High School Teacher
Full-Time
A Unique Opportunity For Innovative Educators
Whatcom Intergenerational High School (WIHS) opened in September 2021 and serves students from the greater Bellingham and Ferndale communities. Beginning with 50 students in grades 9 and 10, WIHS continues to grow towards the goal of 120+ students in grades 9-12. WIHS is committed to blending Indigenous ways of knowing along with Western teaching and learning practices through our use of Phenomenon-Based Learning, Critical Literacy, and Intergenerational Learning. WIHS is a tuition-free public school open to all students regardless of zip code.
In joining the faculty of Whatcom Intergenerational High School, you will have the unique opportunity to design and impact the education of diverse students in our county as part of an innovative new charter school. WIHS is committed to practicing the First People’s Principles of Learning, an Indigenous-created framework. Through this model, and with the support of outstanding teachers and community Elders, all WIHS students will develop competencies that will contribute to a more equitable, just, and environmentally sustainable world.
Vision
WIHS envisions learning designed with students and supported by Elders, generating deep inquiry skills, thoughtful interactions, and critical consciousness, ensuring every young person can contribute to a more just and sustainable world.
Mission
WIHS will ensure that Whatcom County high school students—regardless of their life circumstances—develop the competencies and agency for success in college, career, and life.
Academic Goals
All Students:
● Are prepared to succeed in a postsecondary education option.
● Plan and engage their future goals through meaningful interactions with staff and Elders regarding their High School and Beyond Plan.
● Make yearly progress toward mastery of their phenomenon-based learning goals, standards-aligned competencies, and state testing.
● Acquire social, emotional, cultural, and physical dispositions for enjoying a purposeful life by understanding and practicing First Peoples Learning Principles.
● Learn through a Social Justice/Critical Literacy lens across all disciplines to contribute towards a more just and sustainable world.
Job Summary
We seek a passionate and dynamic Art Teacher to join our dedicated team. The ideal candidate will inspire students through a comprehensive art curriculum encouraging creativity, self-expression, and a deep appreciation for the arts. This role involves developing and implementing engaging lesson plans, fostering a positive and inclusive classroom environment, and contributing to the overall development of our students.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and Implement Curriculum: Design and execute a diverse and engaging art curriculum that aligns with state standards and incorporates various art forms, including drawing, painting, sculpture, and digital media
- Student Engagement: Foster a creative and inclusive classroom environment where all students feel encouraged to express themselves and explore their artistic talents.
- Assessment and Evaluation: Assess student progress through various methods, including projects, portfolios, and exhibitions. Provide constructive feedback to support student growth.
- Classroom Management: Maintain a well-organized and safe classroom environment conducive to learning and creativity. Establish and enforce clear rules and procedures.
- Collaboration: Work collaboratively with colleagues and administrators to support student success and contribute to the school community. Participate in school events, meetings, and professional development opportunities.
- Extracurricular Activities: Lead or assist with art-related extracurricular activities, such as art clubs, exhibitions, and community art projects.
- Resource Management: Manage art supplies and materials effectively, ensuring they are used responsibly and replenished as needed.
Where You’ll Work
You’ll join a group of driven and energetic educators at WIHS. We are located in scenic Bellingham, WA, approximately 90 minutes north of Seattle. WIHS is located inside of the Bellis Fair Mall, conveniently located in north Bellingham.
What We Offer:
- Fair teaching salary and state employee benefits (e.g., medical, dental, vision, flexible spending, life insurance, retirement).
● Ongoing and equity-driven training and classroom preparation.
● Professional development and leadership opportunities.
● The ability to make a difference in historically marginalized communities in our county.
● An opportunity to inspire, impact, and influence the lives of children every day.
A Little More About You:
- You are committed to WIHS’ mission and the communities we serve.
- You want to serve an intentionally diverse school community and value equity, belonging, and inclusion.
- You can effectively instruct students in an interdisciplinary context, meeting school and state content standards while integrating with other content areas.
- Colleagues would describe you as being a highly collaborative and adaptive problem solver.
- You have an authentic desire to learn how to integrate Phenomenon-Based Learning, Critical Literacy, and Intergenerational Learning.
- You’re committed to collaborating with community allies and Traditional Providers.
- Cycles of inquiry, integrated instructional practices, and designing curricula steeped in social justice and critical literacy excite you.
- You are committed to academic excellence but also dream of a more holistic approach where students' cultural, spiritual, physical, and emotional growth count just as much as test scores.
- You’ve successfully held all students accountable while honoring the diverse cultural knowledge they bring to the classroom.
- Working hard, having fun, and making the world more just are among your life goals.
- You hold WA State educator certification with endorsements in one or more high school content areas.
CONDITIONS FOR EMPLOYMENT
- Reference and required fingerprint background/criminal checks.
- Hold a valid Washington State teaching certificate with proper Endorsements.
- Special consideration will be given to candidates representing WIHS target communities who are bilingual or hold multiple endorsement areas.
COMPENSATION
Full-time employment begins in August each year. The salary range for Teaching positions ranges from $54,000-82,000, depending on experience. WIHS offers a comprehensive benefits plan and the opportunity to impact a growing, mission-driven organization committed to students' success in Bellingham, Ferndale, and Whatcom County.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Please submit your application by email to operations@wihs.school . The application must include your resume, letter of interest, completed application questions (as applicable), and contact information for three (3) professional references.
Please submit all documents as PDFs.
Whatcom Intergenerational High School does not discriminate in any programs or activities based on sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal.
Equal employment opportunity and respect in the workplace are fundamental principles at Whatcom Intergenerational High School (WIHS). WIHS prohibits and does not tolerate harassment, intimidation, bullying, discriminatory, or retaliatory behavior. All aspects of employment are based upon your capabilities and qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion/creed, sex/gender (including pregnancy and gender identity), sexual orientation or perceived sexual orientation, national origin, alienage or citizenship status, disability, age, military status, marital status, partnership status, status as a victim of domestic violence, genetic predisposition or carrier status, or any other protected class as established by federal, state, or local law.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $54,000.00 - $82,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Health insurance
- Retirement plan
Grade levels:
Schedule:
School subjects:
School type:
Ability to Relocate:
- Bellingham, WA 98226: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person