Environmental Education Internship Program
Pine Mountain Settlement School (PMSS) is located in the Appalachian Mountains of southeastern Kentucky. Our Environmental Education staff work to develop and reinforce in students an awareness and appreciation of the natural and cultural environments. Using the school's 800-acre campus of mountains, valleys, forests, and streams, staff introduces students to natural ecosystems, regional culture, and environmental issues.Interns are a vital component of the environmental education program at PMSS. We are looking for interns who like to work and play with children, and who have an interest in environmental topics (natural and cultural history).
Minimum qualifications:
- Experience working with elementary and middle school students
- Interest in environmental education concepts and techniques
- A love for the natural world and a desire to share it with others!
- Some college courses
Desired qualifications:
- Leadership skills
- Lesson planning or curriculum development skills
Internship details:
- The dates of the fall internship run from late August to Thanksgiving, the spring internship runs from late February – end of May (exact dates are flexible).
- Housing is provided in an on-site intern house — full kitchen, living room, bathrooms, and 4 separate bedrooms
- All meals are provided while students are present — typically 3 meals a day Monday through Friday as well as some weekend meals
- A food stipend is provided.
- The opportunity to learn new skills and sharpen existing ones, as well as a rewarding life experience!
For more information please contact the office of Pine Mountain Settlement School at office@pinemountainsettlementschool.com
In the Words of Former Interns...
Claire Swanback — Morago, CAFall 2011 intern
My internship at Pine Mountain has truly been an experience like no other. I cannot honestly think of anything I would have rather done with the past 3 months of my life. I have been able to be a part of this amazing community and learned so much in the process. I never imagined my life would lead me to Kentucky but I am so glad to find myself here. This experience has taught me that there is nothing quite like the expression on a kid's face when they experience something for the first time, whether that be petting one the snakes, discovering a mayfly out in the creek or successfully weaving on one of the looms. I know now that I want to spend my life opening children's minds to the world.
Marah Fierek — Goetzville, MI
Fall 2011 intern
My time at Pine Mountain was incredibly valuable. Not only did I learn about environmental education, but it re-instated my passion for teaching. The staff here at Pine Mountain is welcoming and eager to share the wealth of wisdom and knowledge that they have obtained over the years. This is truly a remarkable place to learn, visit, and work. Pine Mountain will always hold a special place in my heart.
Sarah Bigney — Bangor, ME
Fall 2002 intern
When I was getting on a small plane out of Bangor International Airport to go to Pine Mountain, KY for 3 months, I had no idea what it would be like or what to expect when I got there.
I truly enjoyed my experience at PMSS. It's hard to pin down exactly what my internship meant to me in a letter, or in words alone for that matter, but what first comes to mind is the people. Everyone was kind, helpful and friendly which helped me to forget that I was away from home.
Another thing that made the Fall so great was simply the beauty and majesty of the mountains and the campus. The mountains, forests, buildings, streams and fields will live in my memory and in my scrapbook forever. The world never felt so flat as the first day I was back in Bangor. Kentucky is truly a different world and a different place. Before this Fall, I had no experience with the south, mountain life or environmental education for that matter. Seeing a different culture, hearing the Appalachian music, catching crawdads and everything else I did was new and exciting.
What an experience teaching was! I think it was the most terrifying and simultaneously most invigorating thing I have ever done. Thank goodness for good training and patient, helpful supervisors. I was timid at first, but once I was more comfortable with the material, classes went smoothly and I felt that I could really take time, connect with the kids, and get them excited about the subjects. All through my own schooling, I was distraught that we took very few trips and that there was so little hands-on learning, a style that I think is highly superior to strict classroom work.
Working with kids kept me intrigued day in and out. The way their eyes grew wide when I told them the story of Frances Johnson, or the way they screeched with glee when they found a stonefly larva in the stream or the way they couldn't wait to hear how the settlers killed pigs or the many creative theories they came up with for how Split Rock was formed and the way I had to drag them from the weaving room are memories I'll treasure.
