Assistant Teacher - 2nd Grade

Cascadia School | Redmond, WA | On-site

Full-Time | 32 hr/week

About Cascadia School

Since 1977, we've guided children on paths of discovery. Our unique hybrid program blends a rich Montessori heritage with a liberal arts foundation, fostering curiosity and a global perspective in every student. We place an equal emphasis on the academic process as we do our students' social and emotional development. We seek educators who share our passion for shaping young minds and preparing them to engage the world openly.

The Role

Cascadia School is seeking an Assistant Teacher to serve as a key instructional partner in our 2nd Grade classroom. In this role, you will work closely with the Lead Teacher to maintain a balanced, focused, and productive learning environment. You are an essential part of the classroom’s daily rhythm—supporting the delivery of the curriculum while ensuring that student needs are met with consistency and care.

Your impact is felt in the transitions and the small moments; whether you are scaffolding a small group lesson, guiding students through a challenging social interaction, or preparing materials for an upcoming project, you ensure the classroom operates as a cohesive space for growth. You help bridge the gap between high-level lesson planning and the daily reality of student engagement.

The ideal candidate is a reliable and observant educator who can move seamlessly between administrative support and direct student instruction. You possess the intuition to anticipate where help is needed and the collaborative spirit to step in as a true partner to the Lead Teacher.

Breakdown of What You’ll Do

Instructional Support & Student Engagement (40%)

• Facilitate Small Group Instruction: Lead lessons that reinforce core concepts and support the Lead Teacher’s instructional goals.
• Provide One-on-One Support: Work directly with students to differentiate learning, helping them bridge gaps in understanding through individualized guidance and support.
• Manage Instructional Flow: Maintain high-level visual and physical awareness during student work cycles to facilitate focus, minimize disruptions, and ensure safety.
• Support Social-Emotional Growth: Oversee recess and transitions, utilizing these moments to mentor students in conflict resolution and collaborative play.

Classroom Operations & Admin (40%)

• Maintain Prepared Environments: Partner with the Lead Teacher to curate and organize instructional and learning materials.
• Direct Administrative Support: Execute essential classroom logistics, including accurate attendance tracking, grading assignments, and detailed documentation of student progress.
• Integrate Classroom Technology: Utilize digital platforms and educational tools to streamline classroom operations and support student digital literacy.
• Execute Safety Protocols: Maintain rigorous adherence to all school-wide safety and health guidelines to ensure a secure learning environment.

Collaboration & Community (20%)

• Student-Focused Communication: Maintain open lines of communication with the lead classroom teacher and school leadership regarding individual student progress and classroom needs.
• Foster Strong Relationships: Build and maintain professional, trust-based relationships with parents and guardians through clear and empathetic communication.
• Contribute to School Success: Approach the role with a team mindset, collaborating on cross-functional tasks that support Cascadia’s mission and community events.

We’re Looking For Someone Who Brings These Strengths

• Instructional Collaborator – You hold a Washington State teaching certification (or are working toward one) or have 3+ years of experience in a Montessori or specialized school environment.
• Classroom Intuition – You possess a high degree of situational awareness; you can anticipate student needs, identify potential disruptions, and prepare for transitions before they occur.
• Pedagogical Scaffolding – You understand how to support student learning through one-on-one guidance and small-group facilitation.
• Relationship-Builder – You enjoy connecting with students and providing a professional, supportive, and empathetic presence for Cascadia families.
• Operational Excellence – You have a keen eye for detail and are tech-fluent, comfortable navigating classroom management platforms and digital tools to streamline daily tasks.
• Team Mindset – You jump in where needed and take professional pride in the organization, aesthetic, and flow of the learning environment.

What Success Looks Like

• Lead Teachers feel supported and administrative tasks are handled with accuracy and care.
• Students experience a consistent learning environment where they feel supported and engaged.
• The classroom runs smoothly because you have anticipated transitions and prepared materials in advance.
• Families feel confident and connected to their child's classroom through your professional communication and interaction.

Salary and Benefits

• Salary: $35,000–$42,000 (depending on experience).
• Schedule: Monday through Friday, generally 8:30am to 3:00pm.
• Contract Term: This is a one-year contract starting August 1st, 2026, with potential to extend based upon performance and fit. Working days mirror the academic calendar (August 24, 2026 to June 16, 2027), with up to 20 hours in early August for planning and onboarding.
• Benefits: Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Retirement: 401(k) plan with a 7% match (subject to eligibility).
• Leave: Paid sick leave and personal time off.

About Our Community

Cascadia School is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse team that reflects our students' backgrounds and experiences. We prohibit discrimination based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected characteristic.

Our core values—Bold Belonging, Finding Your Voice, Empathetic Inquiry, Wonder & Experimentation, and Growth Mindset—guide how we work together and serve our community. We believe diverse perspectives strengthen our school and prepare students to engage an interconnected world.

Learn more: cascadia.school

About Cascadia School

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