Employment

 

Fifth Grade Support Teacher (1.0 FTE)

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 330 students in preschool through eighth grade. 29% of our student body are Black, Indigenous and People of Color. Westside’s Middle School serves 150 students in 5th-8th grade, and is organized into 5/6 and 7/8  grade level teams, who collaborate to both implement and design meaningful curriculum. 

Westside is in search of an individual to join our Middle School team to support fifth grade students primarily in their math and humanities (language arts and social studies) classes, as well as science. We are seeking a candidate who is able to support the school’s focus on diversity and inclusion and who has a background that demonstrates an understanding and appreciation of intercultural fluency.   

The role of the Fifth Grade Support Teacher is to provide support to fifth grade students throughout the school day. This may include leading small groups during humanities math lessons, working one-on-one with students, and supervising students during recess and study hall.  It involves supporting the 5th/6th grade teaching team to build a community of learners in the classrooms who respect and care for one another. The Fifth Grade Support Teacher works collaboratively with the teaching team and participates fully in the life of the school, attending in-service days, meetings, and school celebrations, and upholds the mission, vision, and values of Westside School.
 

Reports to: Director of Learning Support & Instruction 
 

Responsibilities include:

• Promote and advance  the cognitive, emotional, social, and physical well being of the students in the classroom.
• Support  instruction that facilitates active learning experiences.
• Support the implementation of a curriculum that challenges each student to realize their full potential.
• Value and incorporate diverse perspectives in daily student interactions and within the curriculum.
• Support classroom expectations that create a safe and comfortable environment for all students, in partnership with the teaching team.
• Lead an advisory group of 5th graders daily.
• Establish familiarity with the overall program and related resources and materials so that they can actively assist in learning activities.
• Work with students in small groups, individually, or as a whole class.
• Help to maintain an attractive classroom environment and materials.
• Engage in Westside’s continued journey to educate ourselves and embrace issues of diversity, equity, inclusion and anti-racist work.
• Set annual goals for focus and growth with the Director of Learning Support & Instruction. 
• Show initiative by asking for assignments that would expand performance and capability, under the direction of the teaching team and/or Middle School Head.
• Perform 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 Support Teacher, the teaching team, or Middle School Head.
• Supervise the playground/lunchroom as assigned, following established recess rules and discipline, and reporting notable student behaviors.
• Provides short-term substitution in the classroom for absent teachers.

 

Successful candidates will have the following personal and professional attributes:

• Philosophy of education that aligns with the school’s mission and values.
• Love of working with children in an outstanding professional setting.
• Prior experience working with upper elementary school or middle school students in a variety of instructional approaches. 
• 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.
• Enthusiasm for working collaboratively with colleagues including the desire to support curriculum experiences across classrooms and disciplines.
• An expressed effort to collaborate with colleagues, accept feedback and conduct oneself in a professional manner.
• A positive attitude and sense of humor.
• Bachelors Degree.

 

Westside School Mission

Westside School prepares students for the world by challenging them to achieve academic success, and by connecting their human spirit and imagination to learning.
 

Westside School's Diversity Statement

Westside School is committed to promoting inclusiveness, diversity, and cultural competence in its education, employment practices, school community, and governance. It views inclusiveness as a fundamental value, diversity as a key element, and cultural competence as a vital skill necessary to prepare students to participate in and contribute to a global society. Westside uses the term diversity broadly to encompass differences in the attributes of individuals, families, and communities.
 

Start Date: August 19, 2021
 

Compensation and Benefits: This is a full-time position for the 2021-2022 academic school year. Westside School offers a generous benefits package to full-time employees, which includes health, dental and vision insurance, professional development, and some flexibility with time off. 

 

Westside School prepares students for the world by challenging them to achieve academic success, and by connecting their human spirit and imagination to learning.

 

To Apply: Please submit a cover letter, resume, statement of educational philosophy, and three professional references, to employment@westsideschool.org

 

Westside School is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 

Middle School Ethics & Equity Teacher (10 months 1.0 FTE) 

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 350 students in preschool through eighth grade. 30% of our student body are Black, Indigenous and People of Color. Westside’s Middle School serves 150 students in 5th-8th grade, and is organized into 5/6 and 7/8 grade level teams, who collaborate to both implement and design meaningful curriculum. 

Westside seeks to find a dynamic individual to teach our Ethics & Equity classes across grades 5-8. We are seeking a candidate who is able to support the school’s focus on diversity and inclusion and who has a background that demonstrates an understanding and appreciation of intercultural fluency.  Westside has a fundamental belief that in order to improve our community’s cultural competence, we need to examine our institutional systems and structures, integrate anti-racist/anti-bias education within our curriclum, and provide racial literacy professional development to our employees.  Furthermore, we believe we need to prioritize dedicated time within the Middle School experience for Ethics & Equity courses for students in grades 5-8. 

