Catlin Gabel School seeks to employ the best qualified individuals from available applicants and to provide them with opportunity for advancement in a manner that does not discriminate because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, genetic information, or any other status protected under local, state, or federal equal employment opportunity laws or regulations.

The School believes that each employee makes a significant contribution to the school’s success. That contribution should not be limited by the assigned responsibilities. Therefore, this position description is designed to outline primary duties, qualifications, and job scope, but not limit the incumbent nor the organization to just the work identified. It is our expectation that each employee will offer their services wherever and whenever necessary to ensure the success of our endeavors.

Position Summary

This position teaches Middle School and Upper School (9-12 grade) classes. A Middle/Upper School teacher is typically responsible for teaching four classes, as well as working with an advisory group of students. The classes could be in one grade level, one discipline, or across grade levels, and in more than one discipline depending on the needs of the school. As a member of both the Arts Department and the Middle School faculty, we seek applicants who are interested in a dynamic relationship with their colleagues. There are ample opportunities to develop new courses of study and to work collaboratively across disciplines particularly in the Upper School. In addition to formal teaching responsibilities, teachers are expected to participate in, and lead, activities that include but are not limited to extra-curricular, experiential, and community service learning across grade levels. All faculty participate in overnight retreats and trips with students at different times during the year.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in woodworking and the ability to teach wood shop to middle and upper school age children using an inquiry-based, student-centered model. The school seeks someone who can inspire learning through the medium of wood and 3-dimensional design. In addition to leading traditional woodworking practices involving hand and power tools.

The ideal candidate will also have demonstrated use of a variety of teaching methods to support different learning styles and have experience teaching the whole spectrum of learners. The candidate should be excited to help students build self-confidence through successful exploration and discovery.

Catlin Gabel asks much from its teachers, beyond their classroom responsibilities, including working with students and colleagues to enrich the school’s life outside the classroom. Such interactions are rewarding to individuals and the community alike, and are the foundation for our rich community context.

Salary Range:

• Based on Faculty Scale according to education and teaching experience
• $56,440-$101,930/ year

This position will begin August 2026 and end in January 2027.

ESSENTIAL TECHNICAL SKILLS

• How to process wood from raw material to useable material, from log to lumber.
• How to process and prepare wood for turning, both green and dry.
• Mastery of use and application with all manner of hand tools, with safety at the forefront, including how to sharpen, care for, safe use, and teach students how to use the appropriate tool and for the end purpose in mind; including joinery, gluing and clamping.
• Mastery of use and application of power tools, how to use safely, maintain, repair, sharpen, and teach students how and what is the appropriate technology for their needs.
• Open mind and interest in exploring related areas of art and craft (furniture making, carpentry, wood blocks for printmaking, carving/sculpture, boat building, musical instruments, pattern making, etc.) to support student exploration.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Teach wood shop to 6-12 graders.
• Maintain and organize tools, equipment, materials and wood shop facilities.
• Work collaboratively with fellow-staff members and administrators in curriculum design, assessment, and instruction as it pertains to specific grade levels and program.
• Collaborate with other middle school teachers, educators and specialist teachers to develop curriculum, plan trips, and special projects.
• Communicate in a clear and timely fashion with parents, students and colleagues.
• Be a positive, contributing member of small and focused teams as needed.
• Have a high collegial quotient and be a committed and dedicated team player.
• Attend, actively listen, and contribute to meetings regularly.
• Develop, plan, and lead or co-lead a 4-day experiential learning activity with a small group of students.
• Pursue professional growth opportunities, and be accountable and responsible for individual professional development.
• Actively review, plan, and develop school's curriculum, horizontally and vertically.
• Plan and teach a challenging course of study in a developmentally appropriate manner, with an eye towards differentiating instruction (3 middle school classes and 1 upper school class).
• Coordinate and implement at the classroom level appropriate student assessments and utilize assessment results to enhance student learning.
• Integrate the use of technology to enhance student learning.
• Create an inclusive classroom environment through regular class meetings, supportive exchanges with students, and clear expectations for classroom behavior.
• Actively support the school through participation in the variety of activities that make Catlin Gabel School a vibrant community. 
• Cooperatively work and communicate effectively with parents in conferences and written reports in ways that meet the needs of the student and the school.
• Support and follow the Faculty Handbook for Policies and Procedure.
• Be a positive and contributing member of the professional community.
• Work cooperatively with parents to meet the needs of students.
• Contribute to all teams by working effectively with individuals of diverse backgrounds.
• Act as Middle School advisor.
• Keep updated with OSHA safety trainings and submit documentation to H.R. office
• Complete required H.R. trainings each year (CPR, first aid, mandatory reporting, handling of hazardous materials, etc.)
• Other duties as assigned by Middle School Head.

SCOPE OF WORK

Work is performed largely independently, in consultation with the arts department, grade level team, other divisions’ wood shop teachers, and Middle and Upper School Head, as well as Upper School Arts Department Chair. There is considerable autonomy in designing courses, choosing materials and running classrooms.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

None.

INTERPERSONAL CONTACT

Interactions occur most routinely with students in the classroom and during other activities. Many informal interactions with students for whom the teacher has no direct supervision or responsibility occur. Daily contact ranges from direct teaching of curriculum to informal exchanges of a personal or social nature. Regular contact with colleagues, particularly those working on the same grade level, discipline or on a joint project is expected. Frequent contact with parents either for scheduled conferences or casual conversation is a community norm. Responsible and active collaboration with colleagues, in all divisions, is expected. Important personal qualities include interest in and demonstrated ability to teach and support teenagers, ability to work effectively with a team, a sense of humor, flexibility, organizational ability, energy, and collegiality.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

• BA or BS is required.
• At least two years demonstrated effective teaching experience is preferred.
• Demonstrated successful experience working with adolescents.
• Use of internet, e-mail, and other appropriate technology applications.

• Understanding and experience with student-centered teaching, project based learning, and performance-based assessment is a plus.

WORKING CONDITIONS

This is a faculty position with an academic year schedule. Most faculty teach primarily in one room. Teachers are expected to be on campus at least between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily and to attend other functions as designated. Full-time teachers are expected to travel to retreats, conferences and workshops as well as accompany students on various experiential activities throughout the year. There are some mandatory evening and weekend commitments.

SCHEDULE

This position is an interim role to cover from August 2026-December 2026. It is expected to be on campus at least between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily and to attend other functions as designated, including weekly Wednesday meetings until 5:00 p.m. Faculty are expected to travel to retreats, conferences and workshops as well as accompany students on various experiential activities throughout the year. There are some mandatory evening and weekend commitments.