PreKindergarten Substitute Teacher
29 Days Old
Are you...
- A curious and creative teacher excited to bridge intellect, heart, and imagination in the classroom?
- A compassionate and collaborative educator and role model for students?
- An enthusiastic community member eager to collaborate and build relationships?
- A teacher that loves empowering students through integrity, compassion, and responsibility?
Yes? Then read on!
Ideal candidates possess a background in working with pre-Kindergarten and elementary children, previous experience working with diverse learners, and share the belief that diversity brings perspectives and authentic experiences central to preparing responsible and active global citizens.
We seek someone who enjoys partnering with faculty, is passionate, and committed to meeting the needs of students as a substitute teacher. The ideal candidate demonstrates a commitment to advancing our belief that the challenges of our world require culturally competent, well-rounded, critically thinking individuals who are empowered to inquire, investigate, innovate, and impact their communities. We also seek candidates committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion with the belief that a learning environment that is inclusive and more diverse will promote a deeper understanding of varying points of view, and will fuel innovation, creativity, and progressive change.
Who we are:
An independent Pre-Kindergarten to 5th school, The Meridian School is located in a grand, century-old building nestled in verdant 6.5-acre Meridian Park in the Wallingford neighborhood of Seattle, WA. The school cultivates a balance of mind and heart to nurture caring and confident learners prepared to thrive in and contribute to their local and global communities. Education at Meridian is much more than lessons in the classroom or problem-solving on Smart Boards. It's about life. Meridian is a place where the joy of childhood infuses the excitement of learning. By integrating curriculum, citizenship, and community, the school provides the foundation for well-rounded students.
At the core of Meridian's philosophy is the relationship between teachers and students. Small classes ensure that students thrive; children feel known, and safe both intellectually and emotionally. The intimate learning environment affords rich opportunities for cooperative and interactive experiences - we believe that student participation and personal choice lead to a powerful investment in and passion for learning. The curriculum promotes integration across subjects, connected to thinking, and real-world application. The school's inclusive community supports all learners and encourages active listening to different viewpoints and opinions. Learning how to solve problems and make good choices are a priority, as is respect for oneself, others, and the environment.
Meridian prompts diversity of thought and identity by bringing together community and curriculum, connecting awareness to actions, and celebrating the contribution of the individual community. We believe that the challenges in our world require culturally-competent, well-rounded, critically thinking individuals who are prepared to be responsible and active global citizens; that diversity brings perspectives and authentic experiences central to an education that balances the intellectual, emotional, and social growth of children; and, that a school community and learning environment that is inclusive and diverse will promote a deeper understanding of varying points of view, and will fuel innovation, creativity, and progressive change.
Job Summary:
Under minimal supervision, the Substitute Teacher provides an exceptional classroom experience for students, using place-based learning and across-team collaboration to plan and deliver excellent lessons to students. The is an on-call, as-needed position during the academic year.
Requirements
Specific Responsibilities:
- Substitutes in the classroom as needed for faculty absences on an on-call basis
- Designs and delivers instruction following the teacher-designed lesson plan in order to support students' needs
- Safely supervises all students and follows daily activity schedule
- Follows DCYF guidelines and requirements for tracking student attendance, providing snacks, cleaning, rest time, and behavioral transitions
- Demonstrates best instructional practices to deliver high-quality, developmentally appropriate lessons to students
- Actively creates and maintains a well-managed, positive classroom environment that supports student engagement and motivation
- Possesses effective classroom management skills and the ability to create a positive, nurturing environment for students
- Has a commitment to ongoing cultural competence, professional development, and has the motivation to put these skills into practice
- Understands and supports the school's mission through professional conduct and actions which demonstrates the core values and philosophy of the organization
- Supports duty and teacher planning coverage as needed, including, but not limited to, lunch, recess, and dismissal
- Establishes and cultivates community relations by maintaining open dialogue with all the school's constituencies
- Is familiar with and complies with all policies and regulations as put forth in the school's documents
- Takes all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, faculty, staff, equipment, materials, and facilities
- Performs other duties as assigned
Required Education and Experience:
- Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE), or equivalent, from an accredited four-year college or university required
- Teaching certification in early learning and/or elementary education or related subject preferred
- Meet the required DCYF standards for licensed lead teacher
- Experience working with pre-Kindergarten and/or elementary school-aged children
- Minimum of three years of classroom teaching experience
- Training in emergent, Riggio Emilia, or inquiry-based curriculum preferred
- Experience working in an independent school environment preferred
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Knowledge about pre-Kindergarten and/or elementary education
- Proficiency technology skills and the knowledge and ability to integrate technology into the curriculum
- Excellent organizational, interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills
- Flexibility, maturity, and a sense of humor
- Ability to keep information in the strictest of confidence
- Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
- Proficient at working in Microsoft Windows 10 environment, Office (version 2013 or higher), and Google Suite; ability to master common automated systems for record keeping, and confidently learn new technology
- Ability to attend local field trips as needed
- Ability to stand, go up and down stairs frequently, and crouch
- Ability to sit on the floor or small chairs for extended periods of time
- Ability to lift more than 20 pounds, interact with students, and move around the classroom
- Ability to work outside in any weather
If this sounds like you, please click on Apply for Job, complete our online employment application, and upload your resume and a cover letter indicating why you are interested in the position and in The Meridian School.
Don't meet every single requirement? At Meridian we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace. If you are excited about this role but your past experience does not align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyways. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.
Position open until filled. No phone calls or drop-ins please.
The Meridian School is an equal opportunity employer. This means we do not discriminate in employment decisions or policies in violation of law on the basis of any legally protected status, including race, color, national origin, citizenship status, creed, religion, gender, national origin, age (over 40), marital status, physical or mental disability, use of a trained service animal, gender identity, sexual orientation, political ideology, HIV status, and veteran status. Our policy of non-discrimination applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to hiring, placement, promotion, termination, reduction in force, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. We comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws that prohibit discrimination in employment. This policy applies to admissions and administration of all of its programs, as well as to all areas of employment.
Visit our website at www.meridianschool.edu.
- Location:
- Seattle