Lower School Associate Teacher

Lower School Associate Teacher

Mission 

Open Window School nurtures and inspires students of high intellectual potential.

Overview

Open Window School (K-8, coed, 360 student day school) is seeking candidates for its Lower School Associate Teacher position. 

Open Window is dedicated to serving gifted students. With a strong commitment to social-emotional learning, these exceptional young people are nurtured and inspired in both their academic and personal growth. Open Window students have true enthusiasm for deep and accelerated learning, with an emphasis on project-based initiatives with real world application. Innovation and risk taking are encouraged within a supportive environment. Open Window School graduates are empathetic, academically well-prepared, innovative problem solvers, purposeful global citizens with a commitment to equity and inclusion. This is a place where it is cool to be smart and the expectation is that our students will graduate and make a difference in high school and beyond.

Located on a beautiful campus in Bellevue, Washington, 15 miles from the center of downtown Seattle, Open Window benefits from its unique location; it is surrounded by woods right in the middle of one of the fastest growing metro populations in the country. The school enjoys a robust and growing pipeline of students which will continue to drive demand for the type of rich educational experience guided by Open Window’s mission and values.

Position Overview

Open Window School seeks a Lower School Associate Teacher who will play an integral role in supporting classroom instruction and student learning within a collaborative teaching team. This position is ideal for an educator who values partnership, brings strong initiative, and is eager to contribute meaningfully to a responsive classroom environment. Associate Teachers are respected professionals whose work strengthens the student experience and supports the shared responsibilities of the classroom.

Major Areas of Responsibility/Specific Duties:

• Partner with the Lead Teacher to support the design and delivery of engaging, developmentally responsive instruction.
• Work with students in small groups and one-on-one to reinforce learning, build foundational skills, and promote student confidence.
• Provide instructional support across subject areas, helping to differentiate learning experiences to meet varied readiness levels.
• Observe student progress and contribute insights that support instructional planning and student growth.
• Help cultivate a classroom community grounded in belonging, respect, and curiosity.
• Support the preparation of instructional materials and classroom experiences that contribute to an organized and effective learning environment.
• Demonstrate initiative in responding to classroom needs while maintaining flexibility in a dynamic school setting.
• Communicate professionally with colleagues and families, contributing to a collaborative partnership that supports students.
• Participate actively in grade-level collaboration, faculty meetings, and school events.
• Engage in ongoing professional learning.
• Provide classroom continuity during Lead Teacher absences.
• Perform supervisory duties such as recess and lunch coverage while supporting student well-being across settings.

Qualities & Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in education or a related field.
• Experience supporting students in an elementary setting, preferably within a classroom environment.
• Understanding of child development and the role of social-emotional learning in the lower school years.
• Ability to work collaboratively and professionally within a teaching team, contributing thoughtfully to classroom practice and shared responsibilities.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to engage respectfully and effectively with colleagues and families.
• Alignment with Open Window School’s mission and commitment to fostering a community that is kind, inclusive, respectful, and responsible.
• Interest in working with intellectually gifted students and supporting a range of learning profiles.
• Ability to actively engage in a lower school environment, including working at floor level, navigating child-sized furniture, and supervising students indoors and outdoors in varied weather conditions.
• Consistent attendance and reliability, contributing to a stable and supportive classroom experience for students.

Position Details:

Manager: Director of Lower School

Compensation: $47,017 per year

Position Classification: Exempt, Full Time (10-month school year), benefit eligible

Hours: 8am – 4pm, 5pm on Tuesdays. Occasional weekend and evening work required.

Benefits include:

• Paid Sick leave
• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance (paid 100% for employee only coverage)
• Employer paid Health Reimbursement Account
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• 403(b) Retirement Account, Pre-tax & Roth Options (eligible for employer contribution and employer match after one year of service).
• Life and AD&D Insurance
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Professional development and training opportunities

To Apply:

Please submit a cover letter describing your interest in and qualifications for this position, your resume, and complete all application questions on our Career Opportunities website. Open Window School does not sponsor employment visas. 

Please be prepared to provide three professional references if requested. If you have any questions about the position or the application process, feel free to reach out hr@ows.org. Applications should be submitted through the online system and not via email.

Open Window School does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, color, religion, creed, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, national or ethnic origin, or other status legally protected by local, state, or federal law.