Kake is a tight-knit, rural community in the heart of Southeast Alaska, and we’re looking for a Social Studies teacher who wants to be more than just an instructor—we want a collaborator and a community member. Our MS/HS population is small (around 60 students), which means you truly get to know every student and have the flexibility to make history come alive in a way that’s impossible in a larger district.
You’ll be the "department" for Social Studies, covering everything from World and U.S. History to Alaska Studies and Contemporary Global Issues. Because our classes are small, your focus won't be on crowd control, but on:
Creative Instruction: Moving beyond the textbook with project-based learning and debates.
Literacy & Connection: Integrating reading and writing strategies that actually stick, helping students connect historical themes to the world they see today.
Inclusion: Adapting your lessons so every learner, including those with IEPs or 504 plans, can succeed.
Technology & Research: Using tech to bridge the gap between our village and the rest of the world through research and document analysis.
We know moving to a rural village is a big jump, so we do our best to make the transition smooth. We offer assistance with finding housing right here in the village and provide moving expenses to help you get settled. If you love the outdoors, close-knit communities, and the freedom to teach creatively, you’ll fit right in.
Kake City School District (KCSD) serves the community of Kake, Alaska, through one school—Kake Elementary & High School—covering pre-K through grade 12, as well as the Shirley Jackson Community Library. With just over 100 students, the district provides small class sizes, close relationships, and strong community connections.
Grounded in Tlingit heritage and values, KCSD’s mission is to nurture integrity, confidence, and compassion in students, preparing them to be respectful, successful learners and responsible citizens. The district emphasizes both academic achievement and cultural education, offering programs such as marine safety training, cultural heritage projects, athletics, and hands-on learning tied to local traditions.
Challenges include addressing academic achievement gaps, reducing chronic absenteeism, and navigating the constraints of a small, rural setting. Strengths include its personalized learning environment, integration of cultural identity, and a strong sense of community support.
KCSD is led by a superintendent/principal and a locally elected school board, with staff who are deeply invested in student success despite the unique challenges of rural Alaska.