MIDDLE SCHOOL SCIENCE TEACHER

Employment

Westside School's Mission

Westside students learn to think critically and act with compassion in a joyful, supportive community.

Westside School's Vision

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 SCIENCE TEACHER

Westside School is seeking a dynamic teacher to join our community school as a Middle School Science Teacher. A solid understanding of 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 will be a place where inquiry, success, resilience, and agency are nurtured and celebrated.

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 for our learners
• service-oriented
• personalized
• joyful, nurturing, and challenging
• diverse, safe, and inclusive

Professional Skills/Qualities

• Successful experience teaching standards-based curriculum and deep knowledge of 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 science 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
• Utilises 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 our Advisory program resources
• 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 are invited to attend
• Participates in professional development opportunities
• Sets and engages in professional goal setting that is aligned to the 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

Qualifications and Experience

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum Bachelor’s degree in relevant field or an equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience.
• Minimum two (2) years of full-time classroom experience teaching in an accredited school
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in educational settings.
• Demonstrated verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability and willingness to work collaboratively while maintaining a positive and professional environment.
• Effective organization, conflict management, and time management skills.
• Maintain confidentiality of student records.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications

• A Secondary license or certification for teaching
• An advanced degree in education
• Recent and relevant professional development in teaching and learning

Application Process

Interested candidates should send an application to: ***email_hidden***

The review of files will begin immediately upon receipt.

The application should include

• Cover letter of application.

• Resume

• Educational philosophy

• A list of references (at least 3), including names, positions, current employment, and contact email addresses. One of those should be the current supervisor.

Reports to: Middle School Head

Compensation and Benefits: This is a full-time position. The annual salary range is $63,219 - $93,586 based on experience and education. Westside School offers a generous benefits package to full-time employees.

Start Date: August 17, 2026