Employment
Berkshire School is a co-ed boarding and day school for students in grades 9-12 and post-graduates, dedicated to serving the best interest of the students and adults living within it. Our 400-acre campus is located at the base of Mount Everett (2,624 ft.) in Sheffield, Massachusetts, in the heart of the Berkshire Hills, a popular tourist destination for world-renowned arts and culture, health and wellness retreats and spectacular nature, including the Appalachian Trail, which is a short hike from campus.
Berkshire instills the highest standards of character and citizenship and a commitment to academic, artistic, and athletic excellence. Our community fosters diversity, a dedication to environmental stewardship, and an enduring love of learning.
CURRENT OPENINGS
Berkshire School strives to create a global community that reflects the world around us and the backgrounds, experiences, identities, genders, perspectives, races, religions and talents that each member brings to our school. We believe that a diverse and inclusive community supports and respects all cultures, ethnicities, languages, philosophies, political views and sexual orientations that exist within and beyond our school.
- ADMINISTRATIVE POSITIONS
- FACULTY POSITIONS
- STAFF POSITIONS
- BERKSHIRE TEACHING FELLOWSHIP
- FLIK DINING SERVICES
ADMINISTRATIVE POSITIONS
ASSOCIATE HEAD OF SCHOOL
The Associate Head will work collaboratively with all constituents to enhance the School’s ability to deliver on its mission by nurturing Berkshire’s diverse and inclusive residential community of learners and fostering the academic, artistic, athletic, and personal development of each student. In partnership with the Head of School, and other senior administrators, the Associate Head of School will be a highly visible presence in the school, helping to shape the day-to-day implementation of the School’s philosophy, long-term planning, residential program, and strategic initiatives to advance the School’s mission and achieve operational, strategic, and educational goals.
Please click here for a more detailed job description and responsibilities. You can also view the job description here on Carney Sandoe & Associate's website.
Interested candidates should submit electronically in one email and as separate documents (preferably PDFs) the following materials:
- A cover letter expressing interest in this particular position
- A current résumé
As the process moves forward, selected candidates may be asked to submit:
- Responses to writing prompts specific to this search
- A list of five professional references with name, relationship, phone number, and email address of each (references will not be contacted without the candidate’s permission)
Candidates are invited to contact the consultants in confidence and to submit a résumé and cover letter as soon as possible to:
Heather Flewelling
Consultant, Chief Talent Officer
heather.flewelling@carneysandoe.com
Lisa Parsons
Search Consultant
lisa.parsons@carneysandoe.com
ASSOCIATE DEAN OF DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
Berkshire School seeks to find an Associate Dean of Diversity and Inclusion. In tandem with the Dean of Diversity and Inclusion, the Associate Dean will work collaboratively with faculty, staff, students, and administrators to further the goals of the Diversity and Inclusion office, including implementation of strategic priorities as outlined in Berkshire’s Diversity and Inclusion Strategic Plan. This person will be a community builder and program leader, developing strong relationships with Berkshire’s constituents and cultivating a sense of belonging and inclusive school community. We are especially interested in candidates who have demonstrated training in cultural competency and experience engaging questions of equity and justice with students. Candidates should demonstrate understanding and interest in curriculum, pedagogy, collaboration, current scholarship, and professional development. In addition to the responsibilities outlined below, candidates will teach two sections and should expect to be actively involved in all aspects of the School's programs, including evening responsibilities and participating in two seasons of the school's athletic and/or co-curricular programs as a coach or program director. A bachelor's degree in a closely related field is required and a master's degree or higher is preferred.
Duties and responsibilities will include:
- Assist in the development and implementation of diversity and inclusion-focused education, programs, and initiatives for faculty, staff, and families
- Lead in the development and implementation of diversity and inclusion-focused education and programs for students.