Reporting to the Director of Counseling and Social Emotional Learning, the Ethics & Equity Teacher is responsible for developing and implementing a dynamic, age-appropriate curriculum for instruction in ethics, equity, executive functioning, health, study skills for our 5th-8th grade classes. As this is a new position within our Middle School program, Westside seeks an individual who is confident in building out a dynamic curriculum in partnership with the Middle School leadership team. The Ethics & Equity Teacher works collaboratively with other classroom teachers and participates fully in the life of the school, attending meetings and staff retreats, curriculum nights, school celebrations, and upholds the mission, vision, and values of Westside School.

Teaching Responsibilities: 

• Teach 50-55 minute classes to students in grades 5-8 (8 sections) two times per week. 
• Promote and advance the cognitive, emotional, social, and physical well-being of students during Ethics & Equity classes.
• Implement and adapt Westside’s Social Justice Continua within courses. 
• Coordinate regularly with classroom teachers about curriculum and classroom areas of study. Meet with classroom teachers as needed to discuss student progress and identified needs.
• Regularly assess student learning and present this learning in formal reports and conferences.
• Serve as advisor to a small group of middle school students daily.
• Work in teams to guide students on domestic outdoor trips.
• Facilitate and lead a Social Justice Club. 
• Communicate with parents as needed.
• Collaborate with the Student Support Team on programming to support student health and wellness across all grade levels. 
• Additional duties as assigned such as dismissal, lunch, snack, and other duties throughout the year. 

Programmatic Responsibilities: 

• Maintain and help focus the school mission, vision and values.
• Engage in Westside’s continued journey to educate ourselves and embrace issues of diversity, equity, inclusion and anti-racist work.
• Partner with the Student Support Team and faculty to integrate social justice, ethics, and values education across the Middle School Program.
• Work collaboratively with the Student Support Department to refine existing programs and initiate new opportunities for ethical education within the curriculum.
• Set annual goals for focus and growth with the Director of Personal Counseling & Social Emotional Learning, participating in a peer support team, and seeking out and participating in staff development opportunities.
• Help perpetuate a school-wide culture characterized by highly engaged students and faculty, high expectations, joyful learning, academic success, and a strong sense of community. 

Candidate Profile: 

Successful candidates will have the following personal and professional attributes:

• Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university.
• Experience working with  Middle School in students in educational settings.
• Experience designing and implementing social justice, health, and executive functioning curriculum in schools.
• Experience leading community conversations on issues of identity, privilege, social justice, and neurodiversity. 
• Experience examining the difference between equality and equity in relation to students' neurodiversity and identity as a learner. 
• Skills and experience in differentiating instruction.
• Familiarity and facility with current research informing teaching and learning (general classroom instructional methodologies, social and emotional learning, classroom management, learning differences, etc.).
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion, and social justice education.
• Highly resourceful and ability to work with great autonomy to develop a comprehensive Social Justice course for grades 5-8. 
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Good understanding of the complexity of pursuing change within a school setting.
• Detail-oriented and resourceful. Tactful and discreet. Patient, resilient, with a sense of humor.

Westside School Mission

Westside School prepares students for the world by challenging them to achieve academic success, and by connecting their human spirit and imagination to learning.

Westside Student Support Department Mission

To provide a proactive and comprehensive program to meet the academic, social, and emotional needs of all students, and to identify and address barriers to growth. By partnering with families, staff, and the wider community, we will promote joyful learning and a sense of belonging at Westside School.

Westside School's Diversity Statement

Westside School is committed to promoting inclusiveness, diversity, and cultural competence in its education, employment practices, school community, and governance. It views inclusiveness as a fundamental value, diversity as a key element, and cultural competence as a vital skill necessary to prepare students to participate in and contribute to a global society. Westside uses the term diversity broadly to encompass differences in the attributes of individuals, families, and communities.

Start Date: Thursday, August 19, 2021

Compensation and Benefits: This is a full-time position for the 2021-2022 academic school year. Westside School offers a generous benefits package to full-time employees.  

To Apply:

Please submit a resume and cover letter to employment@westsideschool.org.  Westside School is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 

Lower School Instructional Assistant for Preschool, Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten, or 1st-4th Grade Classrooms (1.0 FTE)

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 330 students in preschool through eighth grade. 29% of our student body are Black, Indigenous and People of Color. Westside’s Middle School serves 150 students in 5th-8th grade, and is organized into 5/6 and 7/8  grade level teams, who collaborate to both implement and design meaningful curriculum. 

