Employment

The Little School seeks an educator who is committed to joyful, child centered, engaging learning in a school with a long history progressive education, and practices educating the whole child. TLS teachers deliver powerful instruction driven by curiosity and inquiry and that embraces academic and social emotional learning. We hire teachers committed to collaborative teaching within a vibrant adult learning community. 

Job Description: TLS teachers... 

• Delight in the possibility and potential of children. They respect the social, physical and intellectual development of each child and create experiences where learning feels playful, and play is full of learning. 
• Nourish the social emotional life of each child by supporting and teaching curiosity, empathy, enthusiasm, interest, resilience, reflection, inquiry and collaboration.  
• Plan and implement integrated curriculum, rich learning tasks and activities, and authentic learning objectives in the areas of academic, emotional, social and physical growth.  
• Structure and lead the classroom to provide engaging instruction, nurture positive relationships and community, and establish a safe, warm, responsive environment for learning. 
• Work collaboratively and productively with fellow teachers, associate teachers and administrators. 
• Use observation skills and curricular frameworks to assess children's learning and behavior, maintain records about their progress, write narrative reports and identify short-term and long-term learning goals. 
• Work directly with parents, providing verbal and written updates; conduct home visits and conferences with families. 
• Document, write and speak professionally about the program and children's work; write weekly newsletters and biannual blog posts; present at parent education events; actively participate in professional associations; and engage with prospective students and families. 
• Convey understanding of and commitment to progressive education ideals and practices, equity, inclusion and social justice; integrate these ideals in curriculum, teaching and communication with children, families and colleagues. 

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions: 

• Frequently twist/bend/stoop/squat; stand/walk, lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh up to 40 pounds. 
• Work outdoors on a regular basis, occasionally in inclement weather.  
• Work and attend various events that take place evenings or weekends. 

Desired Skills and Experience:  

• Experience teaching elementary grades, preferably 5 + years working with K – 5th grade. 
• Bachelor’s Degree (BA or BS). 
• Teaching certificate. 
• Experience engaging community conversations around diversity, equity, inclusion and race. 

Compensation includes competitive faculty salary, health, vision, dental and retirement benefits. The 2025-2026 salary grid is still being confirmed but salaries will range between $65,000-95,000 depending on experience and education. 

Submit: Resume, letter of interest and three references to employment@thelittleschool.org as soon as possible.  

Student Support Program Description:  

At The Little School, we believe that supporting students means embracing neurodiversity and deeply understanding how each individual thinks, feels and learns. Our Student Support Team (SST) includes our two Learning Specialists, DEIJ Educator, Faculty Support Specialist, three Curricular Support Specialists, and the Director of Belonging and Student Support. The SST serves the whole school in partnership with students, teachers, and families. They help students access our school program by identifying tools and strategies, assisting with referrals, responding to emergent needs, and providing small group or classroom-based supports and accommodations.    

Job Description:  

The Integrated Learning Specialist is a leader in the school, championing our school-wide emphasis on differentiated instruction and supporting a diverse and equitable community of learners. The Integrated Learning Specialist is knowledgeable about broader community resources to coordinate referrals, facilitate communication, and guide decision-making with families and school personnel.  Two Learning Specialists work as a dynamic team. One who supports our Early Childhood students (3-8-year-olds) and one who supports our upper elementary program (9-11-year-olds). They demonstrate strong systems for collaboration, communication, and implementation alongside teachers, families, and other members of the SST.  They are both responsive and strategic in the way they hold and manage concerns alongside existing needs. The professional guidance of the Integrated Learning Specialist includes providing in-house assessments and observations, leading the process for outside referrals, gathering and interpreting data to generate learning support plans, providing small group instruction, meeting with families, and providing guidance for teachers and Curriculum Support Specialists about effective strategies to address behavioral, emotional, or academic needs.   

Primary Responsibilities:  

• Collaborate with teachers, families, and the SSTto identify students who would benefit from additional support. Develop strategies that are effective in addressing their academic, behavioral, or social-emotional needs.  
• Work with on-site services to effectively align and communicate support.  
• Approach academic and social/emotional needs with a strengths-based, neuro-affirming lens.  
• Be responsive and strategic in prioritizing current and shifting needs of students and teachers.  
• Coordinate referrals for outside evaluation, either with school districts or with private providers.  
• Build and maintain a list of outside providers that are aligned with the TLS mission.  
• Develop learning and behavior support plans aligned with our school policies and values to support students when they struggle academically, or exhibit concerning patterns of behavior.  Do this in collaboration with teachers, parents, and SST.  
• Implement research-based approaches to support students with executive function or learning disabilities and other mental health or behavioral challenges.  
• Build positive relationships with all students and use trauma-informed approaches, de-escalation strategies, and restorative problem-solving, to work with students in crisis or conflict.  
• Serve as a resource and consultant to teachers and staff on matters related to student learning, behavior, and social-emotional development.   
• Lead or co-lead meetings to discuss student progress, design interventions, draft learning support plans, and coordinate services with other school staff  
• Review evaluation reports to prioritize goals and coordinate school-based learning accommodations or behavior plans.  
• Attend parent-teacher conferences and contribute as a reader and editor in the report-writing process.  
• Maintain accurate and confidential records of student interactions, assessments, and progress notes in compliance with school policies.  
• Collaborate with community agencies, counselors, occupational therapists, and tutors to connect students and families with additional support services as needed.  
• Be able to consult, advise or co-lead schoolwide initiatives regarding assessment, curriculum, intervention, and professional development.  
• Lead meetings, workshops and training sessions for teachers, parents, and students on topics related to learning, behavior, and social-emotional well-being.  
• Contribute to a monthly newsletter, writing brief articles about topics that are informative and interesting to parents.  
• Complete trainings in Second Step, Responsive Classroom, Wired for Reading, and Bridges Intervention curriculum within the first two years of employment.  