- Collect and track relevant data associated with D&I initiatives
- Attend professional development opportunities and remain current with DEI practices
- Assist with marketing and communications (media relations, social media) of DEI Initiatives and programming with Communication Office
- Teach two sections and coach two seasons or the equivalent
FACULTY POSITIONS
Our faculty members intentionally choose Berkshire because they recognize we are fully committed to expanding opportunities for our students and furthering their education both inside and outside of the classroom. They are passionate about aligning their work to reflect new understandings of how students learn best and to preparing them for a world driven by exponential change. More than 80% of Berkshire faculty members live in campus housing. Beyond teaching, most faculty members serve as an advisor, coach a sport, help with clubs and activities, and often take on other supervisory roles, which means students interact with faculty multiple times each day in a variety of contexts.
Additional benefits for faculty include year-round housing with utilities, including internet, and meals when school is in session. Funding also exists to support advanced degree work, as well as participation in professional conferences, workshops, summer studies and travel.
PART-TIME HISTORY TEACHER
Berkshire School seeks to hire a part-time Advanced US History teacher to teach three sections in the first trimester of the 2024-25 school year. The ideal candidate will have advanced knowledge of their discipline with the ability to develop historical thinking skills, foster engaging discussion, and hone the skills of primary source analysis, writing, and historical application. Candidates should demonstrate understanding and interest in pedagogy, collaboration, and current historical scholarship. A bachelor's degree in history or a closely related field is required and a master's degree or higher is desirable. Salary is competitive, and there is an opportunity to coach a fall season sport if desirable.
ENGLISH TEACHER
Berkshire School seeks to hire a dynamic, full-time Grade 9-12 English teacher beginning in the 2024-25 academic year. The ideal candidate will have advanced knowledge of their discipline with the ability to develop critical thinking skills, foster engaging discussion, and hone the skills of writing, reading, and analysis. We are especially interested in candidates who have training in cultural competency and experience engaging questions of equity and justice with students. Candidates should demonstrate understanding and interest in pedagogy, collaboration, current scholarship, and professional development. In addition to teaching, applicants should expect to be actively involved in all aspects of the School's programs, including living in a dormitory and participating in the school's athletic and/or co-curricular programs as a coach or program director. A bachelor's degree in English or a closely related field is required and a master's degree or higher is desirable.
LIBRARY DIRECTOR
Berkshire School seeks to hire a Library Director beginning in the 2024-25 academic year. Berkshire’s Library Director, through leadership, vision, and work ethic, will mold Geier Library into a modern, 21st century space at the heart of Berkshire’s academic and intellectual culture.
Salary is competitive and includes year-round housing plus utilities, and meals when school is in session. Health and retirement benefits, including TIAA-CREF, are part of the compensation package. Funding exists to support advanced degree work, as well as participation in professional conferences, workshops, summer study, and travel.
Berkshire School strives to create a global community for students and adults that reflects the world around us and the backgrounds, experiences, identities, genders, perspectives, races, religions and talents that each member brings to our school. We believe that a diverse and inclusive community supports and respects all cultures, ethnicities, languages, philosophies, political views and sexual orientations that exist within and beyond our school.
Essential Responsibilities:
- Sets the vision for the Geier Library and oversees the daily operations of the library including cataloging, circulation, interlibrary loan, and creating physical, and digital displays
- Prepares and manages the library budget and trains and supervises library staff
- Engages in the work of collection development with an intercultural lens that reflects the diverse experiences, backgrounds, and identities of the community
- Collaborates with classroom teachers to engage students in the research process by teaching how to locate and use printed and digital resources, how to evaluate research materials, and how to manage citations using research management tools like NoodleTools
- Works closely with faculty, students, and staff to create an academic and welcoming atmosphere in the library
- Works in partnership with department chairs and faculty to develop, coordinate, and support departmental and faculty curricula
- Works closely with the IT department to support information resources for faculty, staff and students
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Self-motivated, customer service oriented, flexible, and adaptable
- Knowledge of platforms such as EDS or other discovery systems, LibGuides, Sora, Noodletools, LMS systems, and a variety of research databases
- Extensive familiarity and knowledge of the methods, policies, practices, principles, and procedures of secondary school library work, preferably in an independent, preparatory, 9-12 grade school setting.
- Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing
- Considerable knowledge of how an integrated library automation system works; knowledge of how local and wide area networks work; and knowledge of emerging technologies in library environments and digital/information literacy
- Demonstrated success collaborating with faculty in all disciplines to enable/enhance student learning
Requirements:
- Master’s degree in Library Science or in Library and Information Science from an ALA (American Library Association) accredited institution
- Minimum five years of professional library experience or equivalent, with a preference of at least three years in a supervisory capacity
ENGINEERING TEACHER
Berkshire School seeks to find an engaging teacher of Engineering. A member of the Science Department, this ideal candidate will possess experience with pre-college engineering and makerspace instruction. The science teacher will facilitate learning through student-driven inquiry methods and the engineering-design process and must be familiar with 21st-century skills, experiential learning, as well as integrating makerspace technologies into all aspects of the classroom. We are especially interested in candidates who have training in cultural competency and experience engaging questions of equity and justice with students. Candidates should demonstrate understanding and interest in pedagogy, collaboration, current scholarship, and professional development.
In addition to teaching, applicants should expect to be actively involved in all aspects of the School's programs, including evening responsibilities and participating in the school's athletic and/or co-curricular programs as a coach or program director. A bachelor's degree in a closely related field is required and a master's degree or higher is preferred. Salary is competitive and includes year-round housing plus utilities, and meals when school is in session. Health and retirement benefits, including TIAA-CREF and student loan repayment, are part of the compensation package. Funding exists to support advanced degree work, student loan repayment, as well as participation in professional conferences, workshops, summer study, and travel.
ASSOCIATE DEAN OF DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
Berkshire School seeks to find an Associate Dean of Diversity and Inclusion. In tandem with the Dean of Diversity and Inclusion, the Associate Dean will work collaboratively with faculty, staff, students, and administrators to further the goals of the Diversity and Inclusion office, including implementation of strategic priorities as outlined in Berkshire’s Diversity and Inclusion Strategic Plan. This person will be a community builder and program leader, developing strong relationships with Berkshire’s constituents and cultivating a sense of belonging and inclusive school community. We are especially interested in candidates who have demonstrated training in cultural competency and experience engaging questions of equity and justice with students. Candidates should demonstrate understanding and interest in curriculum, pedagogy, collaboration, current scholarship, and professional development. In addition to the responsibilities outlined below, candidates will teach two sections and should expect to be actively involved in all aspects of the School's programs, including evening responsibilities and participating in two seasons of the school's athletic and/or co-curricular programs as a coach or program director. A bachelor's degree in a closely related field is required and a master's degree or higher is preferred.
Salary is competitive and includes year-round housing plus utilities, and meals when school is in session. Health and retirement benefits, including TIAA-CREF, are part of the compensation package. Funding exists to support advanced degree work, student loan repayment, as well as participation in professional conferences, workshops, summer study, and travel.
Berkshire School strives to create a global community for students and adults that reflects the world around us and the backgrounds, experiences, identities, genders, perspectives, races, religions, and talents that each member brings to our school. We believe that a diverse and inclusive community supports and respects all cultures, ethnicities, languages, philosophies, political views and sexual orientations that exist within and beyond our school.
Duties and responsibilities will include:
- Assist in the development and implementation of diversity and inclusion-focused education, programs, and initiatives for faculty, staff, and families
- Lead in the development and implementation of diversity and inclusion-focused education and programs for students.
- Collect and track relevant data associated with D&I initiatives
- Attend professional development opportunities and remain current with DEI practices
- Assist with marketing and communications (media relations, social media) of DEI Initiatives and programming with Communication Office
- Teach two sections and coach two seasons or the equivalent
STAFF POSITIONS
Our staff members are valued members of the Berkshire School community and are vital to the success of achieving our mission. We have numerous staff who have been with Berkshire School for many years, and they cite the warm and supportive community of adults, as well as the enjoyment of working with or around our vibrant, energetic and diverse student body as reasons they enjoy working at Berkshire. In addition to the benefits described above, we have a generous vacation benefit, and all staff are welcome to have meals in our dining hall when they are working.
