Employment

Westside School teachers and staff work collaboratively to inspire creativity, innovation, and to deepen our sense of community. Westside faculty are exceptionally qualified in our fields, committed to being lifelong learners, and are passionate about our work. Our academic structure places a high value on integrated curriculum and project-based learning, with intentional administrative support. At Westside School we value different backgrounds and ideas and we strive to build an inclusive community. Individuals from all cultures and communities are encouraged to apply.

Located in the Arbor Heights neighborhood of West Seattle, Westside serves ~400 students in preschool through eighth grade. 31% of our student body are Black, Indigenous and People of Color. Westside’s Lower School serves 200 students in Kindergarten-4th grade and is organized into grade level teams of 2 teachers and 2 instructional assistants, who collaborate to both implement and design meaningful curriculum. 

Position Summary

Westside is in search of individuals to join our Lower School team to support classrooms in all grades, 1st-4th grade. We are seeking candidates who are able to support the school’s focus on diversity and inclusion and who have a background that demonstrates an understanding and appreciation of intercultural fluency.   

The role of Lower School Instructional Assistant is to provide support to students throughout the school day. Many of our Instructional Assistant will spend time working in the two classes that make up the grade level and will work in collaboration with both teachers. The Instructional Assistant’s day may include leading small groups during literacy or math lessons, working one-on-one with students, and supervising students during recess.  It involves supporting lead teachers to build a community of learners in the classroom who respect and care for one another. Additionally, the Instructional Assistant participates in one afternoon per week of our Extended Day Program, which provides after school care support for families.

The Lower School Instructional Assistant works collaboratively with their classroom teacher and participates in the life of the school, attending some in-service days and school celebrations, and upholds the mission, vision, and values of Westside School.

• Reports to: Lower School Head
• Start Date: August 17, 2023

 

Responsibilities include:

• Assists in general supervision in the classroom and performs duties as assigned by the classroom teacher.
• Establishes familiarity with the overall program and related resources and materials in order to assist actively in learning activities.
• Values and incorporates diverse perspectives in daily student interactions and within the curriculum.
• Supports classroom expectations that create a safe and comfortable environment for all students, in partnership with the lead teacher.
• Works with students in small groups, individually, or as a whole class.
• Helps to maintain an attractive classroom environment and materials.
• Sets annual goals for focus and growth with the Lower School Head.
• Shows initiative by asking for assignments that would expand performance and capability, under the direction of the lead teacher and/or Lower School Head.
• Performs such tasks and duties as assigned that would be generally within those functions to be expected at a school or as mutually agreeable between the Instructional Assistant and the teachers or Lower School Head.
• Supervises the playground/lunchroom as assigned, following established recess rules and discipline, and reporting notable student behaviors.
• Participates in one afternoon session per week of the Extended Day Program.
• If qualified, provides short-term substitution in the classroom for absent teacher in emergencies.

 

Successful candidates will have the following personal and professional attributes:

• Love of working with children in an outstanding professional setting.
• Prior experience working with preschool or elementary school students.
• A willingness to learn about, reflect upon, and support a dynamic learning environment.
• Flexibility and adaptability to meet the needs of the children and program.
• Ability to maintain confidential information.
• Ability to work and communicate well with all levels of faculty and staff.
• Ability to work and communicate well with students and their parents.
• An expressed effort to collaborate with colleagues, accept feedback and conduct oneself in a professional manner.
• A positive attitude and sense of humor.
• Associates or Bachelor's Degree preferred.

 

Compensation and Benefits

This is a full-time position for the 2023-2024 academic school year. The salary is $40,000 and will include longevity bonuses. Westside School offers the following competitive benefits package:

• 403b Retirement Savings Plan upon eligibility
• Medical and Dental insurance
• Life, AD&D, and Long-term Disability insurance
• Various voluntary insurance benefits including vision insurance, short-term disability, term life insurance, and many more
• 2 Days of Personal Time Off per year
• 5 Days of Sick Time Off per year
• School vacations and 11+ paid holidays throughout the year

 

To Apply

Please submit a cover letter, resume, and three professional references to employment@westsideschool.org.

 

Westside School faculty and staff work collaboratively to inspire creativity, innovation, and to deepen our sense of community. Westside faculty are exceptionally qualified in our fields, committed to being lifelong learners, and are passionate about our work. We are looking for staff and faculty who share our belief that a culturally rich and inclusive school community provides students with the best possible environment for a quality education.  At Westside School we value different backgrounds and ideas, and we strive to build an inclusive community. Individuals from all cultures and communities are encouraged to apply. Located in the Arbor Heights neighborhood of West Seattle, Westside serves 400 students, 30% of our student body are Black, Indigenous and People of Color.

