Employment

Director of Advancement

Westmark School in Encino, California is searching for a Director of Advancement to lead the school’s development, communications and constituent relations efforts.  The School is preparing to launch its first large-scale campaign to transform the campus through multiple facilities projects.  The Director will join a forward-looking administrative team that is pushing the boundaries in creating a supportive college preparatory school dedicated to educating, empowering and celebrating students with distinct learning styles, providing the tools necessary to achieve successful and fulfilling futures.

The Director of Advancement must passionately embrace and be able to effectively communicate the mission and vision of Westmark School to internal and external constituencies.  He/she will have played a key role in building a successful development program through a collaborative, team oriented approach.  The successful candidate will be self-motivated and self-confident but must also be comfortable establishing a development program where the Head of School, Board members and other key volunteers will often be in the forefront in the cultivation and solicitation of major donor prospects. 

S/He will also have strategic planning skills and demonstrated ability to work with the Head of School, Board members and other senior staff to develop and implement clear advancement goals to advance the mission, vision and strategic priorities of the School.  The successful candidate will have played a significant role in a capital campaign and have a track record of closing major gifts personally and by orchestrating the efforts of others; ability to provide creative, innovative leadership to Board members; capacity to work with and develop the fundraising capabilities of a Board;  highly developed organizational ability, communication and motivational skills; dynamic personality with strong initiative; entrepreneurial spirit; ability to thrive in a collaborative environment; and exceptional writing and speaking skills.  The Director of Advancement will also be an open, caring, communicative, strong and confident professional.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions for the job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

·       Physical demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to sit in on meetings and work on a computer for long periods of time; and is occasionally required to walk, reach with hands and arms, balance, stoop, talk, and hear.  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus. 

Westmark offers a competitive benefits package.  Salary will be commensurate with experience.  Screening for the position will begin on March 15.  The position will be open until filled.

To apply, please email a cover letter, resume and a list of five references (references will not be contacted without prior permission) to:

advancementdirector@westmarkschool.org

Westmark School

5461 Louise Avenue

Encino, CA 91316

Position Title: ASL Teacher

Position Start Date: August 2019

Position Summary:

Westmark School is currently seeking an ASL Teacher. Our ideal candidate will possess a knowledge base and passion for teaching students, preferably with language-based learning differences, and be able to organize and implement an instructional program that will capitalize on student strengths and be in accordance with Westmark School’s mission.   

Essential Responsibilities:

• Teach ASL classes to upper school students with language-based learning differences
• Show evidence of adapting and differentiated instruction for all students and a classroom forum for holistic growth
• Develop and maintain genuine, positive and consistent communication with parents.  Provide formative and summative feedback on progress to student and parents. Provide regular updates to Upper School Director and parents regarding students’ behaviors, academic concerns and progress
• Contribute to and benefit from the campus community
• Use behavior management systems that are effective with students with language-based learning differences
• Provide a positive environment that encourages students to actively participate in their own learning
• Collaborate fully with colleagues to create curriculum consistent with the School’s mission
• Utilize varied methods and approaches to material, integrating technology, assessments, projects, etc, to foster engaged learning in the classroom.
• Communicate on a regular basis with Advisory to discuss student progress
• Model professional and ethical standards when interacting with students, parents, peers and the community
• Practice professionalism through ongoing professional development, reflection and continuous improvement. Research new topic areas, maintain up-to-date subject knowledge to improve teaching and learning, and update unit plans accordingly
• Participate in parent conferences and other events as directed by school leadership
• Organize and carry out field trips and studies to support the curriculum
• Submit weekly lesson plans to Divisional Director
• Integrate technology into the curriculum following best practices
• Maintain class PowerSchool page, and regularly update and post to PowerSchool class grade book
• Serve as an advisor who works as a student-faculty liaison and monitors the academic progress for a caseload of up to ten students. Conversely, provides updates to students’ advisors to communicate about students’ learning and social-emotional needs.
• Additional duties as assigned

 