DAYCARE TEACHER, UNDERMOUNTAIN CHILD CARE CENTER
Full-time position with benefits for a daycare teacher/early childhood educator, at Undermountain Child Care Center on the campus of Berkshire School, Monday through Friday. Teacher certification a plus but not required. CORI and other background checks required.
Submit resume and letter of interest to Tammy Wysocki, Director of UMCC, Berkshire School, 245 North Undermountain Road, Sheffield, MA 01257. twysocki@berkshireschool.org. Phone: 413-229-1850.
REGISTERED NURSE
Berkshire School has an opening for a Full-Time Registered Nurse in our Student Health Service to work the day shift. Berkshire’s Student Health Service provides medical care to approx. 420 high school boarding and day students.
Successful candidates must be kind and able to communicate well with high school students and their families. Requirements: Current MA RN license, CPR/AED certification. Minimum 3 to 5 years of pediatric or school nursing. Knowledge in Electronic Medical Record keeping.
Interested candidates should send resume and cover letter to Brooke Humes, Director of Student Health Services, bhumes@berkshireschool.org.
GROUNDS/MAINTENANCE
Berkshire School has an opening for an individual to perform routine seasonal outside maintenance and grounds work, and event set-ups and breakdowns. This position requires heavy lifting and the ability to work as an effective member of a team. Some weekend and holiday hours are mandatory. This is a full-time, year round position with excellent benefits. Interested parties should contact Gabe Starczewski, gstarczewski@berkshireschool.org, 413-229-1211.
BERKSHIRE TEACHING FELLOWSHIP
Berkshire's Teaching Fellowship provides practical experience to 1-2 recent college graduates interested in teaching at an independent boarding school. Berkshire School Teaching Fellows fully immerse themselves in the boarding school experience by teaching two classes, contributing to the extracurricular life of the school, and living in a dormitory. Teaching Fellowships are two-year appointments.
Teaching fellows collaborate with a mentor to guide them through their first year of teaching, coaching, and residential responsibilities. Teaching Fellows will make regular class visits to the mentor's classes, and co-teach one section with the mentor. Mentors and fellows engage in conversation regularly regarding lesson plans, pedagogical methods, grading principles, and all other aspects of teaching. In addition, all early-career faculty partake in a yearlong series of meetings with the Dean of Faculty that allows for discussions about teaching and working with students within the boarding school setting.
Berkshire Teaching Fellows may elect to enroll in a two-year Master of Arts in Teaching program offered through the Independent Schools Teacher Leadership Program at Mount Holyoke College. This specialized course of study is designed for full-time educators working in independent schools who want to enhance their teaching and/or prepare for leadership roles. Enrolled students choose from two tracks: one focused on teaching pedagogy and the other centered on honing leadership skills.
To apply for Berkshire's Teaching Fellowship, please submit a letter of interest, resume, and current transcript to Jean Woodward Maher, Associate Head of School (jmaher@berkshireschool.org).
FLIK DINING SERVICES
FLIK Dining Services, which is contracted to provide services for Berkshire School, is looking to hire for the positions listed below. There are both Full-Time and Part-Time opportunities available. Please note, that these are positions with FLIK and not with Berkshire School.
Interested parties should contact Shawn Burdick, Director of Food Services, at 413-229-1216, or sburdick@berkshireschool.org.
LINE SERVER
- Provides quality customer service by providing one-on-one attention to detail.
- Participates in the preparation and service of food and beverage items in adherence to company food standards for presentation, sanitation and safety (meeting HACCP and OSHA guidelines) and portion control.
- Cleans work area and equipment used in food preparation and service.
- Follows all safety and sanitation procedures. Delivers food items to and from main kitchen.
- Promotes clean, safe and neat environment for residents, self and staff.
- Cooperates with staff of other departments in performing job duties.
