What are the responsibilities and job description for the MIDDLE SCHOOL HUMANITIES TEACHER position at Westside School?
Employment
Westside School's Mission Statement
Westside students learn to think critically and act with compassion in a joyful, supportive community.
Westside School's Vision Statement
Westside is committed to being a collaborative, inclusive school where learners discover their unique strengths, embrace challenges, and develop a passion for learning, in order to contribute positively to their world.
Why work at Westside?
Westside School fosters a vibrant culture of belonging, recognized by the Northwest Association of Independent Schools as a defining strength*. Rooted in joyful learning, meaningful relationships, and mutual respect, we inspire creativity, innovation, and community. Our expert educators thrive in an inclusive environment that values diverse perspectives, integrated curriculum, and project-based learning. Supported by beautiful, mission-driven facilities, we celebrate different backgrounds and prioritize inclusion. We welcome applicants from all cultures and communities to apply.
- NWAIS commends Westside School for its visible, consistent, coherent, and deeply appreciated sense of community culture, informed by the values of the school and infused with joyful learning. Strong culture was mentioned by every single constituency as the “secret sauce” that binds the school together. The culture is created, in great part, by the teachers and the program they provide. There is a high level of student engagement in the classes because the curriculum and pedagogy are interesting and relevant. Students feel known and seen. Teachers treat the administration, each other, and the students with respect. - From the most recent NWAIS Accreditation Report
MIDDLE SCHOOL HUMANITIES TEACHER
Westside School is seeking a dynamic teacher to join our community school as a Middle School Language Arts and Social Studies Teacher. A solid understanding of developing literacy skills and inquiry-based teaching is essential, as is the capacity for teaching in a standards-based environment. We are looking for a colleague who is committed to collaboration, interdisciplinary approaches and using technology seamlessly to enhance learning. The person we seek will personalize the experiences for their students and foster a sense of agency for the learners in their care. The learning environment will be co-constructed with their students and be a place where inquiry, success, resilience and agency are nurtured and celebrated. This person is steadfast in their commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging; they will have a sophisticated understanding of what it means to foster belonging in school settings.
This role is to teach 8th Grade Language Arts and Social Studies.
Reports to Middle School Head
We are seeking colleagues who are driven by:
- a strong belief in Westside’s mission, vision and values
- student-centered pedagogies
- a love of middle school learners
- a focus on trust, relationships and community
Our learning environment is characterized as:
- inquiry based learning
- fostering agency in our learners
- service-oriented
- personalized
- joyful, nurturing and challenging
- diverse, safe and inclusive
Qualifications and Experience
Required
- At least two years of full-time classroom experience teaching in an accredited school
- At least a Bachelor’s degree
- Ability to work in the United States and not need support acquiring a visa
Preferred
- A Secondary license or certification for teaching
- An advanced degree in education
- Recent and relevant professional development in teaching and learning
Professional Skills/Qualities
- Successful experience teaching standards-based curriculum and inquiry-based learning
- Proven commitment to participate in and establish collaborative structures
- Ability to provide differentiated instruction for students with varying levels of ability
- Committed to utilizing data to make informed instructional decisions
- Experience utilizing technology tools to enhance student learning
- Proven ability to work successfully in a diverse and inclusive environment
- Ability to communicate effectively with students, parents, teachers and others
Teaching and Learning Responsibilities
Instruction
- Facilitates the instruction of middle school humanities classes
- Establishes a well-managed learning environment where active, individual learning and progress for all students is the norm
- Collaboratively develops unit plans by employing a backwards planning model that utilizes the identified scope and sequence and content standards
- Utilizes data from varied sources (diagnostic, formative, summative, standardized, etc) to inform instruction and develop differentiated learning opportunities for students
- Provides timely feedback to students that is actionable and relevant to their learning
- Monitors, advises and assists in the pastoral care of students utilizing a clearly defined Advisory program framework and philosophy
- Effectively embeds intentional learning experiences focused on developing a child’s approach to their learning and offers ongoing reflective opportunities for our students
School Community
- Understands and supports the diversity of the school community and students’ family backgrounds
- Works in a positive, cooperative and supportive way with students, parents, co-workers and other stakeholders
- Communicates regularly with parents on matters of school business
- Engages in and supports activities that help promote school spirit and sense of community
- Promotes opportunities for developing community involvement throughout the wider community
- Recognizes the importance of service learning to our community and promotes this with students and the wider community
School Organization
- Actively participates in meetings they attend
- Participates in professional development opportunities
- Sets and engages in professional goal setting that is aligned to mission and vision of the school; engages thoughtfully in the evaluation process
- Reads all staff bulletins for the whole school and their own division; checks and responds to emails within 24 hours
- Conducts school business at all times in a professional and ethical manner
- Safeguards the loss/damage of the school equipment and materials
- Assists the administration and subject colleagues in covering classes and duties - 5 per school year
Compensation and Benefits
This is a full-time position. The annual salary range is $61,000 - $90,000. Westside School offers a generous benefits package to full-time employees.
- 403b upon eligibility
- Medical, Dental, and Voluntary Dental benefits
- Life, AD&D, and Long-term Disability insurance
- 3 Days of Personal Time Off per year
- 7 Days of Sick Time Off per year
Start Date: August 14, 2025
Application Process
Interested candidates should send an application to: employment@westsideschool.org
The review of files will begin immediately upon receipt.
The application should include:
- Cover letter of application
- Resume
- Educational philosophy
- Three references, including names, positions, and contact email addresses
Westside School is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Salary : $61,000 - $90,000
