What are the responsibilities and job description for the Middle School Teacher position at Blue Mountain School?
Middle School Teacher - Blue Mountain School
Where Education Meets Wonder in the Appalachian Woods
Blue Mountain School, a nonprofit alternative education oasis nestled in the mountains of Floyd, Virginia, is seeking a passionate middle school teacher to guide our looping classroom of 11-14 year olds (6th-8th grades) on their journey through these transformative years.
Who We Are
We're not your typical school. Our holistic approach draws from Reggio Emilia philosophy and is deeply rooted in social-emotional learning, mindfulness, project-based learning, and outdoor education. The forest is our co-teacher, contemplation is our practice, and curiosity is our compass. We balance focused indoor classroom time with meaningful outdoor experiences, believing both are essential to deep learning. We serve students from 2.5 years through 8th grade in our Primary Program (4 days/week) and Forest Programming (1-2 days/week).
Who You Are
You're an educator who believes middle schoolers deserve more than worksheets and standardized tests. You know that a 12-year-old's question about moss on a tree trunk can become a lesson in ecology, resilience, and wonder. You're comfortable with ambiguity, excited by possibility, and energized by the beautiful chaos of adolescent minds coming alive. You thrive in collaborative environments where teaching is a team sport.
What You'll Do
- Design and implement core subject-area instruction (with particular focus on math and creative writing), informed by real-world connections and student interests.
- Guide students through a looping, multi-age classroom experience that honors developmental stages
- Work collaboratively with assistant teachers, enrichment teachers, and colleagues across all grade levels
- Facilitate cross-age learning experiences that unite our entire school community
- Mentor our school’s oldest students to become confident leaders and role models
- Facilitate social-emotional learning and mindfulness practices
- Integrate outdoor education and nature-based learning alongside focused indoor instruction
- Build authentic and professional relationships with students and families
- Foster independence, critical thinking, and joy in learning
What We Require
- Bachelor's degree in subject-area and/or education (or related fields).
- Experience teaching middle school or adolescents
- Strong classroom management skills rooted in immediate and restorative practices
- Excellent communication and collaboration abilities
- Commitment to embracing and respecting our mission and trust agreements
- Commitment to ongoing professional development
- Background check clearance
- CPR/First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain)
What Makes You Exceptional
- Experience with or desire to pursue education models such as: project-based learning, inquiry-based learning, and Reggio-inspired approaches
- Strong background in math instruction and/or creative writing pedagogy
- Masters Degree in related field
- Proven ability to work effectively in team-teaching environments
- Skill in facilitating multi-age, continuous progress, and cross-grade learning experiences
- Talent for helping adolescents discover their leadership potential
- Comfort teaching outdoors in all weather conditions
- Background in mindfulness, social-emotional learning, or contemplative/reflective education
- Flexibility, creativity, and a good sense of humor
- Deep respect for children as capable, complex human beings
- Respect for the position of “teacher” as mentor, disciplinarian, and model
To Apply: This position is available immediately. Please send your resume, cover letter, and teaching philosophy to Tammie Sarver, Blue Mountain School Director at or call (540) 745-4234
Blue Mountain School is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
Benefits:
- Paid time off
Work Location: In person