My internship at PMSS was amazing and, as with any experience, had its lulls and downsides. I missed my family, friends, and the ocean, and there were weekends I thought I would die because I was bored. But, as I look back now, they were all part of the overall magic of PMSS and those quiet weekends spent wandering under the trees and weaving rugs were some of the most peaceful and beautiful weekends of my life.
The way the program was set up worked very well. I felt taken care of and watched out for, but at the same time, we were given freedom and our own space, which was a perfect balance.
Courtney Camp — Texas
Spring 2001 Intern
On the eve of my last day at the Pine Mountain Settlement School, I am finally able to say with absolute certainty that it was worth taking a year off from college. I have learned more about myself and my life goals in these past few months than I ever would have from a dorm room at my university. In short, I discovered my passion. Pine Mountain is a unique and inspiring educational environment which has compelled me to become a teacher. To the School, its beautiful grounds, and the incredibly talented staff, I am forever grateful.
I have always had a gut feeling that I wanted to teach at some point in my life. I enjoy working with people — kids in particular. Upon my arrival at PMSS, I was quite anxious. Could I successfully realize this goal? Would I be able to challenge students — to encourage them to look deeper, to think, to discover? And more basically, would I even be able to convey the material in a clear and interesting fashion? In my 3 months here, I've discovered that I can do these things. Although, I am challenged every day to improve my techniques, I leave Pine Mountain feeling a combination of relief and joy at being able to have taught students something that they did not know before.
For me, it was impossible not to fall in love with this school. What it provides students is both amazingly unique and educational in so many areas. They not only learn in class, but also, how to clean up after themselves at meals, how to live with others in a small space, how to face fears, how to help others, etc. The list goes on and on. I can say — without a doubt — that it would be impossible for a child to leave this school without having learned. The atmosphere of the place simply doesn't allow for it.
Living and working in rural Kentucky has been an experience in and of itself. Total emersion in such a distinct lifestyle that I've never seen made an impression that I'll not soon forget. Living with 3 other interns was also an experience. I learned to relax and occupy my time without t.v., malls or movie theaters. I've grown accustomed to pitch black nights and a natural silence. As a self-described city person, I never could've guessed how comfortable I would become in such and environment. I'll miss all of it — Aaron on his guitar, Forrest on bongos, Janet and I chatting as they play — all of us hanging out on the upstairs porch. Showering with "daddy-long-legs", sleeping with lady bugs, chasing mice out of the house — all of these things contribute to a particular pace of life which defines the Pine Mountain experience.
As far as advice to fellow interns of the future goes, I can only say a handful of things. One; be energetic. Act silly and motivated for the kids. As dumb as you may feel doing the crane-fly dance in your streams class, do it anyways. Kids remember — it makes an impression. A genuine interest on the teacher's part becomes contagious. Two; Be patient. some days all I wanted to do was yell at students to be quiet or give them the answers that I was looking for. It takes patience — a lot of it — for effectiveness. Three; Bring a good raincoat and H20 proof hiking boots. That's about it.
My semester at PMSS has been wonderful. Pat and Ben are two of the most energetic and talented people I've known. They are a true inspiration. The food is great. The place is gorgeous. What more can I say? I would recommend this internship to anyone with a love for children, an interest in teaching, or a fascination with the natural world. A little of all 3 would be ideal.
Thanks again to Pine Mountain. My experience here has been invaluable — it will shape my future.
Aaron Englander — Boston, MA
Fall 2000 and Spring 2001 intern
In August 2000, I boarded a plane in Boston, MA, and headed south for Pine Mountain, KY. In my eighteen years on this planet, Washington D.C. was as close to the Mason-Dixon line as I had traveled and I really had no clue what I was in for.
I remember the night I arrived at PMSS: I was greeted at the airport in Kingsport, TN by Ben and Pat Begley (the directors of the environmental education program). We loaded their Ford Escort wagon with my pack and guitar and drove off into the night, and seemingly another world.