- Contributes to the team; exhibits professionalism with customers, fellow employees and others.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
DISHWASHER
- Scrapes and rinses food from dirty dishes and washes them by hand or places them in racks or on conveyor to dishwashing machine depending on assigned equipment. Ensures complete cleanliness and sanitation.
- Washes pots, pans and trays based on assigned procedures. Ensure complete cleanliness and sanitation.
- Polishes silver using burnishing machine tumbler, chemical dip, buffing wheel and hand cloth depending on assigned equipment and procedures. Ensures complete cleanliness and sanitation.
- Ensures compliance with outlined safety procedures.
- Maintains temperatures and chemical levels as outlined by provided standards.
- Keeps dish area orderly and in compliance with safety standards.
- Sweeps and mops kitchen floors to ensure compliance with safety and sanitation standards.
- Washes worktables, walls, refrigerators, meat blocks and other food prep surfaces.
- Removes trash and places it in designated containers. Steam cleans or hoses out garbage cans.
- Transfers supplies and equipment between storage and work areas.
- Helps load and unload supplies and product.
COOK
Learns to assists in the preparation and cooking of various food items prior to being considered a qualified, skilled cook. Maintains food safety and sanitation standards in the preparation and kitchen areas.
- Learns to read menu to estimate food requirements. Orders food from supplier or procures it from storage.
- Prepares and cooks food in accordance with company production records and standardized recipes.
- Learns to adjust thermostat controls to regulate temperature of ovens, broilers, grills, roasters and steam kettles.
- Helps measure and mix ingredients according to recipes using a variety of kitchen utensils and equipment.
- Bakes, roasts, broils and steam meats, fish, vegetables and other foods under guidance. Adds seasoning to food during mixing or cooking under the instruction of others.
- Tests food by tasting, smelling and piercing to determine that it is cooked.
- Carves meat, portions food on serving plates, and adds gravies, sauces and garnishes to fill orders as directed.
- Washes, peels, cuts and shreds fruits and vegetables and fruits.
- Butchers chicken, fish and shellfish as directed.
- Bakes bread, rolls, cakes and pastry as course of instruction permits.
- Maintains work station
BENEFITS
Berkshire offers a substantial and competitive benefits package for full-time employees. Some of the highlights are below:
• Competitive Compensation
• Medical/Dental/Vision Health Insurance (Choice of PPO or HSA plans)
• Retirement Plan through TIAA (5% match first 3-years, 10% after)
• Student Loan Repayment Assistance
• Support for Graduate Degree Studies (Faculty)
• Professional Development Funding (Includes conferences, workshops, travel, etc.)
• Full Day Student Tuition Remission at Berkshire for all admissible legal dependents
• Reduced tuition at local independent schools (Indian Mountain School, Berkshire Country Day School)
• Reduced tuition and priority enrollment at Undermountain Daycare (on-campus)
• Kellogg Travel Grant (Annually awarded grants to support leisure travel)
• Strom Grant (Funding available for faculty to travel, study in Asia)
• Campus Housing
• Access to Dining Hall
• Use of athletic facilities and equipment (includes indoor exercise facilities and outdoor track)
CONTACT
Please send employment inquiries to the following unless otherwise noted:
FACULTY POSITIONS
Jean Woodward Maher
Associate Head of School
Berkshire School
245 North Undermountain Road
Sheffield, MA 01257
Email: jmaher@berkshireschool.org
Fax: 413-229-1010
STAFF POSITIONS
Cheryl Geerhold
Director of Human Resources
Berkshire School
245 N. Undermountain Road
Sheffield, MA 01257
Email: cgeerhold@berkshireschool.org
Phone: 413-229-1201
AT-A-GLANCE
425
STUDENTS
39
COUNTRIES
30
STATES
12
AVERAGE
CLASS SIZE
33
ADVANCED
COURSES
$195M
ENDOWMENT
100%
GRADUATES ATTEND COLLEGE
OUR SCHOOL
Students share their experience in what makes Berkshire, Berkshire!
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CAMPUS LOOP
Admission's Jeff Depelteau interviews members of the Berkshire community.
Watch more Campus Loop videos here.