Qualifications:  

• Master's degree in special education or related field.  
• Minimum of 3 years of experience working directly with elementary-age students in a school or clinical setting.  
• Classroom teaching experience preferred. 
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport with students, parents, and school staff.  
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment, collaborating with diverse stakeholders to support student success.  
• Proficiency in conducting assessments and developing individualized intervention plans.  
• Strong knowledge of behavior management techniques, crisis intervention strategies, and restorative practices.  
• Knowledge of adaptive technology and other digital options for accommodations.   
• Preferred knowledge about Second Step Curriculum  
• Commitment to promoting equity and inclusion and addressing the social-emotional needs of all students.  
• Flexibility, resilience, and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances in a fast-paced school environment.  
• Familiarity with relevant laws, regulations, and ethical standards regarding disabilities, accommodations and special education.  
• Commitment to staying abreast of current educational research  

Compensation includes competitive faculty salary, health, vision, dental and retirement benefits. Salaries range between $70,000-95,000 depending on experience and education.  

To apply: Please submit cover letter, resume and three reference names and contacts to employment@thelittleschool.org.  

Our Mission: The Little School cultivates authentic learning in community and the natural world, amplifying curiosity and expanding sense of self, belonging and possibility.  

Our Vision: We foster vibrant understanding and promote action that forwards sustainability, justice and joy.  

Non-discrimination Statement:  
The Little School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs. 

Student Support Program Description:  

At The Little School, we believe that supporting students means embracing neurodiversity and deeply understanding how each individual thinks, feels and learns. Our Student Support Team (SST) includes our two Learning Specialists, DEIJ Educator, Faculty Support Specialist, three Curricular Support Specialists, and the Director of Belonging and Student Support. The SST serves the whole school in partnership with students, teachers, and families. They help students access our school program by identifying tools and strategies, assisting with referrals, responding to emergent needs, and providing small group or classroom-based supports and accommodations.

Job Description:  

The Integrated Learning Specialist is a leader in the school, championing our school-wide emphasis on differentiated instruction and supporting a diverse and equitable community of learners. The Integrated Learning Specialist is knowledgeable about broader community resources to coordinate referrals, facilitate communication, and guide decision-making with families and school personnel.  Two Learning Specialists work as a dynamic team. One who supports our Early Childhood students (3-8-year-olds) and one who supports our upper elementary program (9-11-year-olds). They demonstrate strong systems for collaboration, communication, and implementation alongside teachers, families, and other members of the SST.  They are both responsive and strategic in the way they hold and manage concerns alongside existing needs. The professional guidance of the Integrated Learning Specialist includes providing in-house assessments and observations, leading the process for outside referrals, gathering and interpreting data to generate learning support plans, providing small group instruction, meeting with families, and providing guidance for teachers and Curriculum Support Specialists about effective strategies to address behavioral, emotional, or academic needs.   

Primary Responsibilities:  

• Collaborate with teachers, families, and the SST to identify students who would benefit from additional support. Develop strategies that are effective in addressing their academic, behavioral, or social-emotional needs.  
• Work with on-site services to effectively align and communicate support.  
• Approach academic and social/emotional needs with a strengths-based, neuro-affirming lens.  
• Be responsive and strategic in prioritizing current and shifting needs of students and teachers.  
• Coordinate referrals for outside evaluation, either with school districts or with private providers.  
• Build and maintain a list of outside providers that are aligned with the TLS mission.  
• Develop learning and behavior support plans aligned with our school policies and values to support students when they struggle academically, or exhibit concerning patterns of behavior.  Do this in collaboration with teachers, parents, and SST.  
• Implement research-based approaches to support students with executive function or learning disabilities and other mental health or behavioral challenges.  
• Build positive relationships with all students and use trauma-informed approaches, de-escalation strategies, and restorative problem-solving, to work with students in crisis or conflict.  
• Serve as a resource and consultant to teachers and staff on matters related to student learning, behavior, and social-emotional development.   
• Lead or co-lead meetings to discuss student progress, design interventions, draft learning support plans, and coordinate services with other school staff  
• Review evaluation reports to prioritize goals and coordinate school-based learning accommodations or behavior plans.  
• Attend parent-teacher conferences and contribute as a reader and editor in the report-writing process.  
• Maintain accurate and confidential records of student interactions, assessments, and progress notes in compliance with school policies.  
• Collaborate with community agencies, counselors, occupational therapists, and tutors to connect students and families with additional support services as needed.  
• Be able to consult, advise or co-lead schoolwide initiatives regarding assessment, curriculum, intervention, and professional development.  
• Lead meetings, workshops and training sessions for teachers, parents, and students on topics related to learning, behavior, and social-emotional well-being.  
• Contribute to a monthly newsletter, writing brief articles about topics that are informative and interesting to parents.  
• Complete trainings in Second Step, Responsive Classroom, Wired for Reading, and Bridges Intervention curriculum within the first two years of employment.  