It is about a two hour drive to the Settlement School from the airport. As we twisted and turned around the regions mountain roads, an occasional coal truck, carrying near 80 tons of coal, would thunder by. If I listened carefully enough, I could almost make out the words "Welcome to Kentucky, boy," amidst the roar of the massive trucks. After a long drive we arrived at the "Intern House". As I stepped out of the car, I was incredibly disoriented by the darkness, humidity and insistent chatter of katydids and crickets in the surrounding forest. Once Ben and Pat had introduced me to the house and departed, I remember saying to myself, "Well, here we are, how the "%@#" did I get here." I explored the four bedroom house, the screened in porch, the upstairs sun porch, the fully stocked pantry and refrigerator, and then went to bed.
The next morning I woke up late and discovered the pure, simple beauty of the hills. It was green and lush and gorgeous. In my life, there are a few visions that, because of their stunning beauty or their overwhelming significance, will never be forgotten. The ridge of Pine Mountain, extending to the east and west as far as the eye can see, is certainly one of those visions.
I worked as an intern at PMSS for the Fall term and enjoyed it so much that I returned for the Spring term. The Pine Mountain Intern experience has three different aspects; the actual job of teaching, the social, and the personal. The internship itself is perfect for someone who enjoys working with kids and is excited by the outdoors; you do not have to be a tree hugger, but an appreciation of animals and plants and the environment is important. The school receives groups of children (generally fourth to sixth graders) from surrounding cities such as Kingsport, Bristol and Johnson City in Tennessee, and Louisville and Lexington, Kentucky. Usually groups arrive Monday afternoon and depart Friday morning. A full day starts at nine a.m. (if you want a very satisfying breakfast, the day begins at eight) and includes a three hour morning class, lunch at twelve, a three hour afternoon class, dinner at five-thirty and an evening activity which ends at nine p.m. At times, the job can be very tiring. However, depending on how many interns there are, you only have to work two or three full days a week, an afternoon or morning off is always granted. The classes include stream ecology, orienteering, forest ecology, a summit hike, plant center, animals, early settlers and Native Americans. Yes, it is a lot of information to learn, but it is worth it. The children, with a few exceptions, are enthusiastic about the subjects; all the classes are hands-on learning rather than cooped up in a classroom like a conventional public school. The best part of Pine Mountain is the live animals; a snapping turtle, three snakes, three box turtles, two toads and some cool poisonous snakes preserved in formaldehyde. At night you either folk dance or lead a night hike, or Ben performs stories and folk songs in front of a campfire in a Pete Segger-esque style. The weekends are generally fee time; that is where the social and personal aspects of the Pine Mountain experience are right in your face.
Even though Ben and Pat and the rest of the staff at Pine Mountain are cool people, the interns are the only folks on the campus under thirty. So hopefully, you get along with your fellow interns who are your roommates. Just like any other situation which is new and foreign, you have to roll with the punches. If the unfortunate case is true and you do not get along with the roommates, the locals are good people. There are a few fellows whom I befriended through sports (there is a basketball court on the campus) and from just being there in that small community of no more than twelve hundred people. My new friends took me, the city boy, hunting and four wheeling and all that other crazy country stuff. Down there, in the hills, things are a lot different than the suburbs of Boston. People smile and say hello and are more relaxed, and certainly are more up front and honest than those in my home town. Pine Mountain, the school, and the Big Laurel community (the town down Greasy Creek), is a place I must return to over the years, otherwise I would be homesick.
The last aspect of the Pine Mountain experience is the personal one. Because there is a good deal of time off ? real quiet time, way up there in the hills, you are forced to entertain yourself. There are plenty of things to take interest in. For one you can read, play or listen to music at the house if that is your cup of tea, or there are all kinds of different things on campus to discover and explore. Wood carving is one, weaving, pottery, and learning more about the environment through field guides and Ben's incredible knowledge of the living world are others. Being an intern at Pine Mountain allows you to pursue a personal interest because it is so isolated from t.v., computers and the rest of the technological, fast-paced world. Of course there is electricity, running water, and even an excellent internet connection (in Laurel House, the dining hall), but to a degree, in going to Pine Mountain you disappear into the hills and are able to ignore the headlines and the stress of a nine to five or the frustration of a traffic jam.
