Career Center

Are you...

• A curious and creative mentor excited to bridge intellect, heart, and imagination during afterschool programming?
• A compassionate and collaborative educator and role model for students?
• An enthusiastic community member eager to collaborate and build relationships?
• A mentor that loves empowering students through integrity, compassion, and responsibility?

Yes? Then read on!

Ideal candidates possess a background in working with pre-Kindergarten and elementary children, previous experience working with diverse learners, and share the belief that diversity brings perspectives and authentic experiences central to preparing responsible and active global citizens. 

We seek someone who enjoys partnering with staff, is passionate, and committed to meeting the needs of students in an afterschool setting. The ideal candidate demonstrates a commitment to advancing our belief that the challenges of our world require culturally competent, well-rounded, critically thinking individuals who are empowered to inquire, investigate, innovate, and impact their communities. We also seek candidates committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion with the belief that a learning environment that is inclusive and more diverse will promote a deeper understanding of varying points of view, and will fuel innovation, creativity, and progressive change. 

Who we are:

An independent Pre-K-5 school, The Meridian School is located in a grand, century-old building nestled in verdant 6.5-acre Meridian Park in the Wallingford neighborhood of Seattle, WA. The school cultivates a balance of mind and heart to nurture caring and confident learners prepared to thrive in and contribute to their local and global communities. Education at Meridian is much more than lessons in the classroom or problem-solving on Smart Boards. It’s about life. Meridian is a place where the joy of childhood infuses the excitement of learning. By integrating curriculum, citizenship, and community, the school provides the foundation for well-rounded students.

At the core of Meridian’s philosophy is the relationship between teachers and students. Small classes ensure that students thrive; children feel known, and safe both intellectually and emotionally. The intimate learning environment affords rich opportunities for cooperative and interactive experiences – we believe that student participation and personal choice lead to a powerful investment in and passion for learning. The curriculum promotes integration across subjects, connected to thinking, and real-world application. The school’s inclusive community supports all learners and encourages active listing to different viewpoints and opinions. Learning how to solve problems and make good choices are a priority, as is respect for oneself, others, and the environment.

Meridian prompts diversity of thought and identity by bringing together community and curriculum, connecting awareness to actions, and celebrating the contribution of the individual community. We believe that the challenges in our world require culturally-competent, well-rounded, critically thinking individuals who are prepared to be responsible and active global citizens; that diversity brings perspectives and authentic experiences central to an education that balances the intellectual, emotional, and social growth of children; and, that a school community and learning environment that is inclusive and diverse will promote a deeper understanding of varying points of view, and will fuel innovation, creativity, and progressive change.

About Meridian's Extended Day Program:

The Meridian School offers an inclusive Pre-k Extended Day program, designed to engage interests of all kinds so that every child finds something enjoyable. The Extended Day program supports Meridian’s school curriculum and community expectations through small group Responsive Classroom activities; and by maintaining school-wide behavioral expectations. Meridian’s Extended Day Team is committed to providing an after-school environment that is physically and emotionally safe, where children can learn, grow, make friends, explore new interests, and have fun. Meridian's afternoon Extended Day hours are Monday to Friday from 2pm - 5:30pm during the school year, with options for additional hours during school breaks and non-school days.

Job Summary: 

Both within a team environment and under minimal supervision creates a safe and engaging space for students after school. Uses their unique expertise and experiences to connect with students through positive social interaction, age-appropriate projects and crafts, and play.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Oversees the health and safety of Meridian students after school
• Designs and delivers engaging projects, activities, games, and sports for four- and five-year-olds
• Demonstrates best instructional practices to deliver a high-quality, developmentally appropriate curriculum to students
• In collaboration with classroom faculty, actively creates and maintains a well-managed, positive classroom environment that supports student engagement and motivation
• Develops and maintain positive relationships with students
• Supervises students in a variety of settings, including, but not limited to, the classroom and the School’s playground
• Supports the pre-Kindergarten lead faculty manage ongoing licensing requirements as stipulated by the Department of Child, Youth, and Family Services (DCFY)
• Has a commitment to ongoing cultural competence professional development and has the motivation to put these skills into practice
• Understands and support the school’s mission through professional conduct and actions which demonstrate the core values and philosophy of the organization
• Initiates growth and change in own intellectual and professional development, seeking out feedback and other opportunities to learn
• Communicates to parents and Meridian staff and faculty important student information through phone, email, and in-person conversation
• Provides injury and illness treatment and reporting
• Actively participates in the full life of the school
• Vigorously engages in professional development; demonstrates a commitment to life-long learning by enhancing their skills, and embracing innovative technologies and creative thinking
• Is familiar with and complies with all policies and regulations as put forth in the school’s documents
• Is familiar with and complies with all sign-in/sign-out policies
• Takes all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, faculty, staff, equipment, materials, and facilities.
• Performs other duties as assigned