Qualifications:  

• Master's degree in special education or related field.  
• Minimum of 3 years of experience working directly with elementary-age students in a school or clinical setting.  
• Classroom teaching experience preferred. 
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport with students, parents, and school staff.  
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment, collaborating with diverse stakeholders to support student success.  
• Proficiency in conducting assessments and developing individualized intervention plans.  
• Strong knowledge of behavior management techniques, crisis intervention strategies, and restorative practices.  
• Knowledge of adaptive technology and other digital options for accommodations.   
• Preferred knowledge about Second Step Curriculum  
• Commitment to promoting equity and inclusion and addressing the social-emotional needs of all students.  
• Flexibility, resilience, and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances in a fast-paced school environment.  
• Familiarity with relevant laws, regulations, and ethical standards regarding disabilities, accommodations and special education.  
• Commitment to staying abreast of current educational research  

Compensation includes competitive faculty salary, health, vision, dental and retirement benefits. Salaries range between $70,000-95,000 depending on experience and education.  

To apply: Please submit cover letter, resume and three reference names and contacts to employment@thelittleschool.org.  

Our Mission: The Little School cultivates authentic learning in community and the natural world, amplifying curiosity and expanding sense of self, belonging and possibility.  

Our Vision: We foster vibrant understanding and promote action that forwards sustainability, justice and joy.  

Non-discrimination Statement:  
The Little School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs. 

Are you looking to gain professional teaching experience working in a dynamic school setting? The Little School is hiring Extended Day teachers! 

Located in Bellevue, Washington, The Little School serves approximately 225 children, ages 3-11, on a 12.5-acre wooded campus. The school builds upon student strengths and interests to support academic, social, emotional and physical growth in a fun and engaging environment. We seek candidates who understand and appreciate the power of childhood and children as unique individuals learning in a social context. 

The Little School builds a diverse teaching staff that reflects the mix of local and international students and families in our school community. Candidates of color (BIPOC) and candidates with international experience are strongly encouraged to apply. 

Primary Responsibilities:  

Extended Day teachers must be available to work between the hours of 2:30-6 p.m., Monday-Friday. Additional hours, including all-day camps, substitute teaching or other work could arise, depending on experience and availability. 

• Plan and lead daily, highly engaging after-school activities indoors and outdoors with 3-11-year-olds. 
• Maintain appropriate limits and boundaries. 
• Interact professionally with parents, guardians and other staff members. 
• Other duties as assigned by the director of after school programs. 

The ideal candidate brings the following professional and personal attributes and commitments:  

• An excitement for teaching and learning alongside young children. 
• A commitment to collaboration and building partnerships with children, colleagues and families. 
• A sense of humor and positive attitude. 
• Willingness to be flexible and adaptable. 
• Strong communication and relational skills. 
• Consistent preparedness, attendance and punctuality. 
• Interest and curiosity about education, child development, equity, inclusion and social justice. 

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions: 

• Frequently twist/bend/stoop/squat; stand/walk, lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh up to 40 pounds. 
• Work outdoors on a regular basis, occasionally in inclement weather.  
• Work and attend various events that take may take place evenings or weekends.  

Skills and Experience:  

• Previous professional experience working with preschool and/or elementary school age children is preferred. 
• Prefer associate or bachelor's degree in education or related field.  

To Apply: 

Please submit the following to employment@thelittleschool.org : 

• Resume 
• Brief cover letter 

Compensation:

This is an hourly position (3.5 hours/day), $21/hr. Paid monthly. 

All staff must have:  

• Current First Aid/CPR and BBP/HIV training certification or be willing to obtain within 6 months of hire. 
• Current TB test results or be willing to obtain a test result within 2 months of hire. 
• 20 Hour STARS training or be willing to obtain within 1 year of hire. 
• Successfully passed a background check. 

Job Type:

Part-time 

Pay:

$21 per hour 

Supporting Diverse Educators at The Little School in Partnership with POCIS Seattle 

Full-time Associate Teaching Position and Teaching Certification Scholarship 

Applications for the 2025-2026 school year are now closed.

The Little School offers a full-time teaching associate job and up to $10,000 each year toward tuition for an aspiring BIPOC educator enrolled in an accredited teaching certification and master’s program. 

As student teaching becomes part of the candidate’s program, The Little School will work with the accrediting college to support student teaching at The Little School. The fellow will work with a mentor teacher and experienced teaching team. Other opportunities include observations of other classrooms and mentoring and support throughout the program. 

Click Here to Learn More About the Fellowship