Instructional Assistant, Kindergarten

Instructional Assistant, Kindergarten (1.0 FTE, 10 month)

Westside is in search of an individual to join our Lower School team to support one of our Kindergarten classrooms. We are seeking a candidate with classroom instruction experience that is able to support the school’s focus on diversity and inclusion, and who has a background that demonstrates an understanding and appreciation of intercultural fluency.

The role of Lower School Instructional Assistant is to provide support to students throughout the school day. The Instructional Assistant’s day may include leading small groups during literacy or math lessons, working one-on-one with students, supervising students during recess and lunch, and collaborating with the Lead Teacher to facilitate learning.  It involves supporting lead teachers to build a community of learners in the classroom who respect and care for one another. Additionally, the Instructional Assistant participates in one afternoon per week of our Extended Day Program, which provides after school care support for families.

The Lower School Instructional Assistant works collaboratively with their classroom teacher and participates in the life of the school, attending in-service days and school celebrations, and upholds the mission, vision, and values of Westside School.

About Westside School

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

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.

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.

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 and we strive to build an inclusive community. Individuals from all cultures and communities are encouraged to apply.

Located in the Arbor Heights neighborhood of West Seattle, Westside serves ~400 students in preschool through eighth grade. 31% of our student body are Black, Indigenous and People of Color. Westside’s Lower School serves 200 students in Kindergarten-4th grade, and is organized into grade level teams of 2 teachers and 2 instructional assistants, who collaborate to both implement and design meaningful curriculum.

Reports to: Lower School Division Head

Responsibilities include:

• Assists in general supervision in the classroom and performs duties as assigned by the classroom Lead Teacher.
• Establishes familiarity with the overall program and related resources and materials in order to assist actively in learning activities.
• Values and incorporates diverse perspectives in daily student interactions and within the curriculum.
• Plans and leads the facilitation of learning for a portion of each school day, ie Math Talks, Morning Meetings, Word Study group, etc.
• Supports classroom expectations that create a safe and comfortable environment for all students, in partnership with the lead teacher.
• Works with students in small groups, individually, and as a whole class.
• Helps to maintain an attractive classroom environment and materials.
• Sets annual goals for focus and growth with the Instructional Assistant Coach.
• Shows initiative by asking for assignments that would expand performance and capability, under the direction of the Lead Teacher and/or Lower School Head.
• Performs such tasks and duties as assigned that would be generally within those functions to be expected at a school or as mutually agreeable between the
• Instructional Assistant and the teachers or Lower School Head.
• Supervises the playground/lunchroom as assigned, following established recess rules and discipline, and reporting notable student behaviors.
• Participates in one session per week of the Extended Day Program.
• If qualified, provides short-term substitution in the classroom for absent teacher in emergencies.

EXPERIENCE AND DESIRED ATTRIBUTES

Studies have shown that people of historically marginalized backgrounds are less likely to apply for a position unless they believe they meet every listed requirement. Westside School is most interested in finding the best candidate for this opportunity and encourages people to apply if they feel they meet most of the following qualifications:

• Love of working with children in an outstanding professional setting.
• Prior experience working with elementary school students in a school setting.
• A willingness to learn about, reflect upon, and support a dynamic learning environment.
• Flexibility and adaptability to meet the needs of the students and program.
• Ability to maintain confidential information.
• Ability to work and communicate well with all levels of faculty and staff.
• Ability to work and communicate well with students and their parents.
• An expressed effort to collaborate with colleagues, accept feedback and conduct oneself in a professional manner.
• A desire to deepen their instructional skills in collaboration with their peers, the Instructional Assistant Coach, and the Lower School Division Head.
• A positive attitude and sense of humor.
• Associates or Bachelors Degree preferred.

Compensation and Benefits: This is a full-time position for the 2026-2027 academic school year.  The salary range is $42,000 – $46,350. Westside School offers the following competitive benefits package:

• 403b Retirement Savings Plan upon eligibility
• Medical and Dental insurance
• Life, AD&D, and Long-term Disability insurance
• Various voluntary insurance benefits including vision insurance, short-term disability, term life insurance, and many more
• 3 Days of Personal Time Off per year
• 7 Days of Sick Time Off per year
• School vacations and 11+ paid holidays throughout the year

To Apply: Please submit a resume and cover letter, with three professional references, to employment@westsideschool.org

Westside School is an Equal Opportunity Employer.