Teaching Assistant PositionsAdvanced Instruction and Instructor Training
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From the beginning (and especially at the beginning), we've valued the commitment our students have made to us. And since the beginning, we've given back to them with opportunities to continue their education with no tuition cost. After years of doing this informally, we've finally gotten around to writing it up and the result is the teaching assistant program.
During each semester, summer, and winter Earth skills course we have two teaching assistant(TA) positions available. TA's live on site and help facilitate the program by participating in the daily instruction and taking an active role on trips. At the same time they pursue individual research goals that are shared with students.
The premise is simple; Once a student has successfully completed an extended Earth skills course with us they've learned a lot of skills and understand our routines. As such, they're an asset to have around. They refine their skills and gain teaching and guiding experience while helping us run courses.
Yearlong program graduates are give first choice of TA positions. Graduates of the fall and spring semester programs are eligible for TA positions only in the same semester they've completed.
The minimum amount of time for a TA position is two weeks during an Earth skills program or the duration of a shorter course. TA's have access to student bulk foods while at home and eat meals with the group on trips. Their main expense is to cover their trip expenses (other than food). TA positions should be set up well before (at least a month) the courses or dates desired.
In addition to furthering the educational goals of students at no additional cost, benefits of a TA position include:
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- Advanced instruction with a small group and a low instructor to student ratio, resulting in lots of hands-on, individual attention.
- Real-world experience with traditional wilderness skills gained in the bush.
- Real-world teaching and guiding experience.
- Ability to learn specific subjects in depth through research concentration.
- Repeated exposure to course content, allowing more experience and practice tracking, reading the weather, carving canoe paddles, making bows, weaving pack baskets, making fire, etc.
- Opportunity to perfect traditional canoe and snowshoe techniques.
- Opportunity to increase skills and knowledge of fishing, hunting, and trapping.
- Aid in preparing for and taking state guide examinations to become a registered guide.
- Mentoring in business and marketing skills relevant to starting and running a guide service or outdoor program.
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Note: Teaching Assistant positions are open only to semester and yearlong course graduates.
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