fellows also participate in self-evaluations, peer observations, and observation of permanent education staff. Additional feedback about job responsibilities is also collected from visiting teachers and chaperones.

Monthly Meetings

Monthly meetings are held with one or both fellowship managers. The goals of the meetings are to support fellows in their professional development by setting goals, providing feedback, and proactively addressing any needs the Fellow has.

Stipend and Amenities

Participants receive an $850/month stipend for living expenses and to use towards the cost of certifications. As additional compensation, housing is provided and meals are offered in the dining hall when visiting groups are in residence. Food staples are provided for use in the staff kitchen. In addition, we offer paid sick time and vacation days. Wi-Fi, free laundry, staff gear, and use of Eagle Bluff’s recreational equipment.

Housing

Fellows live in a private wing of the dormitory. Bedrooms are private with a bathroom/suite shared with one other person. Each room has a mattress and bed, desk, chair, lamp, and storage area. Fellows share a common living room, dining room, kitchen, and storage/work-out room. The kitchen is stocked with appliances, dishes, refrigerator, freezer, and dry food storage.

Upon completion of the program, fellows may apply for a second year at Eagle Bluff. A second year gives the opportunity to further their study and practice of teaching and take on projects aligning with specific passions within Eagle Bluff.

Where are they now?

Many fellows go on to continue their career in education, whether continuing on as an environmental educator or becoming a naturalist at a state park, a teacher for a school, or continuing their graduate studies. Other fellows have gone on to do conservation work, stay in the environmental field, or pursue careers in unrelated fields.

Past fellows have graduated to go on to the following positions:

• Environmental Educator, NatureBridge Yosemite
• Outdoor Education Coordinator, Prescott Pines Camp
• Environmental Education Specialist, City of Rochester
• Farm Director, Camp Burgess & Hayward
• Education Director, Eagle Bluff ELC
• Teacher, City of Lakes Waldorf School
• Expedition Guide, UnCruise Adventures
• Biology/Forensic Science Teacher, Island Coast High School
• Co-Director, Endless Trails
• Director, 10Fold Communications
• Assistant Principal, Monterey Adult School
• Development Director, Eagle Bluff ELC

Candidates must meet the following qualifications in order to be accepted into the fellowship program:

• B.A. or B.S. degree, related field preferred
• Experience and enjoyment working with children
• High level of self-motivation and enthusiasm; an eagerness and willingness to learn
• Comfortable in moving water and able to hike up and down hills on uneven terrain
• Willing to operate and participate in high ropes courses and rock climbing wall
• Ability to live on-site in a dormitory setting
• Current CPR and Standard First Aid certification
• Related experience as a naturalist, interpreter, camp counselor, trip leader, or other leadership roles is preferred but not required