Salmonberry School

Salmonberry School is a small independent day school in Eastsound, Washington, serving fewer than 100 students with no religious affiliation. Located on San Juan Island, the school sits at the intersection of rigorous academics and hands-on, place-based learning. The island itself functions as a classroom. Faculty integrate local ecosystems and community partnerships into daily instruction, meaning teachers design lessons that extend beyond four walls.

This pedagogical model shapes what teaching here demands. You cannot separate your subjects from geography. A math class might use tide pools; a writing workshop might center on island history. It requires educators comfortable blending traditional disciplines and viewing the landscape as a teaching partner. In exchange, you work with students who learn to observe closely and think in systems.

Small size means visibility cuts both ways. You know every student and family personally, which builds genuine relationships. Hiring decisions have outsized cultural impact—a single teacher shapes the school's trajectory for years. There is less anonymity than at larger institutions, so comfort with that closeness matters.

The island location attracts educators seeking tight communities but demands willingness to live or commute to a rural setting. Some faculty reside on-island; others come from nearby communities. Compensation and benefits—including health insurance and any housing support—vary by position and should be discussed directly with the administration during your application conversation.

The school has grown its fundraising base recently, signaling institutional stability and confidence. Teaching jobs open year-round, with most hiring preceding the fall term. Classroom teachers across grade levels and administrative support roles are regularly recruited.