Career Center

Middle School Language Arts Substitute Teacher (Grades 5-8)

Mission

Open Window School nurtures and inspires students of high intellectual potential.

Overview

Open Window School (K-8, coed, 358 student day school) is seeking highly qualified candidates for its Middle School Language Arts Substitute Teacher position.

Open Window is dedicated to serving gifted students. With a strong commitment to social-emotional learning, these exceptional young people are nurtured and inspired in both their academic and personal growth. Parents/guardians and students alike are quick to point out the strength in the faculty and the close relationships Open Window teachers forge with their students. Open Window students have true enthusiasm for deep and accelerated learning, with an emphasis on project-based initiatives with real world application. Innovation and risk taking are encouraged within a supportive environment. Open Window School graduates are empathetic, academically well-prepared, innovative problem solvers, purposeful global citizens with a commitment to equity and inclusion. This is a place where it is cool to be smart and the expectation is that our students will graduate and make a difference in high school and beyond.

Located on a beautiful campus in Bellevue, Washington, 10 miles from the center of downtown Seattle, Open Window benefits from its unique location; it is surrounded by woods right in the middle of one of the fastest growing metro populations in the country. The school enjoys a robust and growing pipeline of students which will continue to drive demand for the type of rich educational experience guided by Open Window’s mission and values.

Position Overview

Open Window School is welcoming applications for a Language Arts Teacher to join the humanities team as a long-term sub from March through June of 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 temporary 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.  

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. 

Major Areas of Responsibility/Specific Duties:

• 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
• Other duties as needed and assigned.

Qualities & Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree and/or relevant experience.
• Experience in gifted education is a plus.
• Experience with an advisory program is a plus.
• Excellent cultural competency, willing and able to excel to work with multiple groups of people from diverse backgrounds.
• Excellent written and verbal skills demonstrated via phone, email, and in-person conversations.
• Demonstrated attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently, collegially, and collaboratively. Positive team member.
• Demonstrate a warm, engaging demeanor towards families, colleagues, and public.
• Strong computer skills and proficient user of Microsoft Office, as well as a willingness to learn new technology as needed.
• Supports our mission statement to nurture and inspire students of high intellectual potential.

Position Details:

Manager:                                 Director of the Middle School

Compensation:                        Starting salary $59,000 (compensation for this role is dependent on a combination of education and experience. Please reference the OWS Lead Teacher Salary Scale for additional information)

Position Classification:            Exempt, Full Time, Temporary; this position is benefit eligible

Hours:                                      8am – 4pm, Tuesdays until 5pm. This role requires some commitments outside these hours including, but not limited to school events and Middle School Trips.

Benefits include:

• Sick/personal leave and paid holidays
• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance (paid 100% for employee only coverage)
• Employer paid Health Reimbursement Account
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• 403(b) Retirement Account, Pre-tax & Roth Options (eligible for employer contribution and employer match after one year of service).
• Life and AD&D Insurance
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Professional development and training opportunities

Proof of COVID-19 vaccination will be verified by the Human Resources Manager 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.

To Apply:

Please submit a cover letter describing your interest in and qualifications for this position, your resume, and answers to the Diversity Commitment Questions below on our Career Opportunities website. Applicants must submit an answer to both of the following Diversity Commitment Questions as a single word or pdf document:

• How would you define diversity?
• Describe how you have demonstrated a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in your current or prior job. If necessary, candidates can draw upon their experience in community organizations if professional experience is limited.

Please be prepared to provide 3-5 professional references and one personal reference if requested. If you are unable to apply online, you are welcome to fax your resume, cover letter, and answers to the Diversity Commitment Questions to 425-644-6320.

Open Window School does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, color, religion, creed, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, national or ethnic origin, or other status legally protected by local, state, or federal law.

About Open Window School

Open Window School, an independent K-8 school serving intellectually gifted students, is is located in Bellevue/Issaquah, Washington and is fully accredited by NWAIS (Northwest Association of Independent Schools). Founded in 1983 to provide an educational environment specially designed for gifted learners, Open Window is, to use the school’s motto, a place “Where Students Love to Learn.” Current enrollment is 340 students. More Information is available at openwindowschool.org.

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