Barnstable

High School 8-12, 1

Intermediate School 6-7, 1

Elementary K-3, 5

Upper Elementary 4-5, 1

Pre K, 1

Barnstable Public Schools is the largest and most diverse school district on Cape Cod. Our 2022-2023 student population is 8.9% African American, 2.2% Asian, 27.3% Hispanic, 0.3% Native American, 53.1% White, 0.1% Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, and 8.1% Multi-race Non-Hispanic. We celebrate rich linguistic diversity, with a growing multilingual learner population serving over 20% of our students in our English as a Second Language program. We are actively seeking to diversify our educator workforce in all positions so as to better reflect the diversity of our students and families.

The Barnstable Public Schools has been developing its Vision of a Graduate, identifying essential skills for all students to be developing during their PreK-12+ experience. Our high school offerings are broad and diverse, including numerous career pathways for students to pursue. We host a K-3 Innovation school whose innovation plan is based on project-based learning (PBL). Our Intermediate School (grades 6-7) has, similarly, been engaged in a grant-funded PBL initiation for several years.

Q. What is it like to live/teach in Barnstable?

In addition to being the largest and most diverse school system, the Town of Barnstable is the largest and most diverse town on Cape Cod, made up of seven villages: Hyannis, West Barnstable, Barnstable, Osterville, Centerville, Cotuit, and Marstons Mills. The Barnstable Public
Schools benefits from the support of numerous community businesses, agencies, and resources. This includes Town of Barnstable departments, Cape Cod Hospital, Cape Cod Community College, local businesses and community organizations. Several community organizations in Barnstable and on Cape Cod support members of historically marginalized populations including the Barnstable County Human Rights Advisory Commission, Barnstable
No Place for Hate, Amplify POC, the YMCA Young Achievers Program, People of Action, and
the MLK Action League.
As a coastal community, there are a multitude of recreational activities. While the population and activities swell in the summer due to tourism, there are ample opportunities for socializing and recreation in the off-season on Cape Cod.

Q. What kind of support does Barnstable offer new teachers?

We offer a strong internal mentoring and induction program to our new teachers. Additionally, the MLK Action Group offers regional mentoring for educators of color to supplement the District’s mentoring program. We also have a supportive resource group of educators who identify as BIPOC and LatinX. For staff who are growing into the profession, we provide mentored internships towards licensure. We also have a generous course reimbursement benefit in our contract for those who are seeking additional graduate courses towards their professional growth. We are invested in growing talent from within our current employees and welcome educators who we can support as they aspire to leadership roles.

Q. What general attributes does Barnstable seek in new teachers?
We are seeking educators who love working with students, who see and celebrate the diversity among our students and their families. We are seeking educators who are passionate about teaching and learning, providing both a challenging but also supportive environment from which children can grow. We are seeking educators who are committed to preparing students with the skills they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

Q. How does Barnstable demonstrate that it is committed to teacher diversity?
Two cohorts of teachers and leaders participated in DESE’s Professional Learning Community to learn together about how to best recruit and retain a diverse workforce. In 2023-2024, the District will initiate a taskforce to take this learning and put it into a strategic action plan.
Our recruitment data demonstrates that, each year, we are increasing the diversity among our workforce. We are expanding avenues towards licensure by developing career ladders.
Talent developing, including the recruitment and retention of a diverse workforce, is a commitment as a strategic goal in the District Improvement Plan.

Q. Any tips for teachers who are interested in applying to Barnstable?
“You Belong in Barnstable!”