The Perkins School is in search of a dynamic, engaging, collaborative science/sustainability teacher for our joyful, small elementary school.
Do you want to teach science in a school where teachers have: small classes, flexible curriculum, colleagues that love to teach and learn, and an especially cute school dog? For the last 25 years Perkins has created a learning environment where children’s curiosities are magnified, empathy and bravery are nurtured, and kids adore coming to school. It is a place where students are happily engaged, teachers are passionate about their kids and their craft, and the joys of childhood are manifest.
Our small school is well known for its priorities, which include science, math, sustainability, inclusion, and thematic studies. We are also defined by the four “big words” of our mission - BRAVERY, CURIOSITY, EMPATHY, AND JOY. The Perkins School is simply a great place to teach, learn, and grow.
Located in North Seattle, The Perkins School has a surprisingly bucolic campus, despite being nestled well within the city proper. A dense native garden, pea patches, and many magnificent trees are all part of our green, recently enlarged campus. Sustainable design, in combination with a non-corporate aesthetic, and a “loose parts playground,” underscore our warm, human-scale orientation.
Our science classes take place within our SEED building, the world’s first modular building to be certified as a “Living Building” by the International Living Future Institute. The school also features other innovative sustainability designs in other parts of the campus. Perkins has a full time science teacher with students having science classes several times per week. We believe that students “learn by doing,” and messy, engaging, joy-filled science is a hallmark of the program. As part of that program, students explore and analyze our dense native garden, learn about plants in our pea patches, do restoration and research in our nearby watershed, and take overnight field trips. Ask any student at Perkins if they love science and you will hear a resounding “YES!”
Perkins welcomes candidates from diverse backgrounds and perspectives who can inspire and engage their students and colleagues. The Perkins School celebrates the diversity of our school and local communities including race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, gender, sexual orientation, and gender identity. We warmly welcome candidates representing the diversity of our world in our educational program, admission policies, financial aid program, staff hiring, and all other aspects of our school life.
Candidates must have the following:
Washington State Certification or other formal teacher training
Experience teaching elementary age children in a classroom setting
An understanding of curriculum development
Willingness to collaboratively develop curriculum and work closely with colleagues
Strong Candidates also have the following characteristics:
A self-starter that has ideas for engaging students in a dynamic, experiential curriculum
Deeply well-liked by students and their parents
A background in, or a passion for, sustainability in all of its forms.
Collaborate exceptionally well in team teaching situations
Enjoy all types of children and have a respect for childhood
Progressive approach to teaching and learning.
Happy and full of energy!
Independent School Experience is a plus!
A background in science
Responsibilities include:
Lead Science Teacher involved in planning lessons and larger units
Lead activities with K-5 classes
Lead the school with sustainability initiatives and learning
Attend weekly staff meetings and work with teachers from all grades
Create an inviting classroom environment where kids LOVE science and are passionate about ways to understand and nourish the natural world.
This position is full time, beginning August 2024. Interested candidates should review our web site www.theperkinsschool.org and prepare a resume and very brief cover letter. This position pays between $65,000 and $83,000 depending on experience. Send the brief cover letters and full resumes to Barry via this ad.