Salmonberry School seeks lead K/1 teacher for 2017-18 and beyond
About the school: Salmonberry School was founded in 2001 and has served children age 3-12 using a holistic approach. Salmonberry is dedicated to small family-like classes, an arts rich program and deeper more holistic learning. The school is an independent (private) school approved by WA State. We currently enroll 46 students. Please visit our website and familiarize yourself with its content: http://salmonberryschool.org
About the setting: Salmonberry School is set on a beautiful campus including an old plum/cherry/apple/pear orchard in Eastsound, WA on breathtaking Orcas Island. Orcas is accessible by a one-hour car/passenger ferry from Anacortes, about two hours drive north of Seattle. Orcas Island, (about twice the physical size of Manhattan) is home to about 5,000 year-round residents as well as deer, bald eagles, resident Orca whale pods, spectacular coniferous forests and miles of rocky coastline.
The Position: This is a full time and long term lead-teaching position beginning late August 2017. In 2017-18 it will involve working with an assistant teacher and approximately 12-14 children age 4-6. The position offers a great deal of flexibility and autonomy for the teacher to create a program that truly meets the needs of this particular group of children. There are also opportunities for separate summer employment if desired.
Compensation: The minimum salary for this position is $32,000. The salary will increase DOE to a maximum of $40,000. We are actively looking into the possibility of offering medical or HSA benefits, though this is not guaranteed for 2017-18. There are ten paid leave days. Salmonberry offers a very collegial and supportive work environment.
Qualifications: We are seeking a caring, compassionate and energetic teacher. He/she must love children, have excellent communication skills and be highly collaborative with colleagues and parents. Experience teaching ages 5-6 is required. Three or more years experience in a lead role is preferred. The ideal candidate will have a strong familiarity with holistic pedagogies, which could include Reggio Emilia, Waldorf, Montessori, Expeditionary Learning, place-based education and/or experiential education. An ability to bring art, nature and play into the classroom, while emphasizing community, social and emotional development as well as academic excellence will be very important.
Next steps: If this sounds like you, please send a resume, cover letter and at least three references to our Head of School, Paul Freedman at info@salmonberryschool.org.