The Pine Mountain Settlement School is an institution that fosters an appreciation of the environment as well as an appreciation for young people and what they are thinking, saying and planning for the future. Furthermore, Pine Mountain has a certain spirit that goes beyond an ordinary education, and borders on life changing.
Erin Findlan — Maine
Fall 2000 intern
After interning at Pine Mountain Settlement School for three months, I definitely feel that it was a positive experience. The area we work in is beautiful and mountainous. The people are all friendly and nice to work with.
The teaching itself is fun! The style of teaching is all very hands-on and each class has an outdoor component to it. To teach the classes we learned a lot of interesting things which we then taught to the kids. The classes themselves are fun to teach. The only downfall I can think of as far as teaching is that the classes can get repetitive. However, the rewards of teaching the new kids that come each day or week outweigh that downfall.
I would highly recommend interning at Pine Mountain. The area can be isolated if you don't have a vehicle, but other than that it is a very positive experience.
Lindsey Bona — Vermont
Fall 2000 intern
The most enjoyable part of Pine Mountain in my eyes are the people. Everyone on staff at Pine Mountain made me feel like I was at home. They are very caring people and super friendly. They would all bend over backwards for one another.
I also enjoyed getting to apply my knowledge in a classroom setting. It would be one thing if I just learned new information and that was the end of it, but here we get to convey everything we know to a group of people. The knowledge that I acquired here will be knowledge that will stick with me throughout the years.
The hardest part for me here is the fact that we live pretty far from town. Also, there aren't many people to hang out with and socialize. Another hard part is that the classes we teach gets a little repetitive.
William Schultz — Cherry Hill, NJ
Spring and Fall 1999 intern
Before going to PMSS, I didn't really know what to expect. I barely had a mental image of what it might look like. As it turned out, going to Pine Mountain as a teacher intern was one of the best decisions I've ever made.
Pine Mountain Settlement School is a beautiful oasis tucked in the middle of the eastern KY mountains. As an intern teaching environmental and cultural classes mostly to elementary school students, you learn a great deal about nature, history and culture of the region. School children generally come on a weekly basis. As a teacher you train, and then teach classes such as Stream Ecology and Native Americans. You also lead hikes and participate in folk dancing. Doing this is a nice way to spend time with the kids outside of the teacher role.
There are also lots of opportunities to involve yourself. For example, many schools traditionally have a short quiet time together the night before they leave Pine Mountain. Being a violinist, I was given the chance to play some music at these times for the kids. Your schedule keeps you busy, but there is always time to enjoy the surroundings. Normally, two or three interns will be at the school for the Fall or Spring term. While at PMSS, interns live together in the intern house. It's a unique chance to share the experience with others who come from all over.
PMSS is really its own small community, with many of the staff living on the school grounds, and all of your basic necessities taken care of. It is a bit removed from towns and things that many people have access to everyday, but that is what makes it special. As an intern, it's a great chance to focus on yourself, and to take advantage of a chance to learn, and to simplify your life for a while.
David Reckess — Poughkeepsie, NY
Spring 1999 intern
Pine Mountain Settlement School is a center for environmental and cultural education located in southeastern KY. Groups stay for up to 5 days, learning about the area and inhabitants — both plants and animals of the region as well as the humans who call southern Appalachia home. Classes are hands-on and require a lot of class participation. Students learn by doing, not just by listening; collecting critters from the creek for the Streams class, weaving in the Settlers class, digging for artifacts in the Native Americans class. Through such activities, students are able to learn first-hand about their natural surroundings and what it took to settle the area.
The primary responsibility of interns is to teach students in classes such as: Stream Ecology, Forest Ecology, Native Americans, and Early European Settlers, as well as leading them through an orienteering course and up the summit of Pine Mountain. Other responsibilities include assisting with Appalachian folk dancing, leading night hikes and craft sessions, and the caretaking of the classroom reptiles. Interns also have access to the campus' facilities, including the many hiking trails, the grand piano in the Chapel, and the weaving looms.
No prior knowledge of the subject matter is required, as interns are trained on-site to teach all classes