Job Information
Copper Island Academy Middle School Social Studies Teacher in Calumet, Michigan
Copper Island Academy is seeking a highly effective Middle School Social Studies Teacher to join our outstanding educational team.
Do you embody the Finnish concept of "sisu"? Are you passionate about hands-on and phenomenon-based learning? Are you eager to be part of a collaborative team?
Copper Island Academy is a public school academy in the Keweenaw Peninsula of Michigan. Founded on the effective practices of the world-renowned Finnish education system, our model blends a balance of classical and contemporary instructional practices while prioritizing frequent periods of unstructured play, the development of essential lifelong skills, outdoor learning, student independence, and individualized development.
In addition to borrowing principles of the Finnish education system, we have great pride in our country and the strong foundations that have established our freedoms. We feel that it is essential for our students to develop a solid understanding of their civic responsibilities, and will emphasize and embrace our American roots, heritage, and values.
At Copper Island Academy, teachers can expect:
A Community of Support
Professional Autonomy and Trust
Competitive Compensation
A Culture of High Expectations
Position Overview
We are seeking a passionate and creative Middle School Social Studies Teacher to join our team immediately. The ideal candidate will engage students through hands-on, inquiry-based, and community-connected learning experiences that help students understand history, geography, economics, and civic life---while developing the knowledge and skills needed to be informed, responsible citizens.
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Education, Social Studies, History, Political Science, or a related field
Valid Michigan teaching certification with a Social Studies endorsement
Experience teaching Social Studies at the middle school level
Knowledge of or enthusiasm for Civics education, including democratic principles, government structures, civic engagement, and media literacy
Familiarity with Finnish educational practices (or willingness to learn and apply them)
Strong communication, collaboration, and relationship-building skills
A deep commitment to creating an engaging, joyful learning environment
Duties
Social Studies Instruction
Design and deliver engaging, standards-aligned Social Studies instruction in Grades 7 and 8, including US & World History and Geography, Economics, and Civics
Use discussion, debate, project-based learning, and primary sources to build critical thinking and historical reasoning skills
Civic Engagement
Facilitate authentic Civics learning experiences such as mock elections, simulations, service-learning projects, public policy discussions, and student voice initiatives
Help students understand their role in local, state, and national communities and the responsibilities of democratic participation
Integrate current events and media literacy to help students analyze information critically and thoughtfully
Promoting Student Independence
Use instructional strategies that promote student ownership of learning, including inquiry projects, research, reflection, and student-led discussions
Encourage respectful dialogue, evidence-based reasoning, and civic discourse
Hands-On & Experiential Learning
Incorporate experiential learning opportunities such as historical simulations, community mapping, mock trials, and place-based learning connected to the Kew