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The Acadia Teacher Fellows program, generously funded by Friends of Acadia and Dawnland LLC, encourages full-time, K-12 public classroom school teachers to spend six weeks learning about diverse natural and cultural resources, and ways to protect them. (Video produced by Emma Forthofer, with Matthew Lambert and Will Greene, Acadia Youth Technology Team 2017) Application Process
A Summer Professional Development OpportunityImagine spending your summer hiking through spruce-fir forests, exploring tidepools, or sailing on clear waters in search of bald eagles, porpoises, and seals. Leave your classroom behind to do all this and more as a teacher fellow at Acadia National Park. The Acadia Teacher Fellowship connects classroom teachers to the rich cultural, natural, and recreational heritage protected by Acadia National Park. The National Park Service provides teacher fellows with uniforms and shared housing, if needed, as well as a $400 weekly stipend administered through a payroll system and direct deposit. A certificate of completion and continuing education hours are available. What would I do in the park?Teacher fellows become part of the park's interpretation and education division. Duties vary, but each fellow is given the opportunity to engage with the public on programs or on the trail. At the park, possible activities include time with trained interpreters, field researchers, protection rangers, resource management staff, trail crews, teacher institute, and citizen science. Fellows are expected to work on an education project for the park and prepare a place-based lesson plan that will be used in their classrooms and posted on the park's website. What are the benefits?
To Schoolchildren:
What is the time commitment?Teachers are expected to commit four weeks between June and August. Local teachers may divide this time over the course of the year to meet the needs of teachers and the park. Who is eligible?The park accepts applications from all public K-12 teachers. Teachers from all disciplines are encouraged to apply. Priority is given to teachers in Maine. What is expected of me after this program?Teacher fellows will leave the park with the resources to develop tailored, curriculum-based units that help students better understand their natural and cultural heritage and the importance of shared stewardship. Fellows are given the opportunity to take their classes to the nearest national park or other public land site. Transportation, entrance and program fees, and substitute teachers are paid for by a park partner. Teachers make the trip arrangements and report on the trip experience. In the spring, near National Park Week, teacher fellows wear their uniforms to school and present programs to introduce students and staff to the National Park Service and their own experiences at Acadia. Teachers will be asked to explore the possibilities for creating or enhancing an outdoor classroom and climate change initiatives at their schools. This unique learning space will allow classes in all disciplines to link with and learn from the resources protected by Acadia National Park. Quotes from past Teacher Fellows"I benefited both personally and professionally from this summer. I found my understanding of teaching and learning greatly expanded. This experience has inspired me to incorporate the power of place based learning in my classroom. As the summer ends I feel rejuvenated, refreshed and ready to be back to be a better teacher. I feel so lucky to have had this opportunity."
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Last updated: February 14, 2025