Long-Term Substitute – 5th Grade Faculty Teacher (2025-2026 Academic Year)

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?

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. It’s 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 Meridian’s 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 school’s 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 2025-2026 academic year.

Specific Responsibilities:

• 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 School’s 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 the strategic plan
• Has a commitment to ongoing cultural competence professional development and has the motivation to put these skills into practice
• Understands and supports the school’s mission through professional conduct and actions which demonstrate the core values and philosophy of the organization
• Initiates growth and change in own intellectual and professional development, seeking out feedback and other opportunities to learn
• Attends community meetings, curriculum meetings, and in-service days
• Writes student evaluations twice each year according to the school year calendar
• Conducts parent conferences twice each year and supports our “open door” policy with parents, colleagues, and students
• Participates in Curriculum Night, Grandparents and Special Friends Day, Open House, and other stewardship opportunities as assigned by the Head of School
• Writes weekly newsletters with grade-level team and openly communicates with families in formal and informal ways
• Establishes and cultivates community relations by maintaining open dialogue with all the School’s constituencies
• Actively participates in the full life of the school
• Vigorously engages in professional development; demonstrates a commitment to life-long learning by enhancing their skills, and embracing innovative technologies and creative thinking
• Is familiar with and complies with all policies and regulations as put forth in the school’s documents
• Takes all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, faculty, staff, equipment, materials, and facilities.
• Performs other duties as assigned

Required Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university required
• Teaching certification and Master’s in Education or related subject/field preferred
• Minimum of three years of classroom teaching experience
• Experience working with elementary school-aged children
• Experience working in an independent school environment preferred

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Proficient technology skills and the knowledge and ability to integrate technology into the curriculum.
• Must have a valid WA driver’s license and be willing to drive Meridian vehicles for work-related tasks
• Excellent organizational, writing, and communication skills
• Flexibility, maturity, and a sense of humor
• Ability to keep information in the strictest of confidence
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusivity
• Proficient at working in a Microsoft Windows 10 environment, using Office (version 2013 or higher); ability to master common automated systems for record keeping, and confidently learn new technology
• Ability to attend overnight experiential learning trips
• Ability to stand, go up and down stairs frequently, crouch
• Ability to lift up to 20 pounds, interact with students, and move around the classroom
• Ability to work outside in any type of weather
• Ability to travel locally (for field trips)

If this sounds like you, please click on Apply for Job, complete our online employment application, and upload your resume and a cover letter indicating why you are interested in the position and in The Meridian School.

Don’t meet every single requirement? At Meridian we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace. If you are excited about this role but your past experience does not align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyways. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

Position open until filled. No phone calls or drop-ins please.

The Meridian School is an equal opportunity employer. This means we do not discriminate in employment decisions or policies in violation of law on the basis of any legally protected status, including race, color, national origin, citizenship status, creed, religion, gender, national origin, age (over 40), marital status, physical or mental disability, use of a trained service animal, gender identity, sexual orientation, political ideology, HIV status, and veteran status. Our policy of non-discrimination applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to hiring, placement, promotion, termination, reduction in force, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. We comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws that prohibit discrimination in employment. This policy applies to admissions and administration of all of its programs, as well as to all areas of employment.

Visit our website at www.meridianschool.edu.

Compensation and Benefits:

Compensation is competitive with independent schools in the Seattle area and based on our faculty salary scale. The annualized salary range is between $7,324-11,730 depending on years of teaching experience and education.

The Meridian School offers a comprehensive and generous benefits package intended to support and promote the health and well-being, work/life balance, and financial security of our full-time faculty, staff, and their families:

• Medical/Vision Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• School breaks that follow the academic calendar

Additional Information

When Needed: Mid-December 2025 to Mid-April 2026
FTE: Full-Time for the duration of the 5th Grade Faculty’s extended leave