Rainier Scholars·Seattle, Washington
The Literature Teacher is responsible for facilitating seminar-style classroom instruction and developing curriculum to prepare students for rigorous academic programs. The role also involves providing frequent feedback on student work and maintaining collaborative communication with parents.
Rainier Scholars is a comprehensive academic enrichment program that supports students of color over a 12-year journey – from 5th grade to college graduation. We seek to serve those who are most under-represented on college campuses and have the greatest number of barriers to achieving a college education: 85% qualify as low-income, 90% would be the first in their family to earn a college degree. Our program offers rigorous academics, leadership development and personalized support for scholars, providing access to educational pathways and myriad opportunities previously unimagined. With a budget size of $10 million, a staff team of 50+ full-time employees and 675+ scholars and families whom we currently serve in Seattle and Tacoma, Rainier Scholars has established a positive brand for our unwavering commitment to education, proven success rate, and sustainable impact. We grow new generations of diverse college graduates, career professionals, and community leaders.
The School Year Literature Teacher is a member of the Academic Enrichment Phase (AEP) team at Rainier Scholars – Seattle. This role works on Wednesday afternoons/evenings (online) and for a half-day in person on Saturdays (in person) at Seattle Academy from Saturday, October 3, 2026 until Saturday, May 15, 2027. Reporting to the Academic Director, this position is responsible for using intensive classroom instruction and academic enrichment opportunities to prepare students for rigorous middle and high school programs in public schools (Seattle, Renton and Highline), independent schools and other private schools. Rainier Scholars teachers seek to accomplish the following goals in curriculum, instruction, and assessment: Exposure to challenging content that will be present in rigorous academic settings Development of advanced skills that will allow students to perform at top levels Examination of themes which are relevant to the journey of a Rainier Scholar The Rainier Scholars literature curriculum builds students’ reading, speaking, and writing skills. In the school year, students read texts ranging from Greek Myths to Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry to The Giver while engaging with essential questions such as “How should we behave?” and “When is it okay to break the rules?” They also continue to practice skills such as annotating texts, participating in seminar-style discussions, and writing argumentatively. KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: Teach two sections of students (1:15 teacher-to-student ratio) on Wednesday evenings (Zoom) and Saturdays (in person) from Saturday, October 3, 2026 until Saturday, May 15, 2027. Respond to questions about homework by phone (students may call until 8:30 pm and are trained to leave a voicemail if the teacher is unavailable) Facilitate a discussion-based seminar-style classroom environment Develop curriculum in accordance with best practices and in collaboration with other teachers and the Academic Director Provide frequent written and oral feedback on student work, respond to academic difficulties of students, work collaboratively in response to parent concerns and conduct parent-teacher conferences at appropriate times Serve as a member of the Rainier Scholars staff; teachers report to and receive supervision from the Academic Director
REQUIRED: Bachelor’s degree from a competitive college or university. Minimum of 3 years teaching or other proven equivalent experience in independent or public school. Highly organized, interested in collaboration, and possess strong listening and communication skills. Passion for working with a diverse group of young people. DESIRED: A master's in education, those with course subject area expertise, as well as those with experience teaching at the elementary and middle school level with diverse populations. Demonstrated proficiency in UbD unit design (Understanding by Design, Wiggins & McTighe, 2005). COMPENSATION/BENEFITS:
Candidates must hold a bachelor's degree from a competitive institution and possess at least three years of teaching experience. Proficiency in Understanding by Design and a passion for working with diverse student populations are highly desired.
Market context
In Washington, classroom teacher roles are often competitive because schools and early learning programs look for candidates who meet state requirements and bring prior licensed daycare or teacher assistant experience. This posting’s requirements and benefits are AI-summarized from the original job description, helping you review fit and compensation details faster. If you’re applying, confirm your state preschool teacher assistant eligibility and highlight any classroom support experience on your resume.