Qualifications

• A minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree is required for consideration, as well as a higher level American Sign Language background
• Experience with teaching Signing Naturally Levels 1-3 Required
• A minimum of five years teaching experience, preferably in an independent school environment
• Solid subject matter knowledge in a majority of these areas: ASL 1 thorough ASL 4 at grade levels 9-12
• California Teaching Credential a plus, but not mandatory
• Experience with students with learning differences and ADHD is a plus, as well as mentoring experience as a positive role model
• Knowledge of multi-sensory teaching methodologies
• The ideal candidate is well organized, self-directed, proactive, service-oriented, genuine, and eager to work in a highly dynamic, energetic school setting.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions for the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to sit in on meetings and work on a computer for long periods of time; and is occasionally required to walk, reach with hands and arms, balance, stoop, talk, and hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

Submit your cover letter and resume to:

 

aslteacher@westmarkschool.org

Westmark School

5461 Louise Avenue | Encino, CA 9131

Position Title: Upper School Spanish Teacher

Position Start Date: August 2019

Position Summary:

Westmark School is currently seeking an Upper School Spanish Teacher.  Our ideal candidate will possess a knowledge base and passion for teaching students, preferably with language-based learning differences, and be able to organize and implement an instructional program that will capitalize on student strengths and be in accordance with Westmark School’s mission.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Teach Spanish classes to Upper School students with language-based learning differences;
• Plan and implement Spanish curriculum;
• Submit weekly lesson plans;
• Integrate technology into the curriculum;
• Maintain class PowerSchool page;
• Regularly update and post to PowerSchool class grade book;
• Use behavior management systems that are effective with students with language-based learning differences;
• Provide a positive environment that encourages students to actively participate in their own learning;
• Communicate on a regular basis with Upper School Director to discuss student progress;
• Model professional and ethical standards when interacting with students, parents, peers and the community;
• Additional duties as assigned

Qualifications

• An advanced degree and/or credentialing in Spanish or related field;
• Experience teaching Spanish curriculum to upper school students;
• Strong desire to teach students with language-based learning differences;
• Knowledge of multi-sensory teaching methodologies;
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills;
• Strong organization and time-management skills;
• Desire to continue to develop professionally by learning new programs and methodologies

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions for the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Physical demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to sit in on meetings and work on a computer for long periods of time; and is occasionally required to walk, reach with hands and arms, balance, stoop, talk, and hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

Submit your cover letter and resume to:

spanishteacher@westmarkschool.org

Westmark School

5461 Louise Avenue | Encino, CA 91316

 

POSITION TITLE: School Counselor 

POSITION START DATE: Immediate 

POSITION SUMMARY: Westmark School seeks a School Counselor to provide a comprehensive counseling program and serve a key role in creating and sustaining an atmosphere of emotional wellness among students.  Reporting to the Head of School, the counselor utilizes collaboration, leadership and advocacy to promote students’ social, emotional and academic success.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Design, plan, implement, and participate in programming that fosters a culture of wellness with all students.
• Communicate the goals of the program to students, parents, faculty and staff, and maintains current and appropriate resources available for their use.
• Participate in regular professional development opportunities in order to stay updated on national trends and developments in providing support to children.

PREVENTATIVE AND RESPONSIVE SERVICES: 

• Provide short-term, solution-focused support through individual and group counseling; and when appropriate, assist families to arrange outside therapy and support services as needed and then coordinate with outside providers working with students.
• Consult and collaborate effectively with parents/guardians, teachers, administrators and other educational/community resources regarding students with identified concerns and needs.
• Implement an effective referral and follow-up process.
• Accurately and appropriately use assessment procedures for determining and structuring individual and group counseling services.

SYSTEM SUPPORT: 

• Meet regularly with the Head of School, division directors and school nurse to review the health and wellness of our student population and collaborate with educational staff to determine whether intervention strategies are effective.
• Provide appropriate information to staff related to the comprehensive school counseling program.
• Assist teachers, parents/guardians and other constituents in interpreting and understanding student data. 
• Use available technology resources to enhance the school counseling program.
• Adhere to laws, policies, procedures, and ethical standards of the school counseling profession.
• Host workshops and presentations for parents and in-service programs for teachers and staff.

ACCOUNTABILITY: 

• Conduct a yearly program audit to review extent of program implementation.
• Collect and analyze data to guide program direction and emphasis.
• Measure results of the school counseling program activities and shares results as appropriate.
• In conjunction with division directors, monitors student academic performance, behavior and attendance, and assists with appropriate interventions.

