Interim Lead Teacher, Elementary
Department: Faculty
Reports To: Assistant Head of School
Hours/Type of Role: Full-time, salaried
Managerial Role: No
Date Posted: 6.22.2026
Start Date: 8.18.2026
Since 1972, Giddens School has held an unyielding commitment to social justice and equity as a central guide to our work with children. As a school community, we have the foundation to push ourselves forward and engage justice and equity within and beyond the school walls. The years ahead present Giddens School with exciting and ambitious strategic initiatives.
Our children are the future. At Giddens School, we prepare them to meet the challenges and seize the opportunities to make a difference in the real world. It’s our mission to develop academically and emotionally confident children who will advocate for themselves and others. Our extraordinarily independent school helps students to discover themselves and become who they can be.
We believe the best learning happens in a diverse, inclusive, and caring school environment. We care deeply about equity and authentically nurturing a diverse community. It’s not enough to talk about it- we walk the walk in daily life at Giddens.
Giddens School is looking for a creative, positive, and dynamic teacher to teach a kindergarten class and be an active member of a collaborative teaching team.
Essential Responsibilities
- Value our school mission and enrich instruction with a commitment to diversity through respect for all children and cultures.
- Have deep knowledge of elementary learning and pedagogy
- Be an advocate for social responsibility through a strong commitment to academics and social-emotional growth for all students
- Design learning experiences that engage and support all students in a multi-age setting
- Engage students in inquiry-based and experiential learning with clear outcomes that allow for student-led curiosity and discovery
- Create a positive and joyful learning environment
- Initiate growth and change in intellectual and professional development, seeking feedback and other learning opportunities
- Demonstrate cultural competency and culturally responsive teaching
- Foster effective relationships with all stakeholders, between teacher and students, and among students, and support a sense of safety and belonging.
- Give feedback and assess students for learning
- Engage collaboratively and positively with all stakeholders
- Reflect on practice and behavior and make adjustments as needed (adjustments to meet student needs, restorative conversations with colleagues/students/parents, if needed, etc.)
- Contribute positively to developing and sustaining a positive school-wide culture that promotes the values of the school
- Focus on continual personal growth using the framework.
Working Relationships
- Senior Leadership Team
- Faculty, Staff, and Administrators
- Business Office & Technology Staff
- Current and alumni families
- Prospective families
Qualifications and skills
- All candidates must demonstrate a commitment to the school’s mission, values, and philosophy, especially related to diversity, equity, and inclusion
- At least three years of teaching experience in an elementary classroom
- Bachelor's degree, WA State Teaching certificate
- Master’s degree preferred
- Deep knowledge of the developmental needs of elementary students
- Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills
- A desire to work in a diverse community
- Ability to lift 50 pounds
This description is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this position. It should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements.
Compensation and Benefits
The salary range is $57,737 to $102,739, depending on education and experience. Giddens School offers a mission-focused school culture, generous time off, a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental and vision insurance, Life and AD&D, employer 403(b) contribution, and a commitment to professional growth and working in a diverse school community.
Application Process:
Please submit a cover letter and resume to [email protected]
Equal Opportunity Statement:
Giddens School believes that each individual is entitled to equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, or honorably discharged veteran or military status or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, or local anti-discrimination laws. The school’s equal employment opportunity practices extend to recruitment, hiring, selection, compensation, benefits, transfer, promotion, training, discipline, and all other employment terms, conditions, and privileges.
Pay: $57,737.00 - $102,739.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Professional development assistance
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person