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The Associate Teacher program brings The Little School back to its roots as a place to nurture progressive educators in the early years of their careers. Associates receive training and support both from their teaching teams and from school leadership using an apprenticeship model. Learning goals are individualized to support career clarity and professional growth.  

Associate Teachers are committed to progressive education in a school with a long history of ideals and practices educating the whole child. TLS teachers deliver powerful instruction driven by curiosity and inquiry, that embraces academic and social emotional learning. Our faculty are committed to collaborative teaching within a vibrant adult learning community.  

Job Description:

A TLS Associate Teacher...

Partners in Facilitating Learning 

• Delights in the possibility and potential of children. Associate Teachers respect the social, physical and intellectual development of each child and create experiences where learning feels playful, and play is full of learning. 
• Nourishes the social emotional life of each child by supporting and teaching curiosity, empathy, enthusiasm, interest, resilience, reflection, inquiry and collaboration.  
• Supports and provides engaging instruction, nurtures positive relationships and community, and establishes a safe, warm, responsive environment for learning. 
• Conveys an understanding of and commitment to progressive education ideals and practices, equity, inclusion and social justice; integrates these ideals in curriculum, teaching and communication with children, families and colleagues. 
• Maintains inviting, intentional and organized classroom spaces 

Supports Planning, Instruction and Collaboration 

• Supports the planning and implementation of integrated curriculum, rich learning tasks and activities, and authentic learning objectives in academic, emotional, social and physical growth.  
• Supports classroom learning during absences. This can include subbing for the entire day on one’s own or partnering with the curriculum support specialist to cover a co-teacher's absence.  
• Plans and leads lessons and/or units in partnership with their teaching team. 
• Works with students individually, in small groups and as a whole class. 
• Works collaboratively and productively with fellow teachers, associate teachers and administrators. 

Supports Assessment, Documentation and Communication 

• Works with co-teachers to understand learning and social goals and implement strategies to support that growth. 
• Partners with co-teacher in communication with parents, supporting verbal and written updates and conferences with families. 
• Uses academic work, photographs, captured quotes or student artwork to create documentation of student learning for display, parent communication or conferences. 

Shares supervision of lunch and outside time 

• Independently supervises scheduled lunch or outside times, maintaining appropriate limits and boundaries. 
• Engages with students in ways that promote outside time as an extension of the classroom. 

Builds community and collegiality 

• Models respect and ease  
• Shares a sense of humor and helps others laugh 
• Offers specific and authentic observations that lift others 
• Adapts style to the students and colleagues with whom they work  

Reflects and Learns 

• Learns and grows professional skills, maintaining an authentic interest in being part of a passionate progressive educational community 
• Meets regularly with co-teachers, the associate teacher cohort, and the Faculty Support Specialist to reflect on practice and goals. 

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions: 

• Frequently twist/bend/stoop/squat; stand/walk, lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh up to 40 pounds. 
• Work outdoors on a regular basis, occasionally in inclement weather.  
• Work and attend various events that take place on evenings or weekends.  

Skills and Experience:

• Minimum of one year of experience working with elementary school age children 
• Prior experience working collaboratively with another adult in a school or similar setting 
• Bachelor’s Degree in Education or a related field preferred 

Compensation includes salary, health, vision, dental and retirement benefits. Salary for 2023-2024 is $47,265. The budget for 2024-2025 will be set by the end of March and new salaries will be available for posting at that time. This is a 10-month position, paid over 12 months.  

Submit: Resume, letter of interest and three references to employment@thelittleschool.org as soon as possible.  

About The Little School: 

The Little School is an independent preschool-5th grade elementary school in Bellevue, WA. Nestled in 12.5 acres of woods and meadows, The Little School provides a natural setting to nurture children’s curiosity and potential. We build upon the inherent strengths of each child and support them as they expand their intellect, build foundational skills and deepen their connections to friends and teachers. Each student knows and is known in our community, and children here learn to develop the interpersonal skills and confidence to advocate for themselves and for others. Our commitment to community includes advocacy and stewardship of our surroundings as well. The classroom extends to the outdoors, providing plenty of opportunities for children to study and appreciate the natural world.  

Our Mission:

The Little School cultivates authentic learning in community and the natural world, amplifying curiosity and expanding sense of self, belonging and possibility. 

Our Vision:

We foster vibrant understanding and promote action that forwards sustainability, justice and joy. 

Non-discrimination Statement: 

The Little School does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, nationality, sexual orientation, gender identity or family composition in the administration of its admissions, financial aid, hiring or any other school-administered programs. 

Location

The Little School, Bellevue, WA

Application Deadline Date

April 30 2024

Audience

Undergraduate Students Graduate Students Master in Teaching Students: Elementary Certified Teachers

Salary

$50,000 per year

Benefits

Full medical, dental, sick leave