Now Hiring:

Driftless Folk School Fellowship Position

The Driftless Folk School Fellowship is an opportunity to become immersed in the life of the Driftless Folk School, Thoreau College, and the vibrant rural community in which we are rooted - while helping to support the growth, development, and flourishing of DFS! This position is envisioned as a year-long commitment for adults interested in a wide range of folk school classes and activities and a passion for grassroots education, non-profit development, and engaged community life. No specific prior experience, age, or level of education is required, but it is expected that the DFS Fellow will live on the Thoreau College campus or close by and be able to make this work a high priority in their lives during the period of the Fellowship. (Applicants need to have a valid driver’s license and ideally their own vehicle, as DFS activities happen throughout the area.)

Period of the Fellowship:  Roughly one year, starting in July or August

Number of Fellowships Available: One per year

Compensation/Benefits: The Driftless Folk School 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 DFS Fellow, candidates can expect to receive - 

  • Housing in a private room in one of the Thoreau College residence houses, along with other Thoreau College 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 DFS classes, depending on availability, as well as opportunities to participate in Thoreau College courses, expeditions, and community events

CLICK HERE FOR FULL FELLOWSHIP DESCRIPTION.

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 adult education are encouraged to apply by submitting a letter of interest, resume, and at least two references to jacob@driftlessfolkschool.org.

 Offer a Class through the Driftless Folk School!

The Driftless Folk School recruits a diverse array of quality instructors to teach within our varied curriculum every year. Are you a skilled instructor and craftsperson who would like to offer a class through the folk school? Please fill out the class proposal form below, and we will consider your class offering as we craft our schedule for 2024 and beyond. Instructors of all ages, backgrounds, genders, and ethnicities are encouraged to apply!

Prospective teachers who fill out the form below will be sent our Instructor Agreement document, which contains more information about teaching with the DFS - like pay rates, venue options, and more. If your class is accepted, we will notify you so we can proceed with next steps.

Thank you for your interest in teaching with Driftless Folk School!

Course proposal process:

1. Complete this interest form, which will ask for your contact details, your teaching experience, and details about the class(es) you wish to propose.

2. The DFS programming committee will review your proposal.  The committee meets monthly, so please allow up to a few weeks for a response.  

3. DFS may request additional information by email, or request a phone call to discuss your vision for the class in more detail.

4. You will be informed by email whether your proposed course has been approved.  Upon approval, we will ask you to fill out a detailed course description form for final details, like your preferred class dates and minimum/maximum class size.

The DFS Registrar will be your contact person throughout this process.  Feel free to reach out with any questions.

Andi Bruce, Registrar, 608-284-8524, registrar@driftlessfolkschool.org