Teacher-In-Residence (Immediate Opening)

Job Title: Upper School Science Teacher

Department: Faculty 

Reports to: Head of Lower & Upper School

Steamboat Mountain School (SMS) is seeking a Teacher-in-Residence to join our team as soon as mutually agreed during the 2026–27 school year. This position offers a recent college graduate or early-career educator the opportunity to develop their teaching practice alongside an experienced mentor while contributing to our academic, outdoor, and residential life programs.

SMS is a Kindergarten through Twelfth Grade independent school where vigorous academics, outdoor exploration, and a close-knit community create meaningful opportunities for students and educators to learn and grow. Our faculty design student-centered, inquiry-rich experiences that extend beyond the classroom into the mountains, our residential community, and global travel programs.

The SMS Teacher-in-Residence program provides hands-on preparation for independent school teaching through work across our K–12 academic and experiential programs and our boarding program for grades 9–12. Residents work with a faculty mentor, help lead outdoor programming, and support boarding students on campus. For this immediate opening, the appointment will begin on the agreed start date and continue through the remainder of the 2026–27 school year. Housing in the faculty dormitory is provided, along with meals in the Upper School dining hall when meal service is offered.

Academic Component:

The primary purpose of the program is to facilitate an immersive learning experience that further prepares new teachers for jobs in teaching fields. In order to equip teachers with the tools they need to confidently lead their own classroom, they will

• work alongside an expert teacher mentor.
• take a bi-weekly class that focuses on curriculum development, assessment, design, classroom management, effective teaching strategies, and what it means to be in an independent school environment.
• observe their mentor teacher and other teachers of their choice. 
• gradually develop lesson plans of increased lengths for sections of their mentor teacher’s class.
• culminate their teaching experience, hone in on their educational philosophy, and solidify their teaching methods by independently teaching their own class section later in the year.
• provide learning support for students.
• substitute for teachers across both campuses.
• receive counsel on career planning. 
• assist with and learn about the day-to-day administrative work of an independent school.

Residential Life & Student Experience:

Teachers-in-Residence will live and work alongside the boarding students of Steamboat Mountain School. They will be provided with a communal living space, which contains individual rooms and a kitchen with a stove and refrigerator. 

Teachers-in-Residence will collaborate and often lead areas of our residential and student life experiences. Residents will be expected to create community, model and teach behavior, work as a team with their co-leaders, and ultimately push our students to develop resilience, confidence, independence, relationships, and a sense of adventure. Specifics areas will include but not limited to the following:

• Participation in our three-day Orientation Backpacking Trip with a small group of students. (High School Teachers-In-Residence)
• Guiding one of the October Desert Week trips (canoeing, climbing, mountain biking, or canyoneering) in partnership with experienced SMS staff and any affiliated experience provider(s). (High School Teachers-In-Residence)
• Participation in our two-day orientation family camp trip and middle school overnight education trips. (All Teachers-In-Residence)
• Joining one or more middle school (typically outside of Colorado) or lower school (typically within Colorado) multi-day overnight trips. (All Teachers-In-Residence)
• Later in the school year, the High School Teachers-in-Residence may also be asked to co-lead a month-long global studies trip.
• In winter, if residents have a ski pass or a backcountry ski setup, they will also be included in supervising aspects of our winter programming. 
• Residents will learn about, then work in the evenings and weekends alongside SMS staff to support our boarding program.
• Residents can also expect to work 4-5 weekends throughout the year, either on duty or running a weekend activity. 
• Participation in the school’s Physical and Outdoor Pursuits program. (All Teachers-in-Residence)

Who Should Apply

The Residency Program is meant for recent college graduates or early career teachers who are curious about teaching at independent schools and passionate about the outdoors and residential life. We are currently seeking Teachers-in-Residence for the following positions:

• The Sciences
• Spanish
• Mathematics
• Elementary Education
• Middle School Education

FLSA Status

This is a full time, exempt position that will end in June 2027 following the school’s end of year faculty meetings.

Physical Requirements

General school and office working conditions including sitting for extended periods and occasional lifting and carrying of objects weighing up to 50lbs. This position requires participation in the school’s outdoor education program including, travel, hiking, camping, skiing and other outdoor activities including overnight camping and student supervision.

Typical Working Conditions

Work is performed in both indoor and outdoor environments; some exposure to controlled and hazardous substances and chemicals; continuous contact with staff, students and the public.

Nothing in this job description restricts the ability of Steamboat Mountain School to assign, reassign, or eliminate duties and responsibilities of this job either orally or in writing. Tasks and responsibilities may be changed at any time due to reasons deemed appropriate by Steamboat Mountain School.

Compensation Information

• $1,800 per month paid bi-monthly 
• Health benefits available including medical, dental, vision and short term disability
• Cell phone stipend
• IKON ski pass reimbursement paid as a Wellness Benefit
• On campus housing is fully provided, with dining available in the school's dining hall for three meals a day.
  • There is no meal service provided during traditional school vacations.
• PTO and sick pay benefits  
• Paid time off during the school’s traditional academic year school vacations.

In order to apply, email your resume and cover letter to careers@steamboatmountainschool.org. Steamboat Mountain School is an Equal Opportunity Employer.