Career Center

Middle School Language Arts Teacher Grades 5-8

Open Window School is welcoming applications for a Language Arts Teacher to join the humanities team as a long-term sub for the 2022-23 school year. This is a rare opportunity for a talented, innovative, energetic, experienced teacher to join our team. A passion for learning, literature and writing are a must for this position!

This full-time position focuses on the instruction of language arts. Primary language arts components include effective teaching of reading comprehension and the writing process, including expository, persuasive, creative, and narrative forms. Candidates should have knowledge of a wide array of middle school literature, and proven experience teaching skills in deep reading comprehension as well as leading student book groups and discussions such as Socratic Seminars. This teacher will collaborate with the social studies team to deepen humanities learning on an array of grade specific topics that span ancient world history through modern day current events.

The Humanities department is comprised of six lead teachers who work together to deliver our social studies and language arts programs. Classes are comprised of approximately 14-16 students. Other responsibilities include participation in weekly department and faculty meetings, leading an Advisory group focusing on social-emotional learning, teaching or supervising student-led elective classes, and attendance on overnight trips and some evening and weekend activities.

Open Window is a K-8 school and the only independent school on Seattle’s Eastside dedicated to meeting the needs of intellectually gifted students. Our faculty members enjoy a climate of superb collaboration and professional dialogue in fulfillment of our school’s Core Values:

Teaching - We have passionate, caring teachers who "get" gifted children.

Authenticity - We challenge, support, and trust students to do real work that matters and has an impact beyond the classroom.

Love of Learning - We engage our students' curiosity, cultivate their passions, and encourage intellectual risk-taking within a supportive peer group.

Social and Emotional Learning - We support the unique needs of gifted students through an intentional program of social and emotional learning.

Community - Open Window is a diverse and welcoming community, united in supporting our children and families.

Successful candidates will be able to demonstrate previous experience:

• Inspiring students identified as gifted with a creative and innovative curriculum
• Understanding of and appreciation for the developmental needs of adolescents
• Experience in the use of technology for instruction
• Unit planning and scaffolding for differentiation and acceleration in curriculum
• Foster critical thinking, intellectual risk taking, and strong academic skills

Strong candidates may have:

• Experience working with gifted students
• Experience with an Advisory program

Compensation and Benefits:

This is an exempt, faculty position, not eligible for overtime.  Work schedule is generally 8 AM – 4 PM, Tuesdays until 5:00 PM for faculty meetings. This role requires some commitments outside these hours including, but not limited to school events and Middle School Trips.  Salary is determined based upon education/training, the OWS salary schedule for Lead Teachers can be found here:

https://openwindowschool.myschoolapp.com/ftpimages/635/download/download_4494943.pdf

Important Note: As stated in Governor’s Proclamation 21-14, all employees engaging in work at a private or public school are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 prior to your hire date. Proof of vaccination will be verified by the Human Resources Director after an employment offer has been extended and accepted. Please reach out to Human Resources at hr@ows.org if you need information on a medical or religious accommodation.

 Benefits include:

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Health Reimbursement Account
• Health Flexible Spending Account
• Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
• 403(b) Retirement Account, Pre-tax & Roth Options
  After completing one Year of Service at Open Window, as defined in the Plan’s eligibility terms, 3% of an employee’s eligible monthly salary will be contributed to their Open Window retirement account. A 3% matching contribution will also be made by Open Window each pay period that the employee contributes at least 3% of their eligible pay.
• Life and AD&D Insurance
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Educational Assistance Program, providing tuition reimbursement for those pursuing advanced degrees.