If this sounds like you, please click on Apply for Job, complete our online employment application, and upload your resume and a cover letter indicating why you are interested in the position and in The Meridian School.

Don't meet every single requirement? At Meridian we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace. If you are excited about this role but your past experience does not align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyways. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

Employees must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. All individuals who are offered a position will be required to provide a valid proof of COVID-19 vaccination prior to starting employment. Exemptions for documented medical conditions or seriously held religious beliefs may be requested.

Position open until filled. No phone calls or drop-ins, please.

The Meridian School is an equal-opportunity employer. This means we do not discriminate in employment decisions or policies in violation of law on the basis of any legally protected status, including race, color, national origin, citizenship status, creed, religion, gender, national origin, age (over 40), marital status, physical or mental disability, use of a trained service animal, gender identity, sexual orientation, political ideology, HIV status, and veteran status. Our policy of non-discrimination applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to hiring, placement, promotion, termination, reduction in force, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. We comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws that prohibit discrimination in employment. This policy applies to admissions and administration of all of its programs, as well as to all areas of employment.

Visit our website at www.meridianschool.edu.

Required Education & Experience:

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent required
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university preferred; Early Childhood Education (ECE) preferred
• WA State Initial ECE Certificate (12 credits) preferred
• Current certification in Adult, Child, and Infant CPR and First Aid
• Experience working with pre-Kindergarten and/or elementary school-aged children
• Experience working in an independent school environment preferred

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Knowledge of the developmental stages of children aged three to five years
• Proficient technology skills and the knowledge and ability to integrate technology into the classroom
• A valid WA driver’s license and be willing to drive Meridian vehicles for work-related tasks is preferred 
• Excellent organizational, writing, and communication skills
• Enthusiasm, flexibility, maturity, and a sense of humor
• Ability to keep information in the strictest confidence
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusivity
• Ability to stand, go up and down stairs frequently, crouch
• Warm and friendly demeanor
• Detail-oriented and organized
• Calm under pressure or difficult situations
• Comfortable asking questions and seeking help
• Ability to think critically and learn new systems
• Ability to work both individually and in groups
• Disciplined and reliable
• Comfortable dealing with bodily fluids, including blood and vomit
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal with both children and adults
• Flexibility, maturity, and a sense of humor
• Ability to lift up to 20 pounds, interact with students, and move around the classroom
• Ability to work outside in any type of weather
• Ability to travel locally (for field trips)

About The Meridian School

ABOUT MERIDIAN Founded in 1976, The Meridian School is an independent, co-ed elementary school (Pre-K-5), located in the historic Good Shepherd Center in Seattle’s Wallingford neighborhood. The Meridian School is a place where the joy of childhood infuses the excitement of learning. By integrating curriculum, citizenship, and community, we provide the foundation for well-rounded students. Committed to developing global citizens in an equitable and inclusive culture, Meridian promotes diversity of thought and identity and actively seeks dedicated and engaged culturally competent faculty and staff from diverse backgrounds. OUR MISSION The Meridian School cultivates a balance of mind and heart to nurture caring and confident learners prepared to thrive in and contribute to their local and global communities. The Meridian School is an equal-opportunity employer. This means we do not discriminate in employment decisions or policies in violation of law on the basis of any legally protected status, including race, color, national origin, citizenship status, creed, religion, gender, national origin, age (over 40), marital status, physical or mental disability, use of a tra...ined service animal, gender identity, sexual orientation, political ideology, HIV status, and veteran status. Our policy of non-discrimination applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to hiring, placement, promotion, termination, reduction in force, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. We comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws that prohibit discrimination in employment. This policy applies to admissions and administration of all of its programs, as well as to all areas of employment.

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