Instructional Assistant (Long-Term Sub)

Reports To: Director of the Elementary Center

Pay: $30.57/hour

FTE: 100%

Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:15 a.m. – 4:45 p.m.

Term: Through 6/18/26

This position is aligned with the academic calendar and does not work during school breaks.

 

Job Summary:

The Instructional Assistant (Long-Term Substitute) supports students and faculty in fostering joyful, inclusive, and academically engaging classroom environments across the elementary and middle school divisions at St. Thomas School (STS). In partnership with classroom teachers, this role assists with instructional delivery, student supervision, and classroom operations while promoting students’ academic growth and social-emotional development. The position helps ensure that each student feels known, valued, challenged, and supported.

 

General Responsibilities:

• Supports elementary and middle school classroom instruction under the direction of teachers, including small-group and one-on-one academic assistance.
• Assists with implementing lessons, reinforcing key concepts, and facilitating differentiated instruction.
• Promotes a positive classroom environment by supporting student behavior in alignment with school expectations and norms.
• Supervises students during transitions and non-instructional times, including recess, lunch, arrival, dismissal, and extended day programming.
• Prepares instructional materials and resources, supporting daily classroom organization and logistics.
• Fosters students’ social-emotional growth through relationship-building and modeling respectful, positive communication.
• Provides classroom coverage or substitution support for absent teachers as needed.
• Actively engages in the life of the school and contributes to community-wide events and programs.
• Upholds and models the mission, values, and strategic priorities of STS.
• Demonstrates respect for diverse perspectives and a commitment to equity and inclusion.
• Communicates effectively and professionally with students, families, and colleagues.
• Collaborates across departments and participates in grade level and division meetings to support a cohesive preschool through eighth grade experience.
• Maintains confidentiality and handles sensitive information with discretion.
• Adheres to school policies and procedures and performs other duties as assigned by the Director of the Elementary Center.

 

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent; bachelor’s degree in education, child development, or a related field preferred.
• 2+ years of experience working with children in a school, camp, or tutoring setting.
• Demonstrated ability to support students with diverse learning needs.
• Ability to actively supervise students both indoors and outdoors, in varying weather conditions.
• Physical ability to meet the demands of the role, including lifting up to 50 pounds and engaging in activities such as bending, crouching, or sitting on the ground.
• Readiness to obtain First Aid/CPR certification and maintain throughout employment.
• Successful completion of required background checks in accordance with school policy and state regulations.
• Demonstrated cultural competency and ability to work with diverse individuals and groups.
• Strong classroom management, communication, and interpersonal skills with a collaborative, flexible, and growth-oriented mindset.
• Sound professional judgment and the ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
• Proficiency with basic technology tools and a willingness to learn school-specific systems.
• Commitment to the mission, values, and community of STS.

 

This description is intended to describe the general content and requirements for the performance of this position. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements.

 

Why St. Thomas School?  

You thrive in a face-paced environment, working alongside others who share your ideals. You are inspired by children and appreciate their joy and energy. You enjoy making an impact and being part of something bigger than yourself. You believe that schools should be among the most innovative places on earth. And you are committed to excellence and professional growth.

We offer a competitive salary, robust benefits, professional development, and an extraordinary work environment. If this inspires you, we’d love to learn more about you!

 

Who We Are:  

Founded in 1951 and located on the east side of Seattle in Medina, Washington, STS is a private, non-sectarian school for Preschool through Eighth Grade students. Our educational journey is defined by a cognitively engaging program with an emphasis on developing character, leadership, and a passion for learning and achievement. Our highly regarded curriculum prepared students to excel at future endeavors while honoring the school’s long standing core values.

We commit to an inclusive and diverse community in which everyone can say, “I belong.” We seek employees who are passionate, qualified, and offer diverse perspectives. We are particularly interested in the role education and a diverse learning environment play in promoting equity and inclusivity.

We foster:

• A diverse, safe, and equitable school environment
• Actions and advocacy that support our Core Virtues
• Cultural competence, anti-bias, and social justice
• Intellectually curious and engaged global citizenship

 

Benefits:

• Employer-paid premiums for employee medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance.
• Employer contributions to retirement and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs).
• Competitive paid time off and holidays.
• Robust professional development opportunities.
• Lunches provided at no cost to faculty and staff when school or summer camp is in session.

 

How to Apply:

Go to the Careers page of our website, select the position, and fill out your information under Apply Now. Submit your resume and cover letter explaining why you are interested in and qualified for this position.

stthomasschool.org/about/careers

 

Position is open until it is filled. No phone calls or drop-ins please.

Thank you for your interest in St. Thomas School.