Position Summary

Westside School is seeking joyous part-time individuals to work in our Extended Day Program (EDP). The role of the EDP staff member is to supervise children, coordinate activities, and work in conjunction with other staff and the Extended Day Director. This position may include additional school duties and has the potential to be full-time during the summer.

Reports to: Director of Extended Day and Summer Programs

Responsibilities:

• Maintain and help focus the school mission, vision and values.
• Supervise and ensure the safety of students in the Extended Day Program.
• Establish familiarity with the program and related materials in order to assist actively in activities.
• Value and incorporate diverse perspectives in daily student interactions.
• Support expectations that create a safe and comfortable environment for all students.
• Greet students and monitor sign-in and sign-out procedures.
• Assist in planning, preparing, and implementing daily activities.
• Maintain a healthy, fun, and structured EDP environment.
• Assist with snack preparation.
• Maintain organization of EDP spaces and playground.
• Serve as a role model for students.

Successful candidates will have the following personal and professional attributes:

• Love of working with children in an outstanding professional setting.
• Prior experience working with preschool and/or elementary school students.
• A willingness to learn about, reflect upon, and support a dynamic learning environment.
• Understanding of how systematic and institutional barriers affect students' learning experiences and outcomes.
• Sensitivity to issues of bias, racism, prejudice, and stereotyping.
• Flexibility and adaptability to meet the needs of the children and program.
• Possess a Food Handlers Permit, First Aid/CPR certification, and a STARS ID, or willingness to obtain.  (Westside School will cover costs and time.)
• Ability to maintain confidential information.
• Ability to work and communicate well with staff, students, and parents.
• An expressed effort to collaborate with colleagues, accept feedback and conduct oneself in a professional manner.
• A positive attitude and sense of humor.

Start Date: Immediately

Compensation and Benefits

This is a part-time, hourly position for the 2022-2023 school year. Hours are generally 1:45-5:45pm, with some variations depending on grade level.

To Apply

Please submit a resume and cover letter, with three professional references, to employment@westsideschool.org

Westside School is looking for both teachers and instructional assistants with experience working with children in grades, preschool and eighth grade, to add to our substitute roster. We also need substitutes for music and performing arts, Spanish, Mandarin Chinese, physical education, and visual arts.

The ideal candidate will be accessible for early morning calls. Candidates with partial availability during the week are also encouraged to apply. Please submit resume and references to employment@westsideschool.org.

Westside School is an equal opportunity employer.

Westside School, located in the Arbor Heights neighborhood of West Seattle, serves +400 students preschool through eighth grade. For over 40 years the school has emphasized knowing and educating the whole child, learning by doing, and the cultivation of creativity across disciplines. The overnight Outdoor Education program begins in fourth grade. Through a variety of wilderness based outdoor experiences, each year introduces new skills and promotes individual student growth, teamwork, leadership, and adventure.

Position Summary

Field instructors on Westside School outdoor trips are primarily responsible for outdoor skill instruction, leading activities and games, leading (or co-leading) decision making related to risk management, helping facilitate daily functions (meals, transitions, etc.), and sharing driving responsibilities.

We are currently looking for instructors for the following trips:

• 5th Grade: Intro to Tent Camping at Lake Wenatchee State Park, 5/22/23 - 5/25/23
  • The fifth grade will stay in a group site near the lake for a self-run week of team building, outdoor skill learning, and choice-based activities like hiking, boating, and horseback riding.
• 7th Grade: Intro to Backpacking in North Cascades National Park, 5/22/23 - 5/25/23
  • The seventh grade will base camp at Rasar Campground with small groups adventuring out to experience backpacking on various trails in the North Cascades. Groups will be differentiated based on activity level or thematic programming.

Required Prep Dates:

• Friday May 19 - On campus orientation with students and teachers
• Sunday May 21 - On campus gear and food prep
• Friday May 26 - On campus cleanup and debrief with teachers (no students)
• Option for additional paid prep days and location scouting

Qualifications

• Current CPR and WFA, WRF, or higher medical certification
• Diverse outdoor experience
• Minimum of 21 years of age
• Pass a Washington State background check.
• Current driver's license and willingness to drive 12-15 passenger vehicles.
• Preference given to candidates with experience leading outdoor overnight trips with youth in the specified trip regions, those with experience teaching LNT and other wilderness outdoor skills.

Compensation

$200-$230/day, depending on experience, for four field days, plus $150/day for prep and orientation days.

To Apply

If interested, or for more details regarding either trip and/or instructor responsibilities, please submit a resume and two references to Colleen McCullagh, outdoors@westsideschool.org.