Long-Term Substitute – 5th Grade Faculty Teacher; Academic Year

Overview

Are you — a curious and creative teacher excited to bridge intellect, heart, and imagination in the classroom? A compassionate and collaborative educator and role model for students? An enthusiastic community member eager to collaborate and build relationships? A teacher that loves project-based learning? If yes, then read on!

Ideal candidates possess a background in elementary education, previous experience working with diverse learners, and have a minimum of three years of experience as a lead teacher and/or learning specialist. We seek someone who enjoys partnering with faculty, is passionate, and committed to meeting the needs of students in an elementary setting. The ideal candidate demonstrates a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and a deep knowledge of differentiation and learning strategies to help students meet their individual potential.

We also see candidates with a background in Universal Design for Learning and project-based learning.

Who we are:
An independent pre-Kindergarten to 5th school, The Meridian School is located in a grand, century-old building nestled in verdant 6.5-acre Meridian Park in the Wallingford neighborhood of Seattle, WA. The school cultivates a balance of mind and heart to nurture caring and confident learners prepared to thrive in and contribute to their local and global communities. Education at Meridian is much more than lessons in the classroom or problem solving on Smart Boards.

Its about life. Meridian is a place where the joy of childhood infuses the excitement of learning. By integrating curriculum, citizenship, and community, the school provides the foundation for well-rounded students.

At the core of Meridians philosophy is the relationship between teachers and students. Small classes ensure that students thrive; children feel known, and safe both intellectually and emotionally. The intimate learning environment affords rich opportunities for cooperative and interactive experiences – we believe that student participation and personal choice lead to a powerful investment in and passion for learning. The curriculum promotes integration across subjects, connected to thinking, and real-world application.

The schools inclusive community supports all learners and encourages active listening to different viewpoints and opinions. Learning how to solve problems and make good choices are a priority, as is respect for oneself, others, and the environment.

Meridian prompts diversity of thought and identity by bringing together community and curriculum, connecting awareness to actions, and celebrating the contribution of the individual community. We believe that the challenges in our world require culturally-competent, well-rounded, critically thinking individuals who are prepared to be responsible and active global citizens; that diversity brings perspectives and authentic experiences central to an education that balances the intellectual, emotional, and social growth of children;

and, that a school community and learning environment that is inclusive and diverse will promote a deeper understanding of varying points of view, and will fuel innovation, creativity, and progressive change.

Job Summary:
The 5th Grade Faculty Substitute provides an exceptional classroom experience for students, using place-based learning and across-team collaboration to plan and deliver excellent lessons to students while the 5th Grade Faculty teacher is on extended leave. This is a long-term (mid-December 2025 to Mid-April 2026) substitute position for the  academic year.

• Demonstrates best instructional practices to deliver a high-quality, developmentally appropriate curriculum to students
• Develops, maintains, and revises curriculum maps in all content areas that are aligned to the Schools standards
• Designs and delivers differentiated instruction
• Assesses the academic and social-emotional needs of students in collaboration with colleagues and Assistant Head of School
• Actively creates and maintains a well-managed, positive classroom environment that supports student engagement and motivation
• Actively participates in faculty work aligned with…