Question: What are the responsibilities of Fellows in the classroom?
Answer: Each placement comes with different responsibilities and expectations. All Fellows work alongside a Mentor teacher. Fellows at any grade level will plan lessons with their Mentor, help prepare materials, assist students during independent work time, lead some whole group lessons, collaborate with their Mentor to evaluate students' academic progress, and participate in caregiver/teacher conferences. Additional duties when placed in a Lower School (K-5th) classroom include helping to run morning meetings and leading small groups during academic rotations; in an Upper School (6th-8th) classroom placement, Fellows may also participate in the advisory program as a co-leader and help chaperone Upper School events.
Q: What are the daily weekday hours for Teaching Fellows?
A: Fellows are expected to be on campus each day from 8am-4pm (and possibly later depending on afterschool activities). Note that weekly Staffulty meetings are hosted on Wednesdays from 3:30-5pm; attendance is required.
Q: Will I have obligations outside of the classroom during the workday?
A: When students are on campus, all Staffulty, including Fellows, are assigned three to four weekly duty stations during either morning or lunch recess time and after school for dismissal. Having multiple duty stations per week allows Staffulty opportunities to get to know a variety of students. Fellows are also expected to participate in all-school events such as daily Assembly and emergency drills.
Q: Are Fellows expected to participate in afterschool extracurricular activities?
A: As part of their compensation package, Fellows are expected to participate in some after school programming at Crane. Opportunities include assistant coach, Homework Club monitor, after-school enrichment teacher, or Learning Specialist tutor.
Q: What role do Fellows have in Upper School Trip Week?
A: Fellows are expected to participate in Trip Week and help chaperone. Trips usually go to Catalina Island, Yosemite National Park, and the American South. The Head of Upper School will contact Fellows in September to discuss assignments. Fellows who cannot participate in Trip Week will be assigned to help in a Lower School class instead.
Q: When can Fellows move into the Fellows House?
A: Between August 1 - August 21.
Q: What can I expect living at the Fellows House?
A: Fellows each get their own bedroom and share a bathroom with one or two others. The house is fully furnished (bedding is not included). A washing machine, dryer, stove, oven, microwave, toaster, vacuum cleaner, refrigerator, fans, coffee maker, and dishwasher are provided. WiFi and utilities including water, gas, internet, and electricity are paid for by Crane. One parking space is available for each Fellow. During the work week, quiet hours are between 10pm and 7am. Fellows must work together to keep their home clean and organized (common space must be cared for and kept clean).
Q: Do Fellows need a car?
A: Crane campus and the Fellows House is located in a suburban area in Montecito. It is 2 miles from downtown Montecito and 6 miles from downtown Santa Barbara. There is no direct bus line near school, so having a car or e-bike is highly recommended. Some fellows without transportation use Uber, have groceries and food delivered, or carpool with other Fellows, but having a vehicle allows for independence, opportunities to explore the area, as well as a chance to find connection in local community activities in and around the Santa Barbara area.
Q: What do the program Co-Directors help with?
A: Directors will:
- Provide overall support to Fellows throughout their time at Crane.
- Coordinate professional development opportunities.
- Keep a shared calendar up-to-date.
- Organize weekly lunch meetings, and assign and lead discussions.
- Act as liaison between Fellows and Mentors, Staffulty, and Administration.
- Provide guidance in next step decisions for career opportunities after the program.
Q: What is the role of Mentors?
A: Assigned mentors provide Fellows with day-to-day classroom schedules and assignments, guidance and leadership within the classroom, curriculum planning support, and teaching feedback.
