Place-based Class Teacher Grades 6-8

Place-based Class Teacher: Grades 6-8

The Community School for Place-based Education seeks a dynamic, enthusiastic and experienced educator to co-lead our multi-age grades 6-8 “Alpine class” in collaboration with a small and dedicated faculty group, beginning August 2024.

The ideal candidate:

• Has experience in and a passion for Place-based teaching and learning;
• Has at least 3 years of teaching experience and is comfortable leading a multi-age group outdoors and in the classroom;
• Has strong group dynamics and facilitation skills, with experience and understanding of this age groups social-emotional development and psychology;
• Is experienced in outdoor leadership and trip-leading and comfortable leading overnight learning experiences in the field;
• Is well-rounded and comfortable teaching and integrating all subject areas;
• Engages multiple ways of knowing into curriculum implementation and development;
• Possesses clear, confident and engaging communication skills, with strong organizational skills and attention to detail;
• Skilled in interpreting the natural and social landscapes of the Maine coast, including general natural history knowledge and ability to integrate local history within a global context;
• Eager to engage with the social and natural ecology of Mount Desert Island and cultivate relationships with community partners;
• Builds positive and meaningful relationships with the local and greater community;
• Works to uphold principles of social justice in the interest of students, colleagues, and the school community, and believes in education as a tool for powerful social change;
• Embraces and values collaboration with current faculty, families, and our local community.

A State of Maine Teaching certificate or equivalent is preferred.

Due to the active nature of our program, current certification in Wilderness First Aid (WFA) or higher is required of all teaching staff.

Located along a tidal creek and 7o acre preserve in Somesville, Maine, the school occupies a historic farmhouse, barn, yurts, and a series of outdoor classroom spaces. We are a state-certified independent school, incorporating a variety of teaching methods in our Place-Based model, cultivating a sense of self, place and community.

Connection to one another and to the place we live is important to us and our learning. We are a highly collaborative teaching community that practices mindful listening and makes decisions together. Both teachers and children are caretakers of the schoolhouse and property. Additionally, we extend our stewardship to the surrounding landscapes and communities of Mount Desert Island, Acadia National Park and local land trust preserves.

Our academics are rooted in what is developmentally appropriate for each child. Small class sizes allow for a balance of collaborative and collective learning as well as individualized attention. Our “Expedition” unit is interdisciplinary, with a focus in the sciences and social studies. The Math Workshop, (based on Eureka Math) and Language Arts Workshop use active and engaging learning to explore math, reading, and writing. A weekly Outing and proigression of outdoor leadership trips affords off-campus study and continued collaboration and stewardship with local people and places. Weekly specialty classes in Music, Handwork, and Ecology complement the curriculum and are taught by skilled educators within the local community.

The Community School (TCS) is committed to providing equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals and employment decisions at TCS will be based on factors such as merit, qualifications and abilities. TCS does not discriminate on the basis of an applicant’s or employee’s race, color, religion, gender, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

Salary Range: $42,000 - $52,000 commensurate with experience and qualifications, with benefits to include health and dental insurance.

If you are interested in joining our collaborative and dynamic teaching team, please send a cover letter and resume to our school office at: office@thecommunityschool.me, with “Alpine Class Teacher” in the subject line. The position will remain open until filled.