Associate Faculty

Are you…
A curious and creative person excited to bridge intellect, heart, and imagination?
A compassionate and collaborative educator and role model for students?
An enthusiastic community member eager to build relationships and to learn?
A teacher that loves project-based learning?
Yes? Then read on!

Ideal candidates possess a background in early childhood or elementary education, previous experience working with diverse learners, and ideally a minimum of three years of experience. We seek someone who enjoys partnering with faculty, is passionate, committed to meeting the needs of students in an elementary setting, and is eager to learn alongside accomplished educators.

Who we are:

We are an independent PreK-5 school located in Wallingford’s Good Shepherd Center. Meridian inspires children to approach learning with passion and curiosity. Classes are small and our curriculum is challenging. We encourage students to be reflective, and to explore a diversity of thoughts and perspectives. We ask a lot of our students. We ask them to try, to make mistakes, to rebound, to apologize, to move forward with integrity. We ask them to take intellectual risks, and to be thoughtful caring community members. As citizens of the world, we encourage them to make connections between themselves, their local community and the larger global society. We strive for Meridian students to develop into curious, compassionate, responsible young adolescents who begin to understand the power that resides in their hearts and their minds.

We believe the challenges of our world require culturally-competent, well-rounded, critically thinking individuals prepared to be responsible and active global citizens. This is our work as educators in partnership with students and their families.  We offer an academic education that balances the intellectual, emotional, and social growth of children. We believe a school community that is inclusive and diverse promotes a child’s sense of belonging. Meridian students learn to understand varying points of view, which over time will fuel innovation, creativity, and positive change for communities near and far.

Job Summary: 

To partner with lead teachers in support of students individually and as a group. It is an exciting opportunity for hands-on learning as a potential pathway to leading your own classroom.

Specific Responsibilities:

Supports teachers focusing on best instructional practices to deliver a high-quality, developmentally appropriate curriculum to students
In collaboration with classroom faculty, actively creates and maintains a well-managed, positive classroom environment that supports student engagement and motivation
Develops and maintains positive relationships with students
Supervises students in a variety of settings, including, but not limited to, the classroom, the School’s playground, and field trips
Actively participates in faculty work aligned with the strategic plan
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 demonstrate the core values and philosophy of the organization
Substitutes for the lead classroom teachers in times of absence and fulfills all duties for the designated amount of time
Initiates growth and change in own intellectual and professional development, seeking out feedback and other opportunities to learn
Attends community meetings, curriculum meetings, and in-service days as assigned by the Head of School
Participates in Curriculum Night, Grandparents and Special Friends Day, Math/Science Night, and other stewardship opportunities as assigned by the Head of School
Establishes and cultivates community relations by maintaining open dialogue with all the School’s constituencies
Actively participates in the full life of the school
Vigorously engages in professional development; demonstrates a commitment to life-long learning by enhancing their skills, and embracing innovative technologies and creative thinking
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 & Experience:

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university
Experience working with early childhood or elementary school-aged children
Experience working in an independent school environment preferred

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

Proficient technology skills
Must have a valid WA driver’s license and be willing to drive Meridian vehicles for work-related tasks
Excellent organizational, writing, and communication skills
Enthusiasm, flexibility, maturity, and a sense of humor
Ability to keep information in the strictest of confidence
Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusivity
Proficient at using Google suite
Ability to stand, go up and down stairs frequently, crouch
Ability to lift up to 20 pounds, interact with students, and move around the classroom
Ability to work outside in any type of weather
Ability to travel locally (for field trips)
Ability to attend overnight experiential learning trips
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.

Compensation and Benefits:

The Meridian School offers a comprehensive and generous benefits package intended to support and promote the health and well-being, work/life balance, and financial security of our regular, full-time faculty, staff, and their families:

Employer-paid medical/vision insurance for employee
Employer-paid dental Insurance for employee
403(b) Retirement Savings Plan with Employer Contribution
Long-Term Disability Insurance
Life/AD&D Insurance
Employee Assistance Program
Section 125 Health and Daycare Spending Accounts
Voluntary Short-Term Disability, Supplemental Dental and/or Vision, Cancer/Specified Disease, Critical Illness, and Hospital Confinement Insurance
School breaks that follow the academic calendar
Paid Time-Off for holidays, sick leave, personal leave, jury/witness duty leave, and bereavement leave
Professional Development