Bellevue, Washington
Seattle, Washington
Posted: 17-Jul-25
Location: Seattle, Washington
Type: Full Time
Salary: $47,787.74
Categories:
Salary Details:
Preferred Education:
Instructional Assistant (1st Grade)
Opportunity Statement
Villa Academy is an inclusive independent school community dedicated to developing the whole child in the Cabrinian tradition of “education of the heart.” Through dynamic, inquiry-based learning, Villa students become active agents of their own intellectual growth in preparation for lives of service and purpose.
Villa Academy seeks a full-time Instructional Assistant (1st Grade) to join its team starting in September. This assistant will support first grade teachers, specialists, and students. Duties vary widely and include instructional work with individual students, small groups, or a whole class. Instructional assistant positions are full-time, requiring 7-8 hour work days during the academic calendar year.
The ideal candidate is enthusiastic, informed, engaging, and focused on student-centered learning. They have a strong knowledge of school settings with an emphasis on student support and an understanding of the learning and development of early elementary age students.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Collaborate with two first grade teachers and the other first grade assistant to support students learning and development academically, behaviorally, and socially-emotionally.
- Support the cultivation of a positive classroom community across the first grade program utilizing Villa’s social-emotional learning and anti-bias curriculum.
- Under the direction of the first grade teachers, provide support in assessing and evaluating student growth and development in literacy skills and mathematics.
- Communicate clearly, kindly, productively, and effectively with colleagues, teachers, students, and families.
- Conduct individual, small group, and whole class instruction as directed by the first grade teachers or school administration.
- Complete clerical and administrative tasks, create classroom materials, supervise recess, lunch, or specialist classes in the lower school, support outdoor learning activities across our 31-acre campus and help with other lower school duties as needed.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Associate or bachelor’s degree with background in education preferred.
- Strong written and oral communication skills and the ability to simultaneously plan, organize and manage multiple projects are also required skills.
- Experience in working with young children in school or multi-age group settings.
- Experience in utilizing effective classroom support strategies and positive relationship-building practices for young learners. (Experience or training in ABA/BCBA preferred.)
- A commitment to ongoing professional growth and curiosity, cultural humility, and antiracism, and an understanding of its critical role in academic excellence and institutional growth.
- Ability to support the use of instructional technology effectively, including interactive whiteboards, document cameras, Google Apps for Education, and integrated student information systems.
- Enthusiasm for collaborating with colleagues as part of a professional learning community demonstrating the ability to be flexible and adapt to changes quickly.
SALARY RANGE AND BENEFITS:
Anticipated salary is $31.46/hour. Villa Academy offers a robust benefits package for full-time employees, including employer-paid medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, 401(k) retirement plan with employer contributions, Flexible Spending Accounts, free parking, potential for graduate school tuition reimbursement, paid time off, and professional development opportunities.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE:
Please provide, via email to villa-hiring@thevilla.org, items listed below (preferably in one PDF document):
- A cover letter detailing interest in and readiness for the role, addressed to Melissa Schweitzer, Director of Lower School.
- A current resume including relevant educational experience and three professional references.
Villa Academy is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all federal rules and regulations. Villa Academy does not discriminate in admission, access, treatment or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, gender identity, gender presentation, sex, sexual orientation, creed, age, national origin, marital status or ability.