The mission of Explorer West Middle School is to empower young people to explore and grow their unique intellectual, ethical, and creative capabilities, and to treasure diversity and growth in others. We offer rigorous academics and a diverse range of enrichment programs in a small, vibrant learning environment. 

Explorer West was founded in West Seattle in 1996. Small by design, the school currently enrolls 107 students in the 6th, 7th, and 8th grades. Our robust academic, art, and outdoor education programs inspire adolescents to learn how they can positively impact their environment and community. Explorer West graduates become adventurous and confident leaders who flourish, both academically and socially, wherever they go. 

We seek an experienced and passionate educator to join our faculty as a Social Studies teacher and Student Advisor, beginning August 2026. This is a unique opportunity to join a small, creative team of educators who are committed to helping middle school students recognize and develop their own capacity. Our social studies program has long been a hallmark of Explorer West, exemplifying our academic culture of high challenge and high support. 

Our new social studies teacher will have the opportunity to evolve our program, while continuing to support students in developing their understanding of the cultural and historical context of the world around them, inspire meaningful civic engagement, and help lay a strong foundation of skills, particularly around analytical thinking and evidence-based writing.

Principal Responsibilities Include:

• Teach Social Studies to two grade levels, two sections each (four sections total). Each section is typically 17-20 students;
• Build upon our existing social studies curriculum to deliver a culturally relevant, engaging program that harnesses student enthusiasm, fosters civic engagement, explores topics of social justice, and empowers students to apply a critical lens to their understanding of historical and current events; 
• Maintain and enhance the school’s commitment to developing strong expository writing skills in the context of the social studies program;
• Serve as academic advisor to a mixed-grade group of approximately 14 students;
• In collaboration with school leadership and with other social studies faculty, update the social studies department’s Scope and Sequence regularly;
• Collaborate with other faculty to ensure intentional and effective interdisciplinary integration when possible;
• Handle class discipline effectively and comfortably, while being responsive to the diversity of students’ needs;
• Communicate effectively with families;
• Maintain effective methods of assessment, and write effective narrative evaluations twice a year; 
• Attend and participate fully in Student/Family Conferences twice a year;
• Attend and participate fully in weekly faculty meetings and other regularly scheduled professional meetings;
• Take an active and lively role in the life of the school and the Explorer West community, by attending school events and getting to know students and families;
• Participate in the Outdoor Education program to the fullest extent possible. Opportunities include leading overnight camping or backpacking trips (additional stipend paid), chaperoning day trips for snowshoeing or cross country skiing, and providing logistical support at school;
• Contribute to the well-being of the school program and community by taking on other tasks as needed.

Qualifications

• Strong support for the Explorer West mission and program, and a demonstrated ability to embody the values that define our school culture: personal and community responsibility, integrity, creativity and inquiry, confidence, and respect;
• The desire to join a faculty that is committed to ongoing work to create a diverse, inclusive, and affirming community;
• A warm and engaging personality;
• An appreciation for (and delight in working in a school environment with) 11- through 14-year-olds; 
• Cultural competence and the ability and desire to connect with all members of a diverse community;
• Demonstrated commitment to each student’s social, emotional, academic, and artistic growth;
• Deep knowledge and excitement for the subject area, including opportunities to integrate with other disciplines;
• Flexibility and a willingness to learn and try new things;
• Effective communication and collaboration skills;
• Work environment and physical demands include:
  • Ability to stand and walk for extended periods, manage long days, handle standard office and classroom materials, and support body with core muscles; 
  • Occasional lifting or moving of items 10-25 pounds;
  • Clear hearing and vision, and strong voice to support effective classroom management and instruction;
  • Ability to use hands to handle small objects, and to manage writing; 
• At least two years of classroom teaching experience, including experience with middle school students.
• Required: Bachelor’s degree
• Preferred: Master’s degree and/or WA State Teaching Certification

About Explorer West Middle School

Explorer West Middle School is a small learning community where young adolescents thrive. Explorer West combines academic rigor with a special emphasis on the character growth of each student by fostering confidence and discovery. Explorer West redefines the middle school experience: Small learning community designed to help adolescents thrive – Fostering confidence and discovery in adolescence through core academics (Math, Science, English, Latin, History, Music, Art, Drama); extra-curricular athletics; peer/mentor-based advisory groups and outdoor education program. Academic achievement and preparation for future learning – Rigorous academics in an individualized and supportive environment so that students can attend and prosper at the high schools of their choice. Sustainability and community participation – Focus on civic responsibility and community involvement through the award-winning sustainability curriculum, environmental stewardship efforts, and hands-on community volunteerism.

Connections working at Explorer West Middle School