2026-2027 Lower School Associate Teacher

Location: Seattle,Washington,United States

Job Title: Lower School Associate Teacher  

Department:  Lower School  

Reports To:  Lower School Director 

FLSA Status: Exempt 

On-Site: 100% 

FTE: 1.0% 

Compensation: $50,000 

 

Who Thrives at Bush 

You find joy in working with students and alongside a passionate, thoughtful community of educators. You believe deeply that learning is most powerful when it is experiential, and when students learn by doing, exploring, and reflecting, rather than simply being told what to know and remember. You are invested in the growth of children as whole people, supporting their curiosity, sense of purpose, and capacity to contribute meaningfully to their communities, both within and beyond the classroom. You are a lifelong learner who welcomes both support and challenge, and you are excited by the opportunity to continue developing your craft in a collegial, reflective environment. You are energized by contributing your skills and ideas, making a meaningful impact, and being part of something larger than yourself. 

  

Who We Are 

Founded in 1924 and located in Seattle’s Madison Valley neighborhood, The Bush School is an independent school serving students from Kindergarten through Twelfth Grade. Bush offers a rich, intellectually engaging program grounded in experiential learning, designed to spark students of diverse backgrounds and talents with a passion for learning, accomplishment, and contribution to their communities. Our curriculum challenges students to think deeply and creatively, preparing them to thrive in future endeavors while remaining rooted in the school’s longstanding core values. 

  

We are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse community in which every individual can say, “I belong.” We seek educators and staff who are passionate about their work, highly skilled in their practice, and who bring a wide range of perspectives and experiences to our community. We believe deeply in the role education and diverse learning environments play in advancing equity, inclusion, and a shared sense of responsibility for one another. 

 

Job Description 

The Bush School is in search of an individual to join our Lower School team as a Lower School Associate Teacher. We are seeking a candidate who is able to support the school’s mission of diversity and inclusion and who has a background that demonstrates an understanding and appreciation of intercultural fluency.  We are building a team in which diversity of experiences, backgrounds, and talents are valued in order to work with a diverse community of students, faculty, staff and families. We encourage those of diverse backgrounds to apply. 

 

The Lower School Associate Teacher reports to the Lower School Division Director while working in collaboration with the Lower School Lead Teachers in the classroom and grade level the position is assigned.  This position is intended to offer support primarily to the students of in the classroom and grade level they are assigned but must be willing and qualified to offer support and assistance to other lower school grade levels, when needed.    

 

While other duties may be assigned, a qualified candidate will be able to manage the key responsibilities and tasks listed below: 

 

• Partner with Lower School Lead Teachers with daily lessons, class preparation, classroom management, student assessments and other related teaching tasks 

• With the guidance of a Lower School Lead Teacher, create and sustain classroom culture based on mission and values of the school 

• Collaborate and work effectively in teams with colleagues 

• With the guidance of a Lower School Lead Teacher, prepare and deliver instructional activities that emphasize experiential learning experiences 

• Differentiate instructional resources/methods to meet students varying needs 

• Value and incorporate diverse perspectives in daily interactions and in the curriculum 

• Work closely with students to foster growth in academics and social emotional learning, while under the guidance of the lead teacher(s) 

• Lead small group lessons to enhance or complement large lessons 

• Actively create and maintain a positive and welcoming climate in the classroom 

• Develop and maintain positive relationships with students 

• Show support and understanding of the Bush School Mission and Philosophy through professional conduct and practice 

• Attend meetings and in service opportunities when scheduled 

• Attend and participate in bi-weekly Associate Teacher meetings 

• Support K-5 recess and lunch supervision 

• Other Lower School responsibilities and duties as assigned 

 

Experience and Professional Competencies: 

• A bachelor’s degree is required 

• Teaching certification, equivalent training, or enrollment in a teaching training program preferred 

• Strong commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion is required 

• Experience teaching and/or working with lower school age children in a school setting is required   

 

Successful candidates will have:  

• Possess a philosophy that aligns with the school’s mission and values – please review the school’s mission and values on our website (www.bush.edu) 

• Possess a strong commitment to being a positive educator 

• Be willing to participate in professional development 

• Be proficient in data management and computer skills with a willingness to explore and employ new and innovative technologies 

• Be collaborative and thrive in environments that approach work with a team focus 

• Be comfortable working with Lower School students of all ages 

• Communicate clearly and effectively (verbally and in writing) with others, including: administrators, faculty, staff, students and parents/guardians, in order to maintain professional relationships 

• Complete work in a timely and thorough manner and be conscientious about job expectations 

• Be patient and positive 

 

Additional Requirements:  

• Have a current Adult and Children CPR, First Aid and AED Certification (or receive one soon after hire date) 

• Meet the school’s standards when completing two separate background screenings 

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods, manage long days, handle standard office and classroom materials, and support body with core muscles  

• Occasional lifting or moving of items 10-25 pounds 

• Ability to use hands to handle small objects, and to manage writing  

  

Benefits include:  

·       Medical  

·       Health Savings Account  

·       Dental  

·       Vision  

·       Dependent Care Spending Account  

·       Long- and Short-Term Disability  

·       Life Insurance  

·       Retirement Savings  

  

  

DISCLAIMER: 

The information presented indicates the general nature and level of work expected of employees in this classification. It is not designed to contain, or to be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and objectives required of employees assigned to this job. As an adaptive organization, responsibilities can change in alignment with greater efficiency and mission metrics. 

 

HOW TO APPLY   

Applicants interested in applying for this opportunity should visit our website at www.bush.edu and navigate to the employment section of the website (found under the “About Bush” tab) for additional information/instructions. 

If you are interested in working at The Bush School, but this position does not fit your talents, please visit the employment section of our website noted above. 

While we sincerely appreciate all applications, only those candidates selected for interview will be contacted. 

 

  

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY AND NON-DISCRIMINATION: 

Bush is committed to equal opportunity for all employees and applicants. Bush does not discriminate with regards to hiring, assignment, promotion or other conditions of staff employment because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, veteran status, disability, genetic information or any other status protected under local, state or federal law. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, upon request, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of our positions. 

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