Job Description
Position Title: First Grade Leave Teacher
Position Type: Full Time, Exempt – possibility for part time in August through October, transitioning to full time.
Term: August 2026 through June 2027 - Possibility for a start time in October
Reports To: Head of School
Compensation: $52,749 and $96,332, based on salary scale
School Name: The Valley School
City, State: Seattle, WA
Posted: June 2026
Position Summary
This position will start as an assistant teacher, working in the first grade classroom alongside the lead teacher to learn the routines and structures, while being ready to take over the classroom whenever necessary, for routine appointments and when the lead teacher’s leave begins. The leave is expected to begin in November and go through the end of the school year. Once the leave begins, this position will be responsible for all aspects of the lead teacher’s responsibilities, including curriculum development, teaching and parent communication.
There is some flexibility with the position for the fall, to be part time in September and October or to not begin until October. These options can be discussed.
The Valley School
The Valley School is a co-educational elementary school, serving students in grades pre-school through the fifth grade. Founded in 1985, The Valley School offers a high-quality academic foundation in a small school setting, rich with opportunities for creativity, exploration, and play. We celebrate childhood. Our learning program is a mixture of playful work and purposeful play and is designed to be developmentally appropriate at each grade. Social emotional learning and skill development form an important pillar of our program, in addition to academics, specialist classes, and dynamic playground spaces designed to offer myriad opportunities for students to learn and grow.
Our Mission and Values
At The Valley School, we ignite children’s natural passion for learning. Our students develop an academic foundation and become joyful learners through playful work, purposeful play, and the practice of community. Our school values include: celebration of childhood, collaboration, creativity, equity and inclusion, kindness, and respect for individuality.
Diversity, Equity, Belonging, and Justice (DEBJ) Statement
The Valley School honors diversity, practices inclusion, and invites courageous conversations. We strive to create a community where each individual is valued, respected, and included. Though the journey can be muddy – much like our playground – we aim to give every child the tools necessary to flourish.
Essential Functions
• Model and respect the School’s Mission and Values
• Demonstrate a belief that all children can learn and recognize the different developmental stages, cultural backgrounds, learning styles, and passions that influence a child’s educational experience
• Use a variety of teaching strategies to meet the learning, social, and emotional needs of a wide range of diverse learners
• Design a clear, well-organized, well-balanced and flexible curriculum that is responsive to the learning of each class and each child
• Create and effectively manage a positive and respectful classroom environment that promotes student learning while fostering kindness, self-expression, creativity, and respect for differences
• Set clear goals for student learning and use a variety of assessment tools to inform instruction and to provide frequent feedback to students about their progress
• Communicate with parents and colleagues about student growth in a clear, professional, and timely way
• Actively support colleagues and collaborate with other teachers and specialists to meet each student’s needs and to ensure the overall quality of education
Other Duties
• Present the First Grade program and philosophy to prospective families and engage in the assessment of applicant children
• Engage regularly in opportunities for professional growth and model a growth mindset
• Participate actively in the life of The Valley School, through engagement in meetings, committees, recess duty, and various special events
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Head of School and Director of Teaching and Learning
Qualifications
• In experience and skills, the ideal candidate will have:
• A Bachelor’s Degree in education, preferably in early childhood and elementary education; Master’s and Washington State teaching certificate preferred
• Experience as a classroom teacher
• Experience in developing curricula, especially with an anti-bias lens
• Experience using and adapting published curricula; ideal candidates will have experience with Bridges to Mathematics, UFLI and/or Units of Study
• Experience in assessing student learning, using a variety of measurements and tools
• Flexibility and adaptability to meet the needs of a wide range of learners
• Experience in working with a diverse group of families
• Strong communication skills, in both writing and speaking
• Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and families
Compensation and Benefits
The Valley School offers a salary scale that is competitive with comparable schools in the Seattle area and is commensurate with experience and credentials. The salary range for this position is $52,749 to $96,332. We also offer an excellent benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, and Paid Time Off, plus opportunities for professional development.
To Apply
Please email a cover letter, a current resume, and three references to Shana Reiss de Reyes, Head of School at . References are required but will be contacted only after confirming with finalist candidates.
The Valley School does not discriminate against any person on the basis of age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation (including gender expression or identity), race, creed, color, national origin, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $52,749.00 - $96,332.00 per year
Benefits:
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance
Education:
• Bachelor's (Required)
Experience:
• Teaching: 3 years (Preferred)
Ability to Relocate:
• Seattle, WA 98112: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person