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Posted: 04-May-26
Location: Tacoma, Washington
Type: Full Time
Preferred Education:
Additional Information:
Internal Number: 1054
Charles Wright Academy
2026-2027 LS Assistant Teacher
Start Date: August 24, 2026
Position: LS Assistant Teacher
Reports to: LS Director
Supervises: N/A
Additional Terms: Non-exempt, 12-month position
Position Starts: August 24, 2026
Charles Wright Academy (CWA) is a co-educational, non-religious, independent school located in University Place, WA. Charles Wright Academy is located on a beautiful, green, and sprawling 107-acre campus that includes athletic fields and more than 60 acres of gorgeous Pacific Northwest forests that also serve as an extension of our proper academic campus. Our educational philosophy of experiential learning includes unique daily opportunities for wilderness exploration, hiking, birding, wildlife observations, gardening, nature habitat sketch subjects for art studies, local biological science exploration, conservation work, farming, and more.
The only completely co-educational, independent, and non-religious school serving students in preschool through grade 12 in the South Sound area, CWA provides a challenging and nurturing environment with college preparatory academics and robust programming that prepare students to thrive and successfully launch into college and beyond. A wide array of experiential education, artistic, athletic, travel, and service opportunities promote students’ social-emotional development and provide students avenues to discover and pursue their passions. A culture that values self-expression, appropriate autonomy, and exploration of their authentic selves, students are nurtured, encouraged, mentored, and supported by a highly-qualified and experienced faculty that share collective institutional values and provide engaging, active, and joyful experiences for students each and every day.
Charles Wright Mission Statement
To inspire active, joyful learning while nurturing and challenging our students to develop the character, creativity, and skills to successfully navigate the future with confidence.
Position Description
The assistant teacher supports homeroom/lead teachers to provide a developmentally appropriate program and environment for the intellectual, social, emotional and physical growth of lower school students.
Responsibilities
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Support the lead teacher in all facets of the program as modeled and directed, including preparing materials, leading small-group or individualized instruction, supervising students during transitions, recess, etc.
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Act as a thought partner for the lead teacher, sharing observations, insight, and ideas for the classroom and curriculum.
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Imparts enthusiasm for learning to students that fosters moral character according to the mission and values of the school.
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Support the development of respectful relationships between children.
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Provides and maintains a stimulating, safe learning environment.
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Practices thoughtful, respectful, and effective guidance techniques which support active, joyful learning and promote responsibility and pathways to self-regulation.
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Communicates in a professional and timely manner with families, colleagues, and administration as appropriate.
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Attends and actively engages in all scheduled faculty and community meetings.
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Participate as a willing partner in all initiatives meant to further the mission of the school.
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Represent Charles Wright Academy in a positive manner with all constituencies.
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Exceptional communication skills, written and verbal
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Serve as a strong supporter for diversity and inclusion and be a constant champion for student belonging
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Maintain confidential information as appropriate
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Other duties as assigned by the Head of School
Qualifications
Candidates will possess appropriate expertise and experience for an applicant able to perform the duties as outlined in this posting and deliver consistent and excellent outcomes.
Qualified candidates will hold a High School diploma or equivalent. Preferred candidates will hold or be seeking a Bachelor’s degree in a related field and hold experience working with elementary aged children in a supervisory role.
Qualified candidates will possess a strong commitment to experiential education, serve as a champion of diversity and inclusion and cultural competency, possess the ability to inspire and challenge young people, the capacity to work cooperatively with peers, a keenness for working with elementary aged children, a strong work ethic, and a joyful sense of humor. Candidates should be able to work flexibly with various educational technologies and an ability to navigate Google Google Workspace and Mac hardware/systems is preferred.
Physical Requirements
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Must be able to constantly position self (standing, sitting,walking, lifting, and/or engaging in active play and supervision or otherwise) to accommodate needs of children of age group.
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Must be able to communicate and exchange information with students, other teachers, and families with appropriately sensitive and accurate communication skills.
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Must be able to lift/carry up to 25 pounds.
Salary & Benefits
This position has an hourly range between $25 and $30, depending on qualifications and experience. Benefits available are subject to plan and candidate eligibility.
Insurance: Medical, Vision, Dental; Basic Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, and Long Term Disability; Health Care FSA; and Dependent Care FSA may be available to employees, subject to the terms of the applicable benefit plan.
Retirement Plan: CWA offers an employer and employee contributed 403(b) plan, subject to the terms of the applicable benefit plan.
Paid Sick Leave: Employees receive 96 hours of paid sick/wellness leave per year.
Personal Leave: Employees will receive 5 days of personal leave per year.
Paid Holidays: CWA offers 15 paid holidays per year.
Other Benefits: EAP (Employee Assistance Program), Tuition Assistance for employees seeking advanced degrees, Professional Development opportunities, Child Tuition Remission of 50% for those choosing to enroll eligible students at CWA, 50% discount of Extended Day child care services and Summer Camp programming for eligible enrolled students.
Application Process
To apply, submit a cover letter addressing why you feel you are the right fit for this role at Charles Wright Academy and how that aligns with both our Mission and Inclusion Statements (both included in this posting). Please provide an updated resume, and email and telephone contact information for 3-5 professional references (which must include your most recent supervisor) via ADP or charleswright.org where this posting occurs.
Applications for this position will be accepted until filled. No phone calls or inquiries, please.
Inclusion Statement
Charles Wright Academy best exemplifies its mission and values when everyone knows they belong in our school community.
We embrace an intentional culture that champions everyone’s full participation as their authentic selves in all of the opportunities that comprise the Charles Wright experience. This includes supporting each community member’s understanding of their own identities and acceptance of the identities of others. By doing so, we empower everyone at Charles Wright to connect, learn, grow, and achieve.
The inclusive culture we strive for requires us to make both institutional and individual commitments. Institutionally, we will align policies, curriculum, and decision-making to this goal, and we commit to ongoing self-examination, learning, and action. We also encourage and support individuals to initiate and engage in candid, courageous conversations as this work is the responsibility of every member of our community. (adopted by the CWA Board of Trustees, March 2020)
