Career Center

Instructional Assistant for Fifth Grade (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 approximately 400 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. 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 Teaching & Learning 

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 Teaching & Learning. 
• 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.
• Bachelor's 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 18, 2022 

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.

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 recommended booster shots. 

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, and three professional references, to employment@westsideschool.org.

Westside School is an Equal Opportunity Employer.