job opening – teaching staff

Introduction

Puget Sound Community School (PSCS), established in 1994, makes real and positive impacts in the lives of the youth we serve. Self-esteem, embracing diversity, preparation for compassionate and socially responsible citizenship in the school and community are among the valued goals of a PSCS education. We spark new interests for students and help them deepen their knowledge in subject areas they're already pursuing. PSCS helps students develop the skills needed in the 21st century, including how to navigate and interpret information, make conscious choices, and evaluate a world that is constantly changing.

The school was founded upon the belief that people are intrinsically compelled by their own curiosity and desires to learn, and when provided a positive and supportive environment will enthusiastically pursue meaningful and challenging tasks.  PSCS students independently choose how to spend their time.  They may play, read, work on academics or other projects, reflect, talk with friends, engage in independent study projects in the community, etc. 

The PSCS staff work together as a team to provide a nurturing, respectful and vibrant school environment for approximately 30 7th-12th grade students in a multi-age setting. We act as role models for our students and help them gain a sense of themselves and their role in the wider community. In a world of increasing competition, that role is often very hard to find.

This is an exciting and challenging opportunity to work in an established innovative school.
 
Position Particulars

Member of teaching staff.  School year, 10 month, 5 days per week contract, potentially renewable, beginning August 20, 2007 and concluding June 20, 2008.  This is a salaried position paying $25,050 with additional benefits, including full medical, dental and retirement, that value $8603 for a total compensation package of $33,653.
 
Job Description

Staff members at PSCS work closely with each other and members of the school community to implement, maintain, and administer an educational program for students and their families that supports the mission and philosophy of PSCS.  While expected to remain flexible to participate in programs and activities not directly specified below, teaching staff members:

1. Help cultivate, design, and create a broad-base of educational opportunities for students.
   • are each the primary advisor for approximately 12 student advisees
   • regularly communicate with advisees regarding the nature of their education at PSCS and to determine their interests
   • help locate appropriate learning materials for advisees
   • facilitate tutorials
   • work with each other to ensure there is, on average, at least one field trip being offered each week
   • work with each other to ensure there are community service opportunities made available to the students
   • respond to the spontaneous interests of students to visit parks and other nearby sites
   • tutor students when requested and as scheduling permits
   • help students resolve conflicts
2. Help administer the school according to and in agreement with the goals, objectives, and policies established jointly by the Director and Board in support of the PSCS mission statement.
   • attend regularly scheduled staff meetings
   • participate as members of committees
   • are computer literate
   • participate in decisions involving student recruitment, selection, and dismissal
3. Help facilitate and implement programs that promote an understanding of the mission statement, philosophy, and programs of PSCS.
   • model and promote kindness, patience and respect in communications and relations with adults and children
   • demonstrate a commitment to diversity, environmental awareness, and social responsibility
   • participate in community-wide events
   • support family participation in community-wide events
4. Help administer PSCS fundraising and promotion according to and in support of the school's policies and mission statement.
   • assist the Director in publicizing and promoting the school
   • assist with the maintenance and updating of school brochures and information materials
   • maintain continuing personal and professional development
   • regularly attend appropriate workshops, seminars, and trainings
5. Help promote PSCS as a technologically progressive institution.
   • read and participate in school email distribution lists
6. Are directly supervised by the School Director.

In addition to the above, the ideal candidate to the open staff position will possess some of the following characteristics, skills or experiences:

• an eagerness to work collaboratively with others to create a healthy, vibrant learning community built on consensus and communication
• have experience teaching science in a high school setting
• have a visual arts, music, outdoor education, and/or counseling background
• familiar with a student-centered approach to education
• multi-lingual
• certified to teach in Washington State (note, this is NOT a requirement for this position)

Response Instructions

We encourage you to be creative in the presentation of your application and include a resume, 3 references, and a cover letter that includes answers to these questions:
    - What skills are in your toolbox?
    - What traits have brought you success?
    - What motivates you to apply to PSCS?
    - What would you do if you could do anything at all?

Employer Contact Information

Puget Sound Community School
Andrew Smallman, Director
5031 University Way NE, Rm #111
Seattle, WA 98105
Email Address: pscs@pscs.org
Webpage: http://www.pscs.org
Phone: 206-324-4350

Submit your information by June 30, 2007 for best consideration.