Brightmont Academy Helps Retired Teachers Continue Doing What They Love Most

Seattle Private School Specializing in One-to-One Instruction for Grades 1-12

Seattle, WA — Across the country, many retired teachers are seeking ways to stay connected to students without returning to the demands of a traditional classroom. Brightmont Academy is meeting that need by offering part-time, flexible teaching opportunities that allow educators to focus on what they love most: working directly with students. With its one-to-one instructional model, Brightmont provides an environment where teachers can give individualized attention, adapt lessons in real-time, and foster meaningful relationships. At the same time, they can step away from managing large classrooms, extensive grading, and rigid schedules.

Craig Schieber, a Brightmont teacher in Seattle, is one example. After a decades-long career in education spanning K-12 and higher education leadership, he joined Brightmont more than five years ago and has found a renewed sense of purpose. “I started teaching when I was 22, and I’m 70 years old now,” said Schieber. “Near retirement, I realized I couldn’t quit being with kids. This is my bookend, and it’s the best thing in the world.”

Instead of managing classrooms of 25 or more students, Brightmont teachers work one-to-one, tailoring each lesson to the individual student’s needs, pace, and learning style. “I had years of having 25 or 30 kids in my classroom and thinking, ‘If I could only get a little more time with each student,’” Schieber said. “This gives me that opportunity now.”

For Schieber, the experience goes beyond teaching and speaks to a deeper sense of purpose. “It’s the reason I get up in the morning,” he said. “My goal is not just to be happy. My goal is to be engaged.”

For teachers who miss working with students but not the demands of traditional classrooms, Brightmont offers a unique opportunity to continue making an impact. By combining flexibility, meaningful student connections, and a personalized approach to learning, Brightmont helps educators rediscover the joy of teaching on their own terms.

Brightmont Academy is located at 115 NE 100th St, Suite 200, in Seattle and is currently accepting enrollments. Families and professionals are invited to attend an Open House event on Thursday, May 21, 2026, between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM. RSVP here.

Brightmont Academy is an accredited private school that provides one-to-one instruction. One experienced teacher works with one student throughout every learning session. Customized full-time programs and individual courses are offered for grades 1-12. Students can also receive individualized tutoring for all 1-12 subjects, study skills, and test prep. Brightmont Academy has served thousands of students since 1999 and has 25 campuses in Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, North Carolina, and Washington.

For more information, call 1-888-521-0887 or visit: www.brightmontacademy.com.

Watch our video: Brightmont Academy - The One-to-One Flexible school - 1st through 12th