MT. EDGECUMBE HIGH SCHOOL

Sitka, Alaska  |  Alaska Department of Education & Early Development

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT

PHYSICAL EDUCATION / CAREER & TECHNICAL EDUCATION TEACHER

0.5 FTE Physical Education  |  0.5 FTE CTE  |  Full-Time Combined Position  |  1.0 FTE

Mt. Edgecumbe High School (MEHS) is Alaska's only state-operated residential boarding high school, serving students from rural and remote communities across the state. Located on Japonski Island in Sitka, Alaska, MEHS provides a rigorous college-preparatory program to students — the majority Alaska Native — who travel from home communities throughout Alaska to attend. The school is operated by the Alaska Department of Education & Early Development (DEED). MEHS is distinguished by its commitment to preparing students not only for academic success, but for careers, civic life, and meaningful participation in both local and global economies. Career and Technical Education and physical wellness are central pillars of that mission.

MEHS seeks an innovative, student-centered educator for a full-time position split equally between Physical Education and Career and Technical Education. The PE/CTE Teacher will support student fitness, wellness, and lifelong healthy habits through physical education while building hands-on, career-ready skills through CTE courses in visual media, aviation technology, and design. This role is ideal for a versatile educator with a passion for physical activity and proven expertise in one or more technical fields. The successful candidate will connect both disciplines through a shared focus on student growth, real-world application, and the promise of young people from rural Alaska.

The combined 1.0 FTE position carries a full teaching load of approximately five instructional periods per day, divided across both departments. The specific course assignments within each half will be determined in collaboration with the principal and academic dean based on student enrollment, department scheduling, and the candidate's primary areas of expertise within CTE.

Physical Education courses are taught in alignment with the Alaska Health and Physical Education Standards. The teacher is expected to promote fitness for life, team participation, and personal wellness in a way that is culturally affirming and relevant to students from Alaska's diverse communities and geographic settings. The MEHS campus and the broader Sitka environment — including coastal and forested terrain — provide rich resources for outdoor and adventure education.

CTE course assignments will be tailored to the successful candidate's documented expertise. The teacher is not expected to teach all pathways listed above simultaneously; a typical CTE load will draw on two or three related pathways. All CTE courses are developed and delivered in alignment with Alaska CTE standards and, where applicable, national industry certifications (FAA Part 107, Adobe Certified Professional, etc.). CTE teachers at MEHS are encouraged to connect course work to real community and industry partners in Sitka and across Southeast Alaska.

I.  Physical Education Instruction

•     Plan and deliver engaging, standards-aligned PE instruction across all assigned grade levels using evidence-based instructional practices

•     Teach a broad range of physical activities including team sports, individual fitness, outdoor recreation, and lifetime wellness

•     Develop and monitor individual student fitness goals; administer fitness assessments and track student progress over time

•     Incorporate outdoor education experiences using Sitka's natural environment — kayaking, hiking, orienteering, coastal activities

•     Adapt instruction and activities for students with IEPs, physical limitations, or modified PE requirements

•     Coaching assignments also available

•     Teach health literacy concepts including nutrition, mental wellness, injury prevention, and substance-free living as integrated or standalone units

•     Promote a classroom culture of sportsmanship, respect, teamwork, and personal responsibility

•     Maintain safe facilities, equipment, and instructional environments at all times; conduct regular equipment inspections

•     Collaborate with athletic coaches and the athletic director to support student-athlete wellness and conditioning

II.  CTE Instruction — Visual Media (Photography & Digital Film)

•     Teach photography fundamentals including composition, lighting, exposure, and digital editing using Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop

•     Develop student competency in digital video production — from concept and scripting through cinematography, editing, and final delivery using Adobe Premiere or equivalent

•     Guide students in producing documentary, journalistic, or narrative short films with authentic purposes and community relevance

•     Provide instruction in ethical media practices including copyright, consent, representation, and responsible publishing

•     Connect student visual media work to real audiences and real-world applications — school publications, community events, social media, and industry portfolios

•     Support students in building professional digital portfolios suitable for college applications and creative industry employment

III.  CTE Instruction — Layout, Design & Digital Publication

•     Teach principles of graphic design including typography, color theory, layout, hierarchy, and visual communication

•     Deliver hands-on instruction in Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, and related design software

•     Guide students in producing real design deliverables: school yearbook pages, posters, publications, logos, and community materials

•     Connect design coursework to career pathways in marketing, publishing, advertising, visual communication, and the creative industries

•     Integrate Alaska Native design traditions, art forms, and aesthetic principles into design curriculum as appropriate and in partnership with cultural staff

IV.  CTE Instruction — Aviation: Ground School & Drone Technology

•     Teach FAA Private Pilot ground school curriculum covering aerodynamics, meteorology, navigation, airspace, regulations, and aviation safety

•     Prepare students for the FAA Private Pilot Knowledge Test or use ground school content as a rigorous STEM-integrated academic experience

•     Deliver FAA Part 107 (sUAS) certification preparation curriculum covering regulations, airspace, weather, and safe drone operations

•     Conduct supervised drone flight operations in compliance with FAA regulations and school safety protocols

