Career Center

Classroom Teacher 

This educator is committed to progressive education in a school with a long history of ideals and practices educating the whole child. TLS teachers deliver powerful instruction driven by curiosity and inquiry and that embraces academic and social emotional learning. We hire teachers committed to collaborative teaching within a vibrant adult learning community. 

Job Description: TLS teachers... 

• Delight in the possibility and potential of children. They respect the social, physical and intellectual development of each child and create experiences where learning feels playful, and play is full of learning. 
• Nourish the social emotional life of each child by supporting and teaching curiosity, empathy, enthusiasm, interest, resilience, reflection, inquiry and collaboration.  
• Plan and implement integrated curriculum, rich learning tasks and activities, and authentic learning objectives in the areas of academic, emotional, social and physical growth.  
• Structure and lead the classroom to provide engaging instruction, nurture positive relationships and community, and establish a safe, warm, responsive environment for learning. 

• Work collaboratively and productively with fellow teachers, associate teachers and administrators. 
• Use observation skills and curricular frameworks to assess children's learning and behavior, maintain records about their progress, write narrative reports and identify short-term and long-term learning goals. 
• Work directly with parents, providing verbal and written updates; conduct home visits and conferences with families. 
• Document, write and speak professionally about the program and children's work; write weekly newsletters and biannual blog posts; present at parent education events; actively participate in professional associations; and engage with prospective students and families. 
• Convey understanding of and commitment to progressive education ideals and practices, equity, inclusion and social justice; integrate these ideals in curriculum, teaching and communication with children, families and colleagues. 

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions: 

• Frequently twist/bend/stoop/squat; stand/walk, lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh up to 40 pounds. 
• Work outdoors on a regular basis, occasionally in inclement weather.  
• Work and attend various events that take place evenings or weekends. 

Desired Skills and Experience:  

• Experience teaching elementary grades, preferably 5 + years working with K – 5th grade. 
• Bachelor’s Degree (BA or BS). 
• Teaching certificate. 

• Experience engaging community conversations around diversity, equity, inclusion and race. 

Compensation includes competitive faculty salary, health, vision, dental and retirement benefits. The 2023-2024 salary grid is still being confirmed but salaries will range between $60,000-90,000 depending on experience and education. 

Submit: Resume, letter of interest and three references to employment@thelittleschool.org as soon as possible.  

About The Little School: 

The Little School is an independent preschool-5th grade elementary school in Bellevue, WA. Nestled in 12.5 acres of woods and meadows, The Little School provides a natural setting to nurture children’s curiosity and potential. We build upon the inherent strengths of each child and support them as they expand their intellect, build foundational skills and deepen their connections to friends and teachers. Each student knows and is known in our community, and children here learn to develop the interpersonal skills and confidence to advocate for themselves and for others. Our commitment to community includes advocacy and stewardship of our surroundings as well. The classroom extends to the outdoors, providing plenty of opportunities for children to study and appreciate the natural world.  

Our Mission: 

The Little School cultivates authentic learning in community and the natural world, amplifying curiosity and expanding sense of self, belonging and possibility.  

Our Vision: 

We foster vibrant understanding and promote action that forwards sustainability, justice and joy. 

Non-discrimination Statement: 
The Little School does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, nationality, sexual orientation, gender identity or family composition in the administration of its admissions, financial aid, hiring or any other school-administered programs. 

Desired Skills and Experience:  

• Experience teaching elementary grades, preferably 5 + years working with K – 5th grade. 
• Bachelor’s Degree (BA or BS). 
• Teaching certificate.
• Experience engaging community conversations around diversity, equity, inclusion and race. 

About The Little School

Important resources to get to know The Little School include: https://www.thelittleschool.org/about/diversity-and-inclusion https://www.thelittleschool.org/about/mission-vision-and-values https://www.thelittleschool.org/about/strategic-plan https://www.thelittleschool.org/program

Connections working at The Little School