Join an inspiring, year-long fellowship designed to empower educators in creating transformative K–12 learning resources that weave together voyaging traditions, Indigenous knowledge, and ocean science. Five applicants will be selected as fellows to support the Polynesian Voyaging Society and collaborate with their Wa’a Honua partner network to focus on the rich cultural and ecological landscape of Papahānaumokuākea and promote ocean stewardship through the development of place-based learning materials for Hawaiʻi students.
PROGRAM DETAILS
Fellowship Timeframe: June 9, 2025 – June 30, 2026*
Location: Work from home, with occasional travel to:
- Marine Education Training Center (METC)
- Wa’a Honua partner locations, such as the NOAA Inouye Regional Center
- (Optional, with funds permitting) World Indigenous Peoples’ Conference on Education (WIPCE) in Aotearoa, Nov 2025
Hours: 30-40 hours/week (Summer); 10-15 hours/month (School year)
Stipend: Up to $20,000 (Deliverable-dependent)
Application window: Now through 11:59PM HST on May 21, 2025
Selection notification: June 3, 2025
*Start and end dates are negotiable.
WHO SHOULD APPLY
We’re looking for passionate educators who are:
- U.S. citizens age 18 or older
- Teachers, curriculum designers, professional development coordinators, or other education professionals
- Experienced in developing or teaching curriculum in ocean science, navigation, and place-based or culturally grounded content
- Experienced in aligning teachings to content standards, such as Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), or frameworks, such as Nā Hopena Aʻo (HĀ)
- Comfortable performing informal or interpretative education outreach (e.g. booths at local events, parks, museums, etc.)
- Able to create engaging digital learning content
- Strong communicators
TO APPLY
Click on the link above to complete the application form. Be prepared to provide:
- Information about your current and prior experiences as an educator
- Brief descriptions of your familiarity and use of navigation, voyaging, wa’a, ocean science, and NOAA resources
- A short essay on why you want to be an Ocean and Navigation Educator Fellow
- A pitch concept for a Papahānaumokuākea-inspired learning resource
- Your resume (optional)
- Examples of place-based curriculum or learning resources created or adapted by you (optional)
We hope you’ll join us in continuing to spread the values of Mālama Honua with our haumana across Hawaiʻi! For any questions, please email waahonua@pvshawaii.org. Click the image below to download a PDF of the Ocean & Navigation Educator Fellowship program details.