•     Teach practical applications of drone technology including aerial photography, mapping, inspection, and Alaska-specific industry uses (fisheries, search and rescue, resource management)

•     Maintain all drone equipment, batteries, and related technology in proper working order; manage equipment checkout and safety logs

•     Connect aviation and drone coursework to career pathways in aviation, aerospace, remote sensing, agriculture, environmental science, and public safety

V.  CTE Program Development and Industry Connections

•     Develop curriculum aligned to Alaska CTE standards, industry competencies, and national certification frameworks

•     Pursue and maintain relevant industry credentials and certifications (FAA Part 107, Adobe Certified Professional, or equivalent) as assigned

•     Build and sustain partnerships with industry employers, post-secondary institutions, and community organizations in Sitka and Southeast Alaska to provide students with internships, job shadows, and real-world project opportunities

•     Connect students to CTE student organizations (SkillsUSA, DECA, TSA, or others) and regional or state competitions as applicable

•     Contribute to the school's CTE program review and improvement process; assist with Perkins V compliance documentation and reporting

VI.  Assessment, Grading, and Student Support

•     Design and administer formative and summative assessments appropriate to both PE and CTE disciplines

•     Maintain accurate, timely grade records and communicate student progress proactively to students, families, and counselors

•     Identify students who are struggling and coordinate with counselors, residential staff, and academic support personnel

•     Differentiate instruction to serve students across a range of skill levels, learning styles, and prior experience

VII.  Professional and Community Responsibilities

•     Participate in department and all-faculty meetings, professional development, and school improvement initiatives

•     Sponsor or co-sponsor a student club, activity, or extracurricular program (e.g., photography club, drone team, film festival, outdoor adventure club)

•     Contribute to the MEHS residential community through participation in school events, campus life, and boarding school culture

•     Maintain a safe and organized classroom, lab, and outdoor instructional environment at all times

•     Comply with all DEED, MEHS, and school board policies; complete required documentation on time

•     Perform other duties as assigned by the principal or academic dean

•     FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate (current)

•     FAA Third-Class Medical Certificate or higher; Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) certificate a significant plus

•     Adobe Certified Professional or equivalent demonstrated proficiency in Creative Suite applications

•     Professional background or portfolio in photography, videography, graphic design, or film production

•     Experience coaching or sponsoring aviation, drone, media, or design student competitions

•     Experience teaching in a boarding school, residential school, or rural Alaska setting

•     Knowledge of Alaska Native cultures, communities, and visual art traditions

•     Wilderness First Aid or similar outdoor recreation safety certification

•     Experience with SkillsUSA, TSA, or other CTE student organizations

•     Bilingual or multilingual capability, particularly in Alaska Native languages

•     Versatility across two distinct instructional disciplines: physical education and career/technical education

•     Strong organizational skills to manage separate course preparations, equipment inventories, and program requirements across two departments

•     Technical proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, drone hardware and software platforms, and aviation academic content

•     Ability to teach hands-on, project-based, and industry-connected curriculum to high school students

•     Commitment to student wellness — physical, mental, and professional — in a residential school environment

•     Ability to build positive, culturally appropriate relationships with students from Alaska Native and rural communities

•     Clear understanding of FAA regulations governing drone operations and safe flight practices

•     Strong safety awareness and judgment in both physical education and technical lab/outdoor settings

•     Enthusiasm for connecting students to career pathways and post-secondary opportunities in creative, technical, and aviation fields

•     Full-time academic year position; instruction takes place in gymnasium, outdoor spaces, photography/film lab, design lab, and aviation classroom

•     Located on Japonski Island, Sitka, Alaska — island community accessible by bridge from Sitka; remote Southeast Alaska setting

•     On-campus residential school environment; faculty are expected to contribute to community life beyond the classroom

•     Outdoor instruction will occur in Southeast Alaska weather conditions — rain, wind, and varying temperatures are normal; appropriate gear required

•     Drone operations conducted in compliance with FAA regulations; all flights require pre-flight planning and safety protocols

•     Equipment management responsibility: camera gear, drone fleet, editing computers, gym equipment — teacher ensures proper storage, maintenance, and checkout procedures

•     May be asked to participate in evening or weekend school events, field trips, or residential programming as a member of the MEHS faculty community

Interested candidates should submit the following materials to the MEHS Principal's Office:

•     Letter of interest describing your teaching philosophy, technical expertise in CTE areas, and interest in working with residential students from rural Alaska

•     Current résumé or curriculum vitae highlighting relevant teaching, professional, and technical experience

•     Copies of Alaska Teaching Certificate (or documentation of eligibility), and any relevant industry certifications (FAA Part 107, Adobe, etc.)

•     Official or unofficial transcripts from all degree-granting institutions

•     Three professional references with current contact information

•     A portfolio sample demonstrating CTE content expertise — e.g., photographs, design work, film reel, or aviation/drone project documentation (optional but strongly encouraged)

Mt. Edgecumbe High School and the Alaska Department of Education & Early Development are Equal Opportunity Employers. We strongly encourage applications from Alaska Native and American Indian candidates and from individuals with experience working in rural, Indigenous, or residential school settings. All applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other status protected by applicable law.