Westside is in search of individuals to join our Lower School team to support classrooms in all grades, preschool-4th grade. We are seeking candidates who are able to support the school’s focus on diversity and inclusion and who has 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 two sessions per week during our Extended Day Program, which provides morning or afternoon 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 Assistant Head

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 Assistant Head.
• Shows initiative by asking for assignments that would expand performance and capability, under the direction of the lead teacher and/or Lower School Assistant 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 Assistant Head.
• Supervises the playground/lunchroom as assigned, following established recess rules and discipline, and reporting notable student behaviors.
• Participates in two sessions 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 Bachelors Degree preferred.

Start Date: August 2021

Compensation and Benefits: This is a full-time position for the 2021-2022 academic school year. Westside School offers a generous benefits package to full time employees.  

Westside School's Mission

Westside School prepares students for the world by challenging them to achieve academic success, and by connecting their human spirit and imagination to learning.

Westside School's Diversity Statement

Westside School is committed to promoting inclusiveness, diversity, and cultural competence in its education, employment practices, school community, and governance. It views inclusiveness as a fundamental value, diversity as a key element, and cultural competence as a vital skill necessary to prepare students to participate in and contribute to a global society. Westside uses the term diversity broadly to encompass differences in the attributes of individuals, families, and communities.

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

Westside School is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

PART-TIME AFTER-SCHOOL CHILDCARE STAFF

 

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. Our academic structure places a high value on integrated curriculum and project-based learning, with intentional administrative support. At Westside School we value diversity and inclusivity, as we believe this should be embodied in all facets of a school. Located in the Arbor Heights neighborhood of West Seattle, Westside serves 330 students, 29% of our student body are Black, Indigenous and People of Color. 

Westside School is seeking a part-time individual 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:

• Supervise and ensure the safety of students in the Extended Day Program.
• Greet students and monitor sign-in and sign-out procedures.
• Assist in planning, preparing, and implementing daily activities and lessons.
• Instruct students in small groups, individually, or as a whole class. 
• Maintain a healthy, fun, and structured classroom environment.
• Assist with snack preparation.
• Maintain tidiness and organization of EDP classrooms and the school playground.
• Serve as a role model for students.

Successful candidates will have the following personal and professional attributes: 

• Possess a Food Handlers Permit, First Aid/CPR certification, and a STARS ID, or willingness to obtain.
• 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.
• 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.
   

Westside School Mission

Westside School prepares students for the world by challenging them to achieve academic success, and by connecting their human spirit and imagination to learning.

 

Westside School's Diversity Statement

Westside School is committed to promoting inclusiveness, diversity, and cultural competence in its education, employment practices, school community, and governance. It views inclusiveness as a fundamental value, diversity as a key element, and cultural competence as a vital skill necessary to prepare students to participate in and contribute to a global society. Westside uses the term diversity broadly to encompass differences in the attributes of individuals, families, and communities.
 

Start Date: August 16, 2021
 

Compensation and Benefits: This is a part-time, hourly position for the 2021-2022 school year.
 

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

Westside School is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 

 

 

 

 

SUMMER DAY CAMP COUNSELOR
 

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. Our academic structure places a high value on integrated curriculum and project-based learning, with intentional administrative support. At Westside School we value diversity and inclusivity, as we believe this should be embodied in all facets of a school. Located in the Arbor Heights neighborhood of West Seattle, Westside serves 330 students, 29% of our student body are Black, Indigenous and People of Color. 

Westside School is seeking an individual to teach in our eight-week, in-person summer day camp program for K-5 students: Westside Adventure Camp. Our daily schedule includes a themed lesson, arts and crafts, lunch, group games and activities, snacks, reading/writing, neighborhood excursions, and free play. The role of the camp counselor is to supervise children, coordinate games and activities, teach lessons tied to our weekly theme, and work in conjunction with other staff and the Summer Camp Director. This position has the potential to continue, on a part-time basis, as part of our extended day program in the 2021-2022 academic school year.
 

Reports to: Director of Extended Day and Summer Programs
 

Responsibilities:

• Supervise and ensure the safety of all campers.
• Greet campers and assist with arrival and dismissal procedures.
• Serve as the leader for one cohort of campers.
• Assist in planning, preparing, and implementing daily activities and lessons.
• Maintain a healthy, fun, and structured classroom environment.
• Maintain tidiness and organization of camp classrooms and the school playground.
• Serve as a role model for campers.

