FPO - not sure if I’m going to keep a header or not. Do we want to lead with a donate section on every page? That might be too much.
Let’s explore “What exactly is a Teaching Fellow at Words in the Wild?”
Think of teaching fellows as medical residents. We offer Fellows a 1-2 year paid learning experience, designed to immerse them in the world of teaching reading that goes far beyond what teachers typically receive during their education.
Again, like medical residents, Fellows get specialized training from expert staff (founder Dr. Alexis Filippini is super hands-on), alongside actually putting what they’re learning into supervised practice with kids, families, and educators.
The Teaching Fellows aren’t the only ones getting a science-y experience. Words in the Wild teaches kids to think like scientists, and approach reading and writing with a curious mind.
If you’ve never been a teacher, let’s just say…you have to be ready for anything. Fellows learn to deliver reading and writing instruction in all kinds of environments: school based small groups, 1:1 tutoring and educational therapy, and our unique outdoor summer camp. They also get direct experience delivering 1:1 intensive reading and writing intervention for students with dyslexia, dysgraphia, ADHD, processing disorders, and other neurodiversity—all under supervision, and with coaching, from Words in the Wild staff and industry professionals.
-
Fellows provide high impact literacy tutoring at schools and after-school programs using Structured Word Inquiry, district curricula (e.g. SIPPS) or responsive, individualized support.
-
Fellows deliver intensive support individualized to each child's literacy needs at our office, outdoors, or online (supervised by teachers with special education training).
-
Fellows participate in our literacy-rich, outdoor-based experiences that build reading and writing skills through play and exploration.
-
Fellows run family-friendly public events that bring words to life through read alouds, nature journaling, literacy games and more—find us at book fairs, farmers markets, and festivals.
Learn more about what our Fellows offer:
Ready for
Teaching Fellow 102?
We’ve got more info about the program here.
Meet our current Teaching Fellows
Jessica Bates
Teaching Fellow
Jessica is thrilled to be joining Words in the Wild as a first-year teaching fellow. After graduating from Harvard University with a BA in Social Studies and English, she worked as a naturalist at Sierra Outdoor School. This experience revealed the power of inquiry-based learning, which she is excited to continue exploring with Words in the Wild.
Michelle Brewer
Teaching Fellow
Michelle is following her passion to provide enhanced opportunities for children to become joyful and confident readers. She came to teaching after a long career in the field of affordable housing. After volunteering and tutoring in Oakland schools, she decided to pursue her teaching credential at San Francisco State University. As a part of the credential program, she served as an assistant/student teacher in Berkeley and Alameda. Michelle then taught first grade in Oakland full-time for 2 years, during which she learned tremendously from her students. She believes that all children deserve to learn to read and is committed to helping children realize their potential.
Keep curiosity alive. Fund our Teaching Fellowship.
-
Make a one time donation
From $1 - $10,000, a one-time donation contributes to keeping the Teaching Fellowship continuously running.
-
Sponsor a Teaching Fellow
Recurring donations ensure Teaching Fellows sustain their impact throughout beyond this school year.
-
Spread the word
Sharing this campaign with your friends, colleagues, and neighbors helps more than we can say.