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 Arts team.  The Visual Arts Teacher for Middle School will join a four-person Arts team (visual, theater, and music in Middle and Lower School). 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.  This involves developing and implementing a comprehensive age-appropriate Visual Arts curriculum for our 5-8th grade classes.  It also involves creating a community of learners in the classroom who respect and care for one another. The Art Teacher works collaboratively with classroom and other arts 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.

Reports to: Middle School Head 

Responsibilities:

• Teach 13+ classes per week to grades 5th-8th. 
• Promote and advance the cognitive, emotional, social, and physical well-being of the students during art classes.
• Engage in Westside’s continued journey to educate ourselves and embrace issues of diversity, equity, inclusion and anti-racist work.
• Implement and adapt curriculum using current art instructional methodologies.
• 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.
• 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.
• Enhances their own cultural competence and facilitates the cultural awareness, knowledge and skills of all students  in relation to arts learning. 
• Regularly assess student learning and present this learning in formal reports and conferences.
• Work collaboratively with the arts team to develop arts continuum and best classroom practice. 
• Communicate with parents as needed.
• Maintain and purchase arts curriculum materials.
• Set annual goals for focus and growth with the Middle School Head, participating in a peer support team, and seeking out and participating in staff development opportunities.
• Help with dismissal, lunch, snack, and other duties throughout the year.

Successful candidates will have the following personal and professional attributes:

• Minimum of two years of art teaching experience, preferably at the Middle School level.
• A bachelor’s degree (or higher) in the arts, art education, or a related field.
• Skills and experience in differentiated instruction.
• Understanding of how systematic and institutional barriers affect students' learning experiences and outcomes. 
• Sensitivity to issues of bias, racism, prejudice, and stereotyping.
• Enthusiasm for working collaboratively with colleagues, including the desire to plan curriculum experiences across the Middle School.
• Familiarity and facility with current research informing teaching and learning (general classroom instructional methodologies, social and emotional learning, classroom management, learning differences, etc.).
• A passion for the creative arts and an active personal creative arts practice.

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 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.

To Apply:

Please submit a resume, cover letter, statement of educational philosophy, and a list of 3-5 references to employment@westsideschool.org.

Westside School is an Equal Opportunity Employer.