Successful candidates will have the following personal and professional attributes: 

• Possess a Food Handlers Permit, First Aid/CPR certification, and a STARS ID, or willingness to obtain.
• Engage in Westside’s continued journey to educate ourselves and embrace issues of diversity, equity, inclusion and anti-racist work.
• 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.
• 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.
   

Westside School Mission

Westside School prepares students for the world by challenging them to achieve academic success, and by connecting their human spirit and imagination to learning.
 

Westside School's Diversity Statement

Westside School is committed to promoting inclusiveness, diversity, and cultural competence in its education, employment practices, school community, and governance. It views inclusiveness as a fundamental value, diversity as a key element, and cultural competence as a vital skill necessary to prepare students to participate in and contribute to a global society. Westside uses the term diversity broadly to encompass differences in the attributes of individuals, families, and communities.
 

Compensation and Benefits: This is a temporary/seasonal position for the 2021 summer term.
 

Work Dates:
Mandatory Training/Orientation: Week of June 14, 2021 (Exact Dates/Hours TBD)
Summer Camp Sessions: June 21 - August 20, 2021 (8:00am - 4:30pm)
Camp will be closed July 5-9.
 

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

Westside School is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 

SUBSTITUTE TEACHERS

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.

PRESCHOOL PROGRAM LEAD CLASSROOM TEACHER (1.0 FTE)

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 School serves 330 students in preschool through eighth grade. 29% of our student body are Black, Indigenous and People of Color. Westside’s Preschool/Pre-Kindergarten program serves 60 students in 2 preschool classrooms for 3-4 year olds, and 2 pre-K classrooms for 4-5 year olds. Each classroom has one lead teacher and one instructional assistant who collaborate to implement and design a meaningful, joyful, play-based early childhood program. 

Westside’s Preschool is expanding!  See the announcement here.

Westside is in search of someone to join our Preschool program as a lead teacher. 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 preschool and pre-K lead teachers are responsible for their classroom in all areas.  Westside’s emergent PS/PK curriculum is play-based, focused on experiential learning, and designed to foster the social-emotional foundations for academic learning. Our PS/PK teachers promote a joyful school environment where play is learning, where our youngest students learn to make sense of the world around them, build social and cognitive skills, and construct knowledge that they will use as they move into Kindergarten and beyond.

It also involves creating a community of learners in the classroom who respect and care for one another. The lead teacher works collaboratively with other classroom and specialist teachers. The lead teacher participates fully in the life of the school, attending in-service days, meetings, and school celebrations, and upholds the mission, vision, and values of Westside School.

Reports to: Preschool Division Head

Responsibilities include:

• Promote and advance  the cognitive, emotional, social, and physical well being of the students in the classroom.
• Plan, prepare and deliver an experience that facilitates active, play-based learning.
• Value and incorporate diverse perspectives in daily interactions and within the curriculum.
• Establish classroom expectations that create a safe and comfortable environment for all students.
• Regularly assess student progress and present this learning in formal reports and conferences.
• Maintain the classroom environment and materials attractively and manage the classroom budget.
• Share ownership for the educational program with colleagues and the Preschool Division Head.
• Engage in Westside’s continued journey to educate ourselves and embrace issues of diversity, equity, inclusion and anti-racist work.
• Set annual goals for focus and growth with the Preschool Division Head, participate in a peer support team, and seek out and engage in staff development opportunities.
• Serve as a mentor for a classroom Instructional Assistant.
• Communicate with the parent community by writing weekly newsletters.

Successful candidates will have the following personal and professional attributes:

• Philosophy of education that aligns with the school’s mission and values.
• Masters degree or equivalent experience in teaching, early child development or a related field.
• Minimum of two years of preschool/pre-K teaching experience.
• Strong written, verbal, interpersonal, and conflict resolution skills; good presentation skills. 
• Skill and experience at differentiated instruction. 
• Enthusiasm for working collaboratively with colleagues including the desire to plan learning projects across classrooms and disciplines.
• Familiarity and facility with current research informing teaching and learning.

 Start Date: August 19, 2021 

Compensation and Benefits: This is a full-time position for the 2021-2022 academic school year. Westside School offers a generous benefits package to full-time employees, which includes health, dental and vision insurance, professional development, and some flexibility with time off. 

Westside School prepares students for the world by challenging them to achieve academic success, and by connecting their human spirit and imagination to learning.

To Apply: Please submit a cover letter, resume, statement of educational philosophy, and three professional references, to employment@westsideschool.org

Westside School is an Equal Opportunity Employer.