Place- Class Teacher: Middle School

Place-based Class Teacher:
Middle School

The Community School for Place-based Education seeks an experienced educator to lead our multi‑age middle school “Alpine class” beginning August 2026.

• 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 group’s 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 school, 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 the local community.

A State of Maine Teaching certificate or equivalent is preferred. Current certification in Wilderness First Aid (WFA) or higher is required for all teaching staff.

Located along a tidal creek and 70‑acre preserve in Somesville, Maine, the school occupies a historic farmhouse, barn, yurts, and a series of outdoor classroom spaces.

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. The “Expedition” unit is interdisciplinary, focusing on 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 progression 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 is committed to providing equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals and employment decisions will be based on merit, qualifications, and abilities. The school does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications, with benefits to include health and dental insurance.