Career Center

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 ~380 students in preschool through eighth grade. Twenty-nine percent of our student body are Black, Indigenous and People of Color. Westside’s preschool/pre-Kindergarten program serves 60 students in 2 preschool (PS) classrooms for 3-4 year olds, and 2 pre-K (PK) 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 is seeking a passionate, collaborative teacher to join our Early Learning team in the position of Assistant Teacher. This teacher will work with the Early Learning Team supporting teachers and students in a preschool or pre-Kindergarten classroom part-time, as well as lead a cohort of Early Learning students in aftercare (2:00-5:00). The Assistant Teacher will bridge the transition from school day to aftercare, creating continuity for students enrolled in our Extended Day Program. We are seeking a candidate who is able to support the school’s focus on diversity and inclusion and who demonstrates an understanding and appreciation of intercultural fluency. Westside’s emergent Early Learning curriculum is play-based, focused on experiential learning, and designed to foster the social-emotional foundations for academic learning. 

Our Early Learning Assistant Teacher will 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. The Early Learning Instructional Assistants support the creation of a community of learners in the classroom who respect and care for one another. They participate fully in the life of the school, attending in-service days, meetings, and school celebrations, and uphold the mission, vision, and values of Westside School.

Reports to: Early Learning Division Head

Responsibilities:

• Work in-person from 11:00am to 5:15pm with a 30 minute break
• Assist Lead Teacher and Instructional Assistants with classroom management and be committed to oversee the safety and well-being of students in the classroom as well as on the playground during the school day
• Co-teach Early Learning Aftercare program with Early Learning aftercare staff
• Assist in the preparation of the indoor and outdoor learning environments (ex: preparing materials and supplies, cleaning up, properly storing materials in collaboration with the children)
• Assist children with activities and transitions
• Establish strong daily routines and rhythms for children
• Plan interesting and relaxing after school activities
• Supports classroom expectations that create a safe and comfortable environment for all students
• Value and incorporate diverse perspectives in daily student interactions and within the curriculum
• Maintain positive relationships with families
• Prepare and serve snack
• Perform other duties as assigned

Successful candidates will have the following personal and professional qualifications:

• High School diploma required
• Associates or Bachelor’s degree preferred
• Experience working with preschool age children
• Passionate, knowledgeable, and creative
• Team player and committed to making learning joyful
• 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, accept feedback, and conduct oneself in a professional manner
• Strong communication skills and interpersonal skills
• Able to effectively communicate with parents
• Ability to maintain confidential information
• WA State Department of Children, Youth & Families (DCYF) for Child Care Center: Early Childhood Assistant Teacher Qualifications (Preferred. Will provide training for the right candidate.)
• •  Including but not limited to: DCYF background check, TB test, High school diploma, Childcare basics, First Aid/ CPR, Blood-borne pathogens training
    

Start Date: August 18, 2022

COVID-19 School Mandate: Westside School follows WA State Government’s mandates in regard to COVID-19. This includes but is not limited to the mandate that all school employees are required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 (excluding religious and medical exemptions), including a booster shot. 

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

Westside School is an Equal Opportunity Employer.