Elementary Classroom Teacher

Open Positions: Elementary Classroom Teacher, Part Time ~ 25-29 hrs p/wk

Compensation: $40-$48 p/hr

ABOUT THE BRIDGE SCHOOL

The Bridge School is an independent, cooperative elementary school serving ages 5-11 (grades K-5). Located in White Center, WA. We are a small school of under 30 students with a close-knit, supportive school community. Our mission is to provide a progressive elementary program that fosters authentic learning through whole child development. We foster values of community, confidence, creativity and curiosity through interdisciplinary, multi-age, experiential learning in small class sizes. All students engage weekly in visual and performing arts, special topic enrichment classes, and regular school-wide community meetings. One full day per week, Outdoor Education Specialists take students' learning outside our four walls and to Seahurst Park in Burien, WA. As a cooperative school, each child and caregiver has a role to play in building a strong learning community; families participate in all aspects of school operations, utilizing their unique skills both in and outside the classroom. To learn more about us, please go to our website:

JOB DESCRIPTION

We are seeking a part-time classroom teacher for the remainder of the school year. The primary responsibility of the teacher in this role is delivering academic subjects of Language Arts and Mathematics to a class of 10 students, grades 3-5 from 8:30-12noon T/W/Th. In the afternoon 1-3pm, the teacher will partner with art, science, or physical education specialists to provide small group instruction to groups of 8-10 students, grouped by age K-2 and 3-5, in 45 minute blocks. Afternoons focus on hands-on experiences in arts, STEM, SEL, academic interventions, and equity-based curriculum.

ABOUT OUR EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

Our core classroom teachers are in the classroom 8:30 am-3:00 pm Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. On Mondays, students explore and learn at Seahurst Park with our Outdoor Education specialists. On Fridays, students engage in Creative Enrichment curriculum (arts & sciences) for a half-day with Arts Specialists. Options for Core Classroom teachers to teach Fridays may exist depending upon subject expertise and staffing levels. As a small school, we aspire to leverage each teacher's expertise and specialized skills which can in practice look like co-teaching, crossover classes, and flexible, nimble partnerships between classrooms.

OUR APPROACH TO EDUCATION

All teachers work with multi-age classrooms and we expect interdisciplinary, differentiated, and emergent project-based approaches. Teaching at The Bridge School best fits those who flourish with creative freedom with curriculum and teaching techniques. We are looking for someone who is neurodiversity affirming and excited to support trans and nonbinary students. Educators with a background in multi-age settings, hands-on & project based methods, a commitment to equity and inclusion, passion for diverse approaches to learning, and an attitude of flexibility and collaboration will thrive as a member of the Bridge School team. Core classroom teachers collaborate on curriculum development, whole-school programming, and supporting each other. Instruction is supported by specialists in music, theater, art, outdoor education, and more.

SCHOOL SCHEDULE

Core Academic Classroom Schedule:

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, 8:30am-3pm

• 4.5 hours per week for prep and meetings

START DATE

Negotiable, but must be available to teach T/W/Th 8:30-3 by January 6, 2026.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Education

Washington State Teaching Certification or Equivalent Certification/Experience

3 or more years of experience in classroom teaching

Skilled at supporting learners with diverse needs including neurodivergent students

Relational approach to behavior, classroom management, and repair

Experience differentiating instruction within a classroom setting

Ability to create emergent curriculum and projects based on the student community

Strong collaborative skills, flexibility, and willingness to work on a team

Community oriented, communicative and collaborative with caregiver community

Competence in taking learning outside the classroom through hands-on and field trip experiences

Creative thinking and problem-solving skills

A commitment to equity and inclusion throughout the curriculum and the community; a willingness to continue learning

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Experience teaching multi-age classes

Experience working in a cooperative educational setting

Training or experience in any of the following: supporting neurodiverse groups of learners, special education, narrative assessment, universal design for learning, restorative justice in schools, integrating diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout curriculum

Ability to begin shadowing current classroom teachers in Nov/Dec 2025 to ensure a smooth transition for students & staff

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

We offer a friendly, supportive and collaborative working environment where creativity and curiosity are celebrated. We draw on the strengths of staff members, families, students and the community to develop emergent curriculum. Weekly staff meetings offer opportunities to listen, share ideas, and be supported as you grow as an educator. Our small size affords the flexibility to easily shift gears, discard what isn't working, and incorporate alternative approaches as needed.

Compensation: Starting wage of $40-$48 p/hr, depending on experience and education. We offer generous PTO and discounts for dependent children enrolled in Bridge School programs. Insurance not included with this part time position, but available should staff member eventually take on a 30+ hour per week role with additional teaching.

PREFERRED APPLICATION DATE: Applications received by Nov. 7 will receive priority review

CLOSING DATE: Open until filled

Statement of Non-Discrimination

The Bridge School is committed to a policy of equal employment opportunity by treating all employees, contractors and applicants equally without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, citizenship, veteran or marital status, sensory, physical or mental disability and all other classes protected by law. This policy covers all aspects of treatment including employment opportunities, compensation, hours of work, conditions of employment, promotions, demotions, transfers, recruitment, advertising, layoff and termination.

The Bridge School's statement on Equity and Inclusion:

We recognize that this is an ongoing journey and are always working to grow & learn about Equity & Inclusion. The Bridge School is committed to building an authentic community inclusive of diverse voices, perspectives, and identities in recognition of our interconnectedness. We strive to center racial equity in our classrooms and community in order to change existing systems that perpetuate inequity. We support gender inclusion, creating safe spaces for full expression of gender identity. Students are encouraged to engage in courageous conversations and approach complex issues with curiosity and critical thinking. We see this as our responsibility as educators, caregivers and community.