Applications for the 2024-25 Wayfinder Society Educator Ally Cohort are Now Open!
Apply by Friday, October 11 for your application to be considered in time to join our kickoff Zoom call on Wednesday, October 23, 2024.
Program Details
The Wayfinder Society Educator Ally Program is a leadership initiative aimed at empowering educators to join the Algalita team by serving as advocates, advisors, and champions of all that Wayfinder Society has to offer. In return, the program provides participants with specialized training, access to exclusive in-person events, and opportunities to collaborate directly with a global network of like-minded educators.
Eligibility
Wayfinder Society Educator Allies are those who align with our core values of experiential learning, investigation, imagination, and balance. These educators actively incorporate Algalita’s plastics education into their classrooms. To be eligible, you need to be a U.S.-based environmental educator working with a school or organization, or a college student in the U.S. studying to become one.
Educator Ally Perks
- Connect with Our Global Network of Educators – Connect, share ideas, and get inspired through exclusive Ally channels like a Facebook group, virtual meetups, and free priority registration for our in-person educator weekend in June 2025.
- Classroom Zoom Meet and Greet – Allies can schedule a Zoom session with the Algalita team and founder, Capt. Charles Moore. Students will watch a 15-minute film about our expeditions on the ORV Alguita, followed by a Q&A with Capt. Charlie about his 30+ years of plastic pollution research.
- Get Connected to the Movement – Allies will have access to our partner network to learn how they can leverage the resources these organizations offer their community.
- Updates – Be added to the exclusive Educator Ally email list and receive monthly emails packed with current news and movement updates.
- Contribute – Contribute to future Wayfinder Society classroom resources.
- Conference Support – Get Wayfinder Society materials, training for plastics education presentations, and potential funding to help with conference costs.
- Recognition – All Allies highlighted on Algalita’s website.
- Merch – Allies will receive a Wayfinder Society t-shirt, pin, and BYO Reusable Set
Educator Ally Responsibilities
- Champion Wayfinder Society – Regularly and effectively implement Wayfinder Society resources in your classroom
- Spread the Word – Forward upcoming events and opportunities with your educator network
- Get Vocal on Social – Post on socials 3x in the year about Wayfinder Society updates and tag @algalita!
- Survey Support – Fill out our annual educator surveys to help us collect data on how our resources are used
- Host a Screening – Show The Story of Plastic Documentary in your class
- Conference Representation – Share out Wayfinder Society resources and offerings at educator focused conferences and events. Financial assistance may be provided on a case-by-case basis!
- Stay Involved – Attend at least 3 Wayfinder Society Educator Ally events throughout the school year
Apply Today
Applications for the 2024-25 Wayfinder Society Educator Ally cohort are now open! Apply by Friday, October 11 for your application to be considered in time to join our kickoff Zoom call on Wednesday, October 23, 2024.
FAQs
Who is eligible to apply?
Environmental educators in the United States who are affiliated with a school system or organization that offers environmental educational opportunities. College students who are going to school to be an environmental educator are welcome to join!
What is the timeline of the program?
Educator Allies who are accepted into the program are expected to participate until the end of the school year they signed up within. We will accept applications on a rolling basis and all who are accepted this year will be considered a part of the 2024-25 cohort. Below is a general breakdown of how we envision the year:
September – 2024-25 Wayfinder Society Educator Ally application opens!
October – The 2024-25 Cohort is announced and the program will kick off with the virtual launch event on October 23, 2024.
January – Virtual Ally Gathering / Check In
March - Virtual Ally Gathering / Check In
May - Virtual Wayfinder Society End of Year Celebration
June – Educator Ally Weekend in Long Beach, CA
What is the end of year educator gathering?
Prior to the pandemic, Algalita hosted an annual youth summit to bring passionate students from across the United States and the world to come together for a weekend of learning, collaboration, and new experiences in Southern California. The Algalita team is working on a similar experience, but for our incredible educator community in June 2024! With limited spots available, Educator Allies will receive free priority registration for this weekend gathering. We are still dreaming up this one-of-a-kind experience, so more details to come soon.
When can I apply?
Apply by Monday, October 7 for your application to be considered in time to join our kickoff Zoom call on Wednesday, October 23, 2024.
The Educator Ally application is open throughout the school year for educators to apply on a rolling basis. Educator Allies who are accepted into the program are expected to participate until the end of the school year they signed up within and will be considered a part of that school year's cohort. For example, if someone signed up in December 2024, they would be considered a part of 2024-25 cohort and their term would end at the end of the school year in June. Allies can rejoin for the next school year if they are interested.
About our Logo
With the stars as their guide, Wayfinders made discoveries on land and sea. Our logo creates a new constellation for a new generation of leaders working together to solve plastic pollution.