First Grade Classroom Teacher

Bertschi School; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 118,000; Full time

Job summary

A private educational institution in Seattle is seeking a First Grade Classroom Teacher for a full-time position starting August 2026. The role involves planning and delivering a differentiated curriculum in collaboration with grade-level partners. The ideal candidate will have a bachelor’s degree, teaching certification, and experience with diverse student populations. This position offers competitive compensation, professional growth resources, and a supportive community focused on a commitment to equity and inclusion.

Qualifications

• A minimum of four years of classroom teaching experience at an early elementary level preferred.
• Experience teaching diverse student populations preferred.
• Teaching certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Plan, deliver, and assess curricula in collaboration with partners and specialists.
• Create and maintain a classroom culture based on the mission and values of the school.
• Communicate openly and directly with parent partners.

Skills

Classroom teaching experience

Knowledge of diverse student populations

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Teaching certification

Graduate degree in education

Job description

Position

First Grade Classroom Teacher • Full-Time School Year Position • August 2026 • Salary Range 65,000 – 118,000 depending on experience and qualifications

Our Mission

Bertschi School educates children to become compassionate, confident, and creative learners in a global community.

Our Values

Our community values integrity, inclusiveness, respect, diversity, and a commitment to sustainability.

Our Pedagogy

Bertschi School believes that students learn best when they are:

• safe and known in an inclusive community that values diverse perspectives
• supported in developing social-emotional skills
• provided academic choice and challenge at their “just right level”
• engaged in meaningful work
• encouraged to problem solve through inquiry, trial, and error
• empowered to take risks and make change
• given opportunities to collaborate and dialogue with a diverse group of learners

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Bertschi School values diversity and believes engaging our differences makes us better and stronger. We welcome and honor the unique contributions of people from all racial, ethnic, religious and socioeconomic backgrounds, gender identities, learning styles, physical abilities, and sexual orientations. Our commitment to equity drives us to be inclusive and diverse in all areas of our school.

Our School

Bertschi School, founded in 1975, is a Washington State approved elementary school. We are a member of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) and the Northwest Association of Independent Schools (NWAIS). The school serves children from pre-kindergarten through grade five. Bertschi School is an exciting environment for professionals who like to be part of a dynamic team and who thrive on the challenges and rewards of working with an active community. The staff enjoys a salary and benefit package in line with other independent private schools in the Northwest.

Position Summary

This position is a full-time school year position. The teacher will work closely with an experienced grade-level partner teacher and teaching associate to plan, deliver, and assess an enriched and differentiated grade-level curriculum. The teacher will also participate in the community life of the school including staff meetings, in-service days, and task forces as needed.

Classroom Responsibilities

• Plan, deliver, and assess academic and social-emotional curricula in collaboration with grade-level partner, teaching associate, specialist teachers, learning services department, instructional coach, director of community and belonging, and associate head of school
• Create and maintain a classroom culture based on the mission and values of the school
• Employ learning for justice standards that align with the school’s commitment to equity and inclusion
• Engage a variety of teaching strategies suitable to the developmental age and needs of the students and subject matter
• Understand the mission, values, and policies of the school and use these to identify and solve student, curricular, and school issues with appropriate professional conduct, keeping supervisors apprised
• Communicate openly and directly with parent partners
• Initiate growth and change for intellectual and professional development

Other Responsibilities

• Attend community meetings, curriculum meetings, and in-service days
• Participate in faculty work aligned with the strategic plan
• Continue refining practices to serve diverse students and their families
• Write student evaluations, twice a year according to the school calendar
• Conduct parent conferences
• Participate in Spring Art Showcase, Grandparents/Special Friends Day, Back to School Night, Admissions Open House, and other stewardship opportunities
• Manage classroom budget, order school supplies, and compile textbook orders
• Write classroom newsletters once a month with grade-level partner

Desired Skills & Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree
• Teaching certification preferred
• Graduate degree in education or related subject/field preferred
• Classroom teaching experience at an early elementary level for a minimum of four years preferred
• Experience teaching diverse student populations preferred

Bertschi School offers competitive compensation and benefits, resources for professional growth, and a sense of shared mission and accomplishment. Bertschi School promotes a culture that encourages life balance and a healthy work environment where students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to contribute their own ideas and spirit. Salaries and benefits are in line with other independent private schools in the Northwest. For more information, visit our website at www.bertschi.org/jobs

Application Process

• No phone calls will be accepted. Interested candidates are invited to:
• complete the Bertschi application form
• submit a cover letter and resume to [e-mail]
• Please submit materials in .PDF format

Bertschi School is an equal opportunity employer seeking a more culturally diverse workplace. Bertschi School welcomes faculty and staff from various backgrounds of race, color, creed, national or ethnic origin, socio-economic status, gender, sexual orientation, or disability.