Lower School Assistant Teacher

Annie Wright is seeking a Lower School Assistant Teacher to begin as early as June 18, 2025, and no later than August 15, 2025. This is a full-time, 12-month staff position and reports directly to the Lower School Assistant Director. We have one position supporting our Grade 2 classrooms during the school day (9:30 am - 3:10 pm), and supporting students in Kindergarten through Grade 5 in our after school Extended Day program (3:10 - 6:00 pm), with the hours of 9:30 am - 6:00 pm.

Mission Statement

Annie Wright’s strong community cultivates individual learners to become well-educated, creative, and responsible citizens for a global society.

Position description

The Lower School Assistant Teacher is a passionate educator who finds joy in working with young students. They are intuitive and see the academic and social-emotional needs that arise throughout the school day when working with young children. The Lower School Assistant Teacher understands the importance of their role as a support to both the lead teacher and the students, and is comfortable stepping in as needed to assist in a variety of duties from reading groups to math support to snack and recess. The Lower School Assistant Teacher builds strong relationships with students, supporting them to be their best as a learner and a friend. They see them for who they are, build upon their strengths, and with the classroom teacher, support them in their areas of growth. While there is always work to do in a Lower School classroom or Extended Day space, the Lower School Assistant Teacher approaches each day with flexibility and positivity, allowing them to support student learning.

Position overview: Duties and Responsibilities

The Lower School Assistant Teacher:

• Assists in the Grade 2 classrooms in the Lower School and supports school policies and procedures in alignment with the mission and philosophy of Annie Wright Schools and with the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP) framework;
• Assists in supporting the academic, social, and emotional growth of the students;
• Supports the lead teacher with classroom management;
• Supervises and engages students in the after-school Extended Day program;
• Facilitates the end-of-day transition for students from the classroom to carline, bus routes, Extended Day activities, and performs other duties as assigned;
• Assists in supervising and supporting the Extended Day program during the winter and spring breaks and AWS summer camp through the summer;
• Invites feedback and follows direction from lead teachers, and maintains a cordial and professional relationship with colleagues.

Qualifications

The Lower School Assistant Teacher will demonstrate key elements of the listed expertise and experiences. This is an aspirational list, and Annie Wright Schools encourages candidates to apply who may not currently possess, but are working on building, all of these qualities. The Lower School Assistant Teacher:

• Holds a high school diploma (bachelor’s degree is preferred);
• Has a minimum of 1-3 years of experience working in schools with young children;
• Demonstrates the ability to work collaboratively with colleagues;
• Is open to feedback and support to grow professionally;
• Practices cultural humility in personal interactions;
• Is available to work year-round on school days and during school breaks.
• And, is eligible to work in the United States. Note: Under our current employment policies, we are unable to sponsor work visas and do not offer positions to candidates who are not yet eligible to work in the United States.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to sit and stand for extended periods;
• Must be able to move comfortably around a classroom and outdoor playground space, accessing materials and assisting students as needed;
• Must be able to communicate and exchange information with young children, other teachers and families.

Salary and Benefits

This position offers an hourly rate of $24.51 that will increase to $25.45 on September 1, 2025. Benefits available to the hired candidate for the Lower School Assistant Teacher position include the following, subject to the terms of the applicable benefit plan:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Life insurance
• Accidental death & dismemberment insurance
• Long-term disability insurance
• Ability to accrue up to three weeks (3) of Vacation per accrual year, with a maximum rollover of 40 hours of vacation
• Paid sick leave (known as Wellness Days): Each regular full-time employee earns 80 hours of Wellness leave per accrual year
• Eighteen (18) paid Holidays in 2025
• Fifty percent (50%) Tuition remission in accordance with school policy. All fees and incidental expenses are the sole responsibility of the employee-parent
• All children of benefited employees of AWS, who are currently enrolled at AWS, are eligible for extended day services at no charge when school is in session.
• A 403(b) retirement plan with a 6% company match with a 3 % employee contribution

Application process

Annie Wright Schools remain firmly committed to a policy of equal employment opportunity. Annie Wright shall hire, promote, transfer, terminate, and make all other employment related decisions without regard to an employee’s race, color, creed, sex, religion, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, political ideology, the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability, or any other basis prohibited by law. Annie Wright Schools are actively seeking to create a more culturally diverse school community, and accordingly, applicants of color and underrepresented backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

To apply, email a cover letter, resume, email, and telephone contact information for 3-5 professional references, and this completed and signed , all in PDF format, to Mrs. Erin Gann, Executive Assistant to the Head of Schools, at . In accordance with Annie Wright Schools’ strategic focus on issues related to social justice, candidates should anticipate being asked to address how their past work, as well as future contributions, might serve to advance Annie Wright’s commitment to a more diverse and inclusive community. Applications for this position will be accepted until filled.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $24.51 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Ability to Commute:

• Tacoma, WA 98403 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Tacoma, WA 98403: Relocate before starting work (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $25