International teaching at Somersfield Academy (SA) in Bermuda provides the opportunity to join a K-12 school with a strong sense of community, underscored by its strategic plan to create strong and lasting relationships at all levels, from the Leadership Team to the students.
The campus of Somersfield Academy rests in the heart of Devonshire Parish, just outside of downtown Hamilton. This ideal location provides overseas teaching staff and students with the luxury of both the natural beauty of Bermuda and the convenience of being close to local tourist attractions, heritage sites, picturesque railway trails for exercising, a pharmacy and grocery stores. Somersfield Academy is surrounded by lush marsh land to the west, residential property to the north, and a popular squash club to the east. The campus comprises four buildings spread across six acres of land. The grounds are accessible to the local community, fully equipped with picnic tables, ramps, elevators, and is adjacent to public bus stops.
Somersfield Academy takes pride in its safe and welcoming space for students and international teachers. All four buildings within the campus provide an enriching learning environment for the development of an ethos of social consciousness. Modern classrooms, science laboratories, a well-stocked library, learning gardens, two playgrounds, multi-use pitch and a newly renovated gymnasium support a comprehensive education.
Accredited by Canadian Accredited Independent Schools (CAIS), SA uses inquiry-based learning, starting with the Montessori method and followed by the International Baccalaureate Middle Years and Diploma Programmes. The school currently enrolls 535 students representing 38 nationalities. SA is honored to offer annual Equity & Merit full and partial scholarships for academically excellent students who have the potential to contribute to global issues, locally. About 60% of the students and 88% percent of the teaching staff are from Bermuda.
Somersfield Academy goes beyond traditional academics. Strong relationships within the community allow the school to offer skills performance programs in football, rugby, and badminton (for staff). SA is one of three schools to host Interact Club, supported by the island’s Rotary Clubs. In 2023, the school launched a co-curricular activities program, allowing students of every age to explore their talents while fostering a love for lifelong learning and a deeper appreciation for the world around them. Built on the interests and affinities of SA’s local and overseas teaching staff, activities such as surfing, swimming, cooking, fishing, freediving, environmental advocacy, and more, broaden students’ horizons and instill values such as teamwork, perseverance, and a passion for exploration.
To bring the sense of community to greater heights, the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) works to create a supportive environment. In addition, every staff member takes part in staff committees, which offers a voice in the running of the school, from policy to social organization. Staff, PTA, and community partners collaborate to ensure the holiday music concerts, an artisanal holiday market, a drama production, and whole-school visual art exhibition successfully run every year.
SA hires certified, single teachers of diverse profiles but would consider couples, including those with a non-teaching partner, and newly certified candidates. Teachers must hold an academic degree in the subject they will be teaching. As per government regulations, certified overseas teaching candidates up to the age of 67 may obtain a work visa.
The benefit package for those teaching abroad includes a highly competitive salary; allowances for one month’s rent, shipping costs and temporary transportation; and airfare at the start and end of employment. SA matches 5% to an employee’s 5% contribution to a retirement fund. Tuition is reduced by 25% for each dependent. Employees enjoy free use of the facilities outside of school operating hours. Worldwide health insurance, with the employee paying 50%, covers dental, vision, life, and long-term disability.
SA faculty work year-round with Executive Function Coach Susannah Cole, who provides ongoing professional development in individual differences to keep its classroom practices safe and up to date for students.
To gain access to Somersfield Academy’s profile on the Search Associates database, including a list of any vacancies, candidates can apply for membership by clicking here. Candidates already registered can easily access the school profile directly through their dashboards.
Please note: The information presented about this school was valid on the date published. This information may change, and the most up-to-date information can be found on the school profile.
