Youth Initiative High School Teaching Fellowship

The Thoreau College Teaching Fellowship is an opportunity to gain immersive hand-on experience with holistic curriculum design, student support, nonprofit management and governance, and teaching with both high school and young-adult gap year students.  The Teaching Fellowship is a partnership between Thoreau College, which offers semester programs and short courses for young adults 18 and older, and the Youth Initiative High School, an independent Waldorf-inspired high school for students in grades 9-12.  Fellows will participate as active members of the Faculty bodies of both Youth Initiative High School and Thoreau College to design and implement the educational programs of both organizations, as well as to teach or co-teach courses and provide mentorship and support to students.

Applicants of all ages and professional backgrounds are encouraged to apply.  It is expected that the Teaching Fellow will live in Thoreau College housing along or close by in Viroqua, Wisconsin and be able to make this work a high priority in their lives during the period of the Fellowship. Applicants will be asked to provide information for a background check, as this program involves work with minors

Period of the Fellowship:   Roughly 1 year - August 1 - July 31.  Beginning and ending dates are flexible.

Number of Fellowships Available:  From 1-3 per year

Activities/Responsibilities:

• Participate in weekly Faculty meetings at both TC and YIHS and weekly All School meetings at TC
• Act as Teaching Assistant, or Lead Instructor where appropriate, for courses at both TC and YIHS
• Participate in mentorship processes, including Care Groups for Thoreau College students
• Support general operations at Thoreau College needed, including events, facilities projects, farm and garden projects, student transportation, and expeditions
• Other projects and initiatives as they arise!

Compensation/Benefits:

The Thoreau College Teaching Fellowship is designed as an immersive internship program whose purpose is primarily educational, with cost of living support from the organization to make it a viable option for more candidates.  As a Thoreau College Fellow, candidates can expect to receive - 

• Housing in a private room in one of the Thoreau College residence houses, along with other Thoreau College & Driftless Folk School Fellows and Scholars-in-Residence
• A monthly stipend of $400, paid semi-monthly
• Shared lunches 5 days per week while Thoreau College programs are in session and access to food produced by Thoreau College gardens and farm.
• Access to Driftless Folk School classes, depending on availability, as well as opportunities to participate in Thoreau College courses, expeditions, and community events

To Apply: Candidates with strong social skills, ability to be self-motivated and independently organized, available time, and enthusiasm for grassroots, hands-on, community-based holistic education are encouraged to apply by submitting a letter of interest, resume, and at least two references to admin@thoreaucollege.org.

Please submit applications for the 2027-2028 Fellowship year by January 15, 2027.

Thoreau College/Driftless Folk School is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination. Thoreau College is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, height, weight, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.