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 330 students in preschool through eighth grade. 29% 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. 

The Spanish teacher for Middle School joins a four-person World Language team (Middle School and Lower School Spanish and Mandarin). This role is responsible for developing and implementing a dynamic age-appropriate curriculum for instruction in Spanish language and Spanish-speaking cultures for our 5th-8th grade classes. The Spanish teacher works collaboratively with other classroom teachers and participates fully in the life of the school, attending meetings and staff retreats, curriculum nights, school celebrations, and upholds the mission, vision, and values of Westside School.

Reports to:  Middle School Head 

Responsibilities include:

• Maintain and help focus the school mission, vision and values.
• Teach 50-55 minute classes to each grade four times per week.
• Promote and advance the cognitive, emotional, social, and physical well-being of the students during Spanish classes.
• Implement and adapt to curriculum using current world language instructional methodologies. 
• Engage in Westside’s continued journey to educate ourselves and embrace issues of diversity, equity, inclusion and anti-racist work.
• Coordinate regularly with 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 curriculum.
• Advise a small group of middle school students. Advisory groups will meet once daily each week.
• Collaborate on planning and chaperoning international trips.
• Work in teams to guide students on domestic outdoor trips.
• Work collaboratively with the World Language Team to develop the World Language Learning Continuum and best classroom practice. World Language Teachers are expected to meet for weekly team meetings.
• Enhances their own cultural competence and facilitates the cultural awareness, knowledge and skills of all students  in relation to arts learning. 
• Communicate with parents as needed.
• Maintain and purchase Spanish curriculum materials.
• Set annual goals for focus and growth with the Middle School Head, participating in a peer support team, and seeking out and participating in staff development opportunities.
• Cover dismissal, lunch, snack, and other duties throughout the year. 

Successful candidates will have the following personal and professional attributes: 

• Minimum of two years of Spanish language teaching experience, preferably at the middle school level (fifth through eighth grade).
• A bachelor’s degree (or higher) in Spanish language, Spanish language education, or Second Language Acquisition, or Bachelors (or higher) in Education with a World Language Teaching Endorsement or certification through government agencies (i.e. STARTALK).
• Must possess a Spanish proficiency level of Advanced Low (or higher) in written and spoken Spanish.
• 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 language instructional techniques and methodologies.
• Skills and experience in differentiated 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.).

Westside School Mission

Westside School prepares students for the world by challenging them to achieve academic success, and by connecting their human spirit and imagination to learning.

Westside School's Diversity Statement

Westside School is committed to promoting inclusiveness, diversity, and cultural competence in its education, employment practices, school community, and governance. It views inclusiveness as a fundamental value, diversity as a key element, and cultural competence as a vital skill necessary to prepare students to participate in and contribute to a global society. Westside uses the term diversity broadly to encompass differences in the attributes of individuals, families, and communities.

Start Date: August 23, 2021

Compensation and Benefits: This is a full-time position for the 2021-2022 academic school year. Westside School offers a generous benefits package to full-time employees, which includes health, dental and vision insurance, professional development, and some flexibility with time off. 

To Apply:

To apply, please submit a resume, cover letter, statement of educational philosophy, and a list of 3-5 references to employment@westsideschool.org.

Westside School is an Equal Opportunity Employer.