North Bennet Street School Instructor: Carpentry Program

Reports to:

Carpentry Department Head

Date:
July 2026

North Bennet Street School (NBSS), a renowned Boston institution preserving time-honored traditions of fine craftsmanship, seeks an experienced Carpentry Instructor to work with the Department Head in the Carpentry program. This position begins August 2026.

As America’s first trade school, North Bennet Street School is internationally known for its programs that help students achieve meaningful lives and livelihoods. For more than a century, the exceptional programs, expert faculty, and inspiring community have encouraged individual growth, curiosity, technical mastery, and commitment to excellence.

In addition to Carpentry, NBSS offers training programs in Bookbinding, Cabinet & Furniture Making, Jewelry Making & Repair, Locksmithing & Security Technology, Basic and Advanced Piano Technology, Preservation Carpentry, and Violin Making & Repair. Additional information is online s.edu.

In the Carpentry department and along with the Department Head, the Instructor is responsible for delivering the approved course curriculum to the students as well as assisting with administrative duties related to the department. The Instructor must be an accomplished carpenter and an organized and thoughtful instructor committed to high-quality work, presenting the theoretical, technical, and practical material involved in the Carpentry trade to adults of varying learning styles and experience.

The Instructor helps prepare and present instructional content using existing departmental material and curricula and creating new material. Methods of teaching in the program include lecture, demonstration, one‑on‑one assistance, guest presentations, multi‑media demonstrations, and directed projects in the classroom, in workshops, and during site work and field trips. In addition to classroom and shop work, the class completes on‑site projects such as sheds, decks, additions, garages.

These real‑world projects serve as examples for estimating, site preparation, and construction. The instructor will assist with evaluating student performance and be responsible for tracking student attendance. Prior teaching experience is preferred. A good work ethic and excellent communication skills are a must. Clean driving record necessary. Massachusetts Construction Supervisor License (CSL) or ability to obtain one required.

In addition to teaching, the instructor is responsible for assisting with department administrative duties, ordering tools and materials, coordinating site work with clients, and maintaining a safe environment. Responsibilities also include attending faculty meetings, advisory committee meetings, required staff meetings, and after‑hours events such as Open House, faculty development seminars and workshops, and fundraisers.

The Carpentry program teaches adults entering the trade the theory and practice of residential construction including framing floors, walls and roofs; door and window installation; interior and exterior finish; drafting; hand tool and machine use.

The class size is 26‑30 students, ages 18 and older. Students come to the program with a range of woodworking/carpentry experience from very little to a moderate amount. All students have completed high school and some have college degrees. The Carpentry facility includes a large construction area, a dedicated machine shop with dust collection, tool storage, and an office for the faculty.

The daily teaching schedule is 7:30 am‑4:30 pm, Monday through Thursday during the academic year (September through May). During the summers instructors are free to pursue other work. There is a two‑week break at the end of December, a one‑week break in March, as well as approximately ten paid holidays.

• Clean driving record
• Massachusetts Construction Supervisor License (CSL) or ability to obtain one
• Five years experience working in the Carpentry field
• Prior teaching experience is a plus
• Strong and dedicated work ethic and excellent communication skills
• Familiarity with Google Suite and/or Microsoft Office Suite
• Must be able to…