Career Center

Middle School Mandarin Teacher for Grades 5-8  (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 ~400 students in preschool through eighth grade. 34% 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. We also have a number of cross-divisional staff that work throughout the entire Middle School. 

The Grade 5-8 Mandarin Teacher is part of a four person World Languages team that works collaboratively to ensure alignment between lower and middle school World Languages.  The Mandarin 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. 

Reports to:  Middle School Head 

Responsibilities include:

• Maintain and help focus the school’s mission, vision, and values.
• Teach 50-55 minute classes to one section each of sixth through eighth grade and two sections of 5th grade. 
• Promote and advance the cognitive, emotional, social, and physical well-being of the students.
• Implement and adapt the curriculum using best practices in Mandarin instruction, including differentiation to meet the needs of all students.
• Engage in Westside’s continued journey to educate ourselves and embrace issues of diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racist work.
• Coordinate regularly with other classroom teachers about curriculum and classroom areas of study.
• Meet with classroom teachers as needed to discuss student progress and identified needs. 
• Meet regularly with World Language Team to maintain continuity and alignment of benchmarks and standards in world language curriculum.
• Regularly assess student learning and present this learning in formal reports and conferences.
• Value and incorporate diverse perspectives in daily interactions and within the curriculum.
• Advise a small group of middle school students. Advisory groups will meet once daily each week.
• Participate in international trips to China, Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore or other Chinese speaking countries.
• Communicate with parents as needed.
• Maintain World Language curriculum materials.
• Cover dismissal, lunch, snack, recess, and other duties throughout the year. 

Successful candidates will have the following personal and professional attributes: 

• Minimum of two years of Mandarin teaching experience, preferably at the upper elementary or middle school level.
• A bachelor’s degree (or higher) in world languages (Mandarin endorsement), second language acquisition, education, or a related discipline. Teaching certification preferred.
• Understanding of how systematic and institutional barriers affect students' learning experiences and outcomes. 
• Sensitivity to issues of bias, racism, prejudice, and stereotyping.
• Understanding of and relevant experience in a variety of current language instructional techniques and methodologies.
• Skills and experience in differentiating instruction.
• 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.).

Start Date: August 18th, 2022

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.

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. 

Compensation and Benefits: This is a full-time position for the 2022-2023 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.

In addition to the above requirements, all candidates must legally be able to work in the United States. We are unable to provide work VISAs at this time.