Position Summary

The Valley School is in search of a dynamic, joyful, enthusiastic kindergarten teacher.  The school has only one kindergarten, so this position is a lead for the grade level, working closely with the Head of School and Director of Student Services to develop a program that is rich in both academics and play.  As a school committed to providing a deeply thoughtful and developmentally appropriate kindergarten experience, we are in search of someone who is ready to dig in, bring new ideas, and develop a program that will provide joyful, rich experiences for our young learners. 

Consistent with the Valley School’s Standards of Effective Teaching, the ideal candidate will: 

1. Model and respect the School’s Mission and Values
2. Demonstrate a belief that all children can learn and recognize the different developmental stages, cultural backgrounds, learning styles, and passions that influence a child’s educational experience 
3. Use a variety of teaching strategies to meet the learning, social, and emotional needs of a wide range of diverse learners
4. Design a clear, well-organized, well-balanced, and flexible curriculum that is responsive to the learning of each class and each child
5. Create and effectively manage a positive and respectful classroom environment that promotes student learning while fostering kindness, self-expression, creativity, and respect for differences 
6. Set clear goals for student learning and use a variety of assessment tools to inform instruction and to provide frequent feedback to students about their progress 
7. Communicate with parents and colleagues about student growth in a clear, professional, and timely way
8. Actively support colleagues and collaborate with other teachers and specialists to meet each student’s needs and to ensure the overall quality of education
9. Engage regularly in opportunities for professional growth and model a growth mindset
10. Participate actively in the life of The Valley School 

The Valley School Mission 

At The Valley School, we ignite children’s natural passion for learning. Our students develop an academic foundation and become joyful learners through playful work, purposeful play, and the practice of community. 

Our Values include: celebration of childhood, collaboration, creativity, equity and inclusion, kindness, and respect for individuality.

Diversity, Equity, Belonging, and Justice (DEBJ) Statement 

The Valley School honors diversity, practices inclusion, and invites courageous conversations. We strive to create a community where each individual is valued, respected, and included. Though the journey can be muddy—much like our playground—we aim to give every child the tools necessary to flourish. 

The Valley School does not discriminate against any person on the basis of age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation (including gender expression or identity), race, creed, color, national origin, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability. 

Application

To apply, please email a cover letter and current resume to Shana Reiss de Reyes, Head of School.  In the cover letter, include what draws you to this position and what you enjoy about teaching young children.  Please use the subject line: Kindergarten Teacher position

In experience and skills, the ideal candidate will have:

1. A Bachelor’s Degree in education, preferably in early childhood and elementary education; Master’s and Washington State teaching certificate preferred
2. Three years of experience as a classroom teacher
3. Deep knowledge of early literacy
4. Experience in developing and implementing curriculum, as well as experience using published curriculum in flexible and dynamic ways to meet the needs of all students
5. Experience in assessing student learning, using a variety of measurements and tools, documenting that assessment and using it inform instruction
6. Flexibility and adaptability to meet the needs of a wide range of learners
7. Experience in working with a diverse group of students and families
8. Strong communication skills, in both writing and speaking
9. Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and families
10. A deep appreciation of children, especially early childhood

About The Valley School

The Valley School is a progressive, pre-kindergarten through 5th grade, independent school that carefully attends to the individual development of children through intellectual exploration, community, and play. We believe childhood is to be celebrated rather than rushed. It is a special time of exploration, unsuppressed creativity, friendship, and wonder. By understanding and respecting childhood, children — brimming with curiosity and imagination—grow into whole-hearted learners, practiced in thoughtful inquiry and critical thinking. Our Mission and Values At The Valley School, we ignite children’s natural passion for learning. Our students develop an academic foundation and become joyful learners through playful work, purposeful play, and the practice of community. Our school values include: celebration of childhood, collaboration, creativity, equity and inclusion, kindness, and respect for individuality. Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access (DEIA) Statement The Valley School honors diversity, practices inclusion, and invites courageous conversations. We strive to create a community where each individual is valued, respected, and included. Though the journ...ey can be muddy – much like our playground – we aim to give every child the tools necessary to flourish.

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Connections working at The Valley School