About Cascades Academy

Cascades Academy was founded in 2003 with a deep commitment to experiential learning, academic excellence, and community engagement. The school is a leader in innovative, 21st century education and is the first school in Oregon to implement the Mastery Transcript (sending class of 2027).

Now in its 23rd year, the school has grown to 240 students PreK-12 and has expanded its campus footprint to include 45 beautiful acres on the scenic Deschutes River. The school is actively considering its next phase of campus master planning to accommodate future enrollment growth and strategic initiatives.

Cascades Academy strives to cultivate and maintain a supportive, inclusive community for all employees and actively promotes access and inclusion. 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.

The Upper School

The Cascades Academy Upper School is led by a collection of dedicated, dynamic educators working to support students seeking a different kind of high school experience.  As a member of the Mastery Transcript Consortium, the class of 2027 will be the first to graduate with this unique, personal portfolio instead of a standard transcript with a GPA.  A tight-knit community, the US faculty culture is characterized by humility, agility, innovation, and humor as each individual wears multiple hats in a given week.  Faculty benefit from the chance to leverage their unique passions and interests in shaping elements of the experiential education program.  

Position Summary

Cascades Academy seeks an experienced Upper School Science Teacher who would work closely with the upper school team to deliver on our commitments to challenging academics and experiential education.  This role also includes overseeing the Community 101 program and the Senior Project program, advancing important community partnerships with Cascades Academy and organizations throughout Central Oregon.

Although the school is currently seeking a biology and environmental science teacher, as a small school with a nimble staff, there might be room for different science teaching duties in future years for interested and qualified applicants.

Essential Duties

• Curriculum and Instruction:
• Serve as one of two core science teachers for the Upper School and work closely with the rest of the upper school team.
• Teach 2 sections of upper school science, for 26-27: Biology (10th grade) and Environmental Science (12th grade).  
• Teach the year-long, seminar course Community 101 to 10th graders, a program funded by a grant from the Oregon Community Foundation that teaches community organizing, fundraising, and civic engagement.  
• Teach one section of the semester-long Senior Project program to 12th graders, mentoring students through the design and execution of their unique project aimed at responding to a Bend-based challenge.  
• Differentiate instruction and assignments to meet the needs of each learner while maintaining high standards for all students.
• Provide timely feedback and mastery-based grades to students via school LMS and update grades on a weekly basis.
• Communicate with families on a regular basis regarding student performance.
• Write narrative reports for students at the end of each semester that thoughtfully capture their successes and areas for growth.
• Teach two semester-long Elective courses which meet 3 days/week.
• Co-lead weekly fall and spring Expedition field courses and the Winter Sports Program.
• Co-lead three overnight programs each academic year: Confluence (3 days), Fall Traveling School (5 days) and Spring Traveling School (10 days).
• Leadership and Mentorship:
• Serve in the role of upper school Advisor; meet with advisees weekly and lead social-emotional learning and social responsibility lessons. 
• Be available to advisees and advisees’ families as needed to communicate and support each student’s academic and social-emotional progress. 
• Lead conferences with students and families twice annually.
• Uphold and enforce all school and US-specific policies, procedures, and practices.
• Institutional:
• Participate in all professional development days before, during, and after the school year.
• Pursue and execute additional professional development throughout the school year via conferences, school visits, books, webinars, etc. 
• 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 Upper School Head).
• Assist in the fulfillment of Accreditation work (as per NWAIS Accreditation Report).
• Other duties as assigned by the Upper School Head or Head of School.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years experience teaching upper school science. Experience as a middle school science teacher may be considered as well.
• Clean driving record and valid driver’s license

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Passion for teaching science and activating student community engagement
• Passion for teaching in a creative, integrated, and innovative way
• Ability to work collaboratively with other upper 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 instruction
• Appreciation and respect for diversity in all of its forms
• Advocacy around inclusion
• Commitment to experiential learning, outdoor education, and social-emotional learning
• Desire to be an active member of a vibrant community of students, families, and staff
• Knowledge of common tech platforms used in education, such as Blackbaud, Google Suite, Microsoft Office, etc.
• Integrity, sound judgment, self-confidence, collaborative spirit, and a sense of humor
• Though not required, certified Wilderness First Responders are advantageous.

Physical Requirements

• Requires mobility to traverse campus to accompany and assure the safety of children.  This may include moving between buildings multiple times 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.

About Cascades Academy

Cascades Academy is a PK-12 independent school located in Bend, OR.

Connections working at Cascades Academy