Position Summary:

Westmark School, which serves students with language-based learning differences, is currently seeking a Lower School Teacher with early education experience. With the recent opening of a new, state-of-the-art Lower School campus and an admission expansion to include first grade, this is a very unique and exciting time in the School’s history. Our ideal candidate will possess a knowledge base and passion for teaching students, preferably with language-based learning differences, and be able to organize and implement an instructional program that will capitalize on student strengths and be in accordance with Westmark School’s mission.  

Essential Responsibilities:

• Teach structured literacy, writing, math, science, and social studies to students with language-based learning differences;
• Plans, organizes, and implements developmentally appropriate learning experiences and classroom environments to fulfill Westmark’s’ mission, curricula, and programs that ensure students find passion, purpose, and relevancy in their learning
• Work collaboratively with grade level team to plan and implement curriculum;
• Use restorative and trauma-informed practices within the classroom;
• Creates warm and uplifting professional relationships with students, families, and all constituencies of the school
• Provide effective and consistent communication with parents and the Lower School Director regarding students’ behaviors, academic concerns, and progress;
• Writes narrative progress reports and facilitates parent-teacher conferences;
• Differentiate and individualize lessons to fit students’ needs;
• Submit weekly lesson plans to the Lower School Director and maintain class BlackBaud page;
• Integrate technology into the curriculum following best practices;
• Participates in the life of the school by attending student assemblies, plays, athletic events, concerts, faculty in-service, and other school events
• Provides supervision for lunch, recess, carpool, and other duties assigned.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging:

• A commitment to social justice and equity. The ability to leverage conversations about identity and actively seek to create equitable learning spaces.
• Use Responsive Classroom or Culturally Responsive Teaching pedagogy and techniques to set up, run, and develop a consistent, caring classroom environment.
• Work collaboratively with academic leadership to ensure that the curriculum reflects diverse perspectives and is inclusive of a wide range of backgrounds and experiences.
• Pursue PD opportunities in and out of school; display willingness and ability to grow, learn, explore new approaches, and practice self-reflection.
• Warmth and kindness, firm expectations, knowledge of child development, and experience with learning differences.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in education, special education or related field preferred;
• Credential, graduate degree or extensive graduate work in the field of Special Education or learning disabilities preferred;
• Knowledge of or training in specific programs for reading (e.g. Orton-Gillingham) writing, and/or executive functioning.
• Minimum 2-4 years of classroom teaching experience;
• Strong desire to teach students with language-based learning differences;
• Knowledge of multi-sensory teaching methodologies;
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills;
• Strong organization and time-management skills;
• A strong sense of empathy and high EQ;
• Equipped with a growth mindset characterized by a desire to continue to develop professionally by learning research based practices.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Physical demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to sit in on meetings and work on a computer for long periods of time; and is occasionally required to walk, reach with hands and arms, balance, stoop, talk, and hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

Westmark School is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions on the basis of merit and job performance. School policy prohibits discrimination based on race, color, creed, gender, gender identity or expression, religion, marital status, age, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical conditions (including genetic characteristics or information), sexual orientation, or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state, and local laws.

About Westmark School

Westmark School is a creative and supportive college preparatory school dedicated to educating, empowering and celebrating students with distinct learning styles, providing the tools necessary to achieve successful and fulfilling futures. Located in Encino, CA, Westmark offers competitive salaries and comprehensive employee benefits. We seek talented professionals committed to excellence.

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