What are the responsibilities and job description for the Middle School Humanities Teacher (6th) 25-26, FT position at Cascades Academy?
Middle School (6th Grade) Humanities Teacher
2025-2026
About Cascades Academy
Cascades Academy is an independent PK-12 day school with ~240 students located
in the beautiful mountain town of Bend, Oregon. The school was founded in 2003
and resides on an award-winning 45-acre campus located on the Deschutes River.
The school’s unique mission weaves challenging academics with experiential
learning within an engaged, vibrant community.
Cascades Academy values employees who are committed to our mission, are
prepared to engage fully in a learning community, and are excited to bring their
authentic selves to work. Cascades Academy’s culture is highly collaborative and puts
what is best for students at the center of the work. Regularly named one of the Best
Nonprofits to Work for in Oregon, our faculty and staff see each other as teammates
and feel motivated to do their best work here.
Cascades Academy strives to cultivate and maintain a supportive, inclusive
community for all employees and actively promotes a commitment to diversity,
equity, inclusion, and anti-racism. Studies have shown that women and people of
color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the
qualifications as described in the job description. We are most interested in finding
the best candidate for the job and are eager to consider applications from groups
traditionally underrepresented in independent school communities.
Position Summary
Cascades Academy seeks an experienced 6th Grade Humanities Teacher who would
work closely with the middle school team to deliver on our commitments to
challenging academics and experiential education.
Essential Duties
- Curriculum and Instruction:
- Teach two sections of 6th grade humanities (integrated social studies
and ELA).
- Serve as one of three core teachers for the 6th grade and work closely
- Differentiate instruction and assignments to meet the needs of each
- Provide timely feedback and competency-based grades to students via
- Communicate with families on a regular basis regarding student
- Write narrative reports for students at the end of each semester that
- Co-lead weekly Expedition activities, including service-learning,
Winter Sports (ski/snowboard) Program.
- Co-lead Confluence Week and Fall and Spring Traveling School trips.
- Lead a club and/or elective that aligns with student interest.
- Leadership and Mentorship:
- Serve in the role of 6th Grade Advisor; meet with advisees twice a week
- Be available to advisees and advisees’ families as needed to
communicate and support each student’s academic and
social-emotional progress.
- Lead conferences with families twice annually.
- Uphold and enforce all school and MS-specific policies, procedures, and
- Institutional:
- Participate in all professional development days before, during, and
- Pursue and execute additional professional development throughout
- Attend weekly faculty and division meetings.
- Attend school events and functions outside the normal school day,
including fundraisers, presentations, board meetings, etc. (as indicated
by the Head of School or Middle School Head).
- Assist in the fulfillment of Accreditation work (as per NWAIS
- Other duties as assigned by the Middle School Head or Head of School.
Qualifications
- 3-5 years experience teaching middle school humanities. Experience as an
teachers would be considered, as well.
- Clean driving record and valid driver’s license.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Passion for teaching humanities
- Passion for teaching in a creative, integrated, and innovative way
- Ability to work collaboratively with other middle school teachers
- Strong relational skills and emotional intelligence
- Strong organizational skills
- Clear verbal and written communication skills
- Willingness to drive a 14-passenger bus
- Commitment to implementing culturally competent curriculum and
- Appreciation and respect for diversity in all of its forms
- Advocacy around inclusion
- Commitment to experiential learning, outdoor education, and
- Desire to be an active member of a vibrant community of students, families,
- Knowledge of common tech platforms used in education, such as Blackbaud,
- Integrity, sound judgment, self-confidence, collaborative spirit, and a sense of
humor
Physical Requirements
- Requires mobility to traverse campus to accompany and assure the safety of
throughout the workday and bending, squatting, stooping, and kneeling.
- Ability to occasionally lift up to 30 pounds.
- Must be able to consistently and clearly communicate with children,
colleagues, and families.
Position Details
Title Middle School (6th Grade) Humanities Teacher
Reports to Middle School Head
Start Date August 2025
Schedule Full-Time
Compensation Dependent on experience.
Benefits Cascades Academy offers the following benefits to all
employees with a .75 or higher position:
- Medical, vision, RX insurance for the employee
- Dental insurance for the employee
- 403b retirement plan with 4% employer match
- Optional pre-tax flexible spending health and child care
- Paid vacation time
- 10 paid sick days per year
- Professional development opportunities
- Free salad bar
- Free after school care for faculty/staff children who are
- Faculty and staff social opportunities
Application Instructions
To apply, please complete the application on our website, including your resume,
cover letter, and at least 1 letter of recommendation. No phone calls, please.
It is the policy of Cascades Academy to provide equal employment opportunity,
regardless of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, physical or mental
impairment, sexual orientation, veteran’s status or any other status protected by
applicable law. Specifically, employment opportunities are and shall be open to all
qualified applicants solely on the basis of their experience, aptitudes, abilities and
training; advancement is and shall be based on the individual’s achievement,
performance, ability, attitude and potential for promotion.
