Westside School teachers and staff work collaboratively to inspire creativity, innovation, and to deepen our sense of community. Westside faculty are exceptionally qualified in our fields, committed to being lifelong learners, and are passionate about our work. Our academic structure places a high value on integrated curriculum and project-based learning, with intentional administrative support. At Westside School, we value different backgrounds and ideas. Individuals from all cultures and communities are encouraged to apply.

Located in the Arbor Heights neighborhood of West Seattle, Westside serves 400 students in preschool through eighth grade. 34% of our student body are Black, Indigenous and People of Color. Westside’s Middle School serves 150 students in 5th-8th grade and is organized into 5/6 and 7/8 grade level teams, who collaborate to both implement and design meaningful curriculum.

Position Summary

The Long-term Substitute Math Teacher for 5th & 6th grade is a temporary position (August 17-December 19, 2023) filling in for our regular teacher who will be out on maternity leave during this time. The successful applicant becomes part of a two-person middle school math team. Westside’s permanent 5/6 Math Teacher will provide curriculum guidance. The Long-term Substitute Math Teacher works collaboratively with other classroom teachers and participates fully in the life of the school, attending meetings and staff retreats, curriculum nights, and upholds the mission, vision, and values of Westside School.

• Reports to: Middle School Head
• Start Date: August 17, 2023
• End Date: December 19, 2023

Responsibilities include:

• Maintain and help focus the school’s mission, vision and values.
• Teach 50-55 minute classes to two sections each of fifth and sixth grade, four times per week.
• Support students in small group instruction or supervision in study hall settings.
• Lead and participate in student clubs or other school programs.
• Promote and advance the cognitive, emotional, social, and physical well-being of the students during math classes.
• Implement, adapt, and supplement the curriculum provided by the permanent teacher, using best practices in mathematics instruction, including differentiation to meet the needs of all students.
• Engage in Westside’s continued journey to educate ourselves and embrace issues of diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racist work.
• Coordinate regularly with other classroom teachers about curriculum and classroom areas of study. Meet with classroom teachers as needed to discuss student progress and identified needs.
• Regularly assess student learning and present this learning in formal reports and conferences.
• Value and incorporate diverse perspectives in daily interactions and within the mathematics curriculum.
• Advise a small group of middle school students (or co-advise, depending on experience). Advisory groups meet once daily each week.
• Write end-of-semester student progress reports.
• Work in teams to guide students on a 4-day outdoor trip in September.
• Communicate with parents as needed.
• Maintain math curriculum materials.
• Cover dismissal, lunch, snack, recess, and other duties throughout the year.

Successful candidates will have the following personal and professional attributes:

• Minimum of two years of math teaching experience, preferably at the upper elementary or middle school level.
• A bachelor’s degree (or higher) in mathematics, elementary education, or a related discipline. Teaching certification preferred.
• Understanding of how systematic and institutional barriers affect students' learning experiences and outcomes.
• Sensitivity to issues of bias, racism, prejudice, and stereotyping.
• Understanding of and relevant experience in a variety of current mathematics instructional techniques and methodologies.
• Skills and experience in differentiating instruction.
• Enthusiasm for working collaboratively with colleagues, including the desire to plan curriculum experiences across the Middle School.
• Familiarity and facility with current research informing teaching and learning (general classroom instructional methodologies, social and emotional learning, classroom management, learning differences, etc.).

Compensation and Benefits

This position is full-time for the duration. The pro-rated annual salary range is $59,000 - $78,000, and Westside School offers the following competitive benefits package:

• Medical and Dental insurance
• Life, AD&D, and Long-term Disability insurance
• Various voluntary insurance benefits including vision insurance, short-term disability, term life insurance, and many more
• 1 Day of Personal Time Off
• 3 Days of Sick Time Off
• School vacations

To Apply

Please submit a resume, cover letter, statement of educational philosophy, and list of 3 references to employment@westsideschool.org.