IDEAL EXPERIENCE AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS: The School Counselor should have the following types of experience, qualifications and characteristics:

• An advanced degree in School Counseling, Counseling, Social Work, School Psychology, Clinical Psychology, or Applied Psychology is required.  Appropriate license, certification, and/or other documentation attesting to the candidate’s expertise in counseling is required;
• Experience working with a diverse student population;
• Excellent written and oral communication skills with an ability to effectively communicate with all stakeholders of the school.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT: The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions for the job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Physical demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to sit in on meetings and work on a computer for long periods of time; and is occasionally required to walk, reach with hands and arms, balance, stoop, talk, and hear.  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus. 

SUBMIT YOUR COVER LETTER AND RESUME TO:
schoolcounselor@westmarkschool.org
Westmark School
5461 Louise Avenue | Encino, CA 91316

Position Title: Middle School Math Teacher

Position Start Date: August 2019

Position Summary:

Westmark School is currently seeking a Middle School Mathematics Teacher. Our ideal candidate will possess a knowledge base and passion for teaching students, preferably with language-based learning differences, and be able to organize and implement an instructional program that will capitalize on student strengths and be in accordance with Westmark School’s mission.   

Essential Responsibilities:

• Teach middle school mathematics classes to students with language-based learning differences;
• Plan and implement mathematics curriculum;
• Submit weekly lesson plans;
• Integrate technology into the curriculum;
• Maintain class PowerSchool page;
• Regularly update and post to PowerSchool class grade book;
• Use behavior management systems that are effective with students with language-based learning differences;
• Provide a positive environment that encourages students to actively participate in their own learning;
• Communicate on a regular basis with division director to discuss student progress;
• Model professional and ethical standards when interacting with students, parents, peers and the community;
• Work collaboratively with team members to develop new mathematics curricular offerings;
• Additional duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mathematics, education or related field;
• Minimum of 5 years classroom teaching experience, preferably in teaching math to middle school students;
• Strong desire to teach students with language-based learning differences;
• Knowledge of multi-sensory teaching methodologies;
• Experience with technology, specifically iPads, PCs and SMART Technologies;
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills;
• Strong organization and time-management skills;Desire to continue to develop professionally by learning new programs and methodologies

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions for the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Physical demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to sit in on meetings and work on a computer for long periods of time; and is occasionally required to walk, reach with hands and arms, balance, stoop, talk, and hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

Submit your cover letter and resume to:

msmath@westmarkschool.org

Westmark School

5461 Louise Avenue | Encino, CA 91316

 

Position Title: Lower/ Middle School General Music Teacher

Position Start Date: August 2019

Position Summary:

Westmark School is currently seeking a Lower/Middle School General Music Teacher. Our ideal candidate will possess a knowledge base and passion for teaching students, preferably with language-based learning differences, and be a self–starter, able to organize and implement an instructional program that will capitalize on student strengths and be in accordance with Westmark School’s mission.   

Essential Responsibilities:

• Develop curriculum for, and teach courses in general music for both lower and middle school students
• Submit weekly lesson plans
• Maintain class PowerSchool page
• Regularly update and post to PowerSchool glass grade book
• Use behavior management systems that are effective with students with language-based learning differences
• Provide a positive environment that encourages students to actively participate in their own learning
• Individualize lessons to fit students’ needs
• Incorporate technology, movement and a variety of instruments into lesson plans
• Meet regularly with Fine Art Department Chair and implement new strategies, tasks and skills
• Attend regularly scheduled department meetings
• Communicate with parents, Fine Art Department Head, Middle School Director, Lower School Director and advisors regarding students’ behaviors, academic concerns, and academic progress
• Model professional and ethical standards when interacting with students, parents, peers and the community
• Additional responsibilities and duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or graduate degree in music with a specialization in music education or graduate work in education/ music education
• Ability to incorporate movement into the curriculum preferred
• Ability to understand and implement a general music curriculum for Lower & Middle School students
• Develop and grow a comprehensive general music program for lower and middle school students
• 3-5 years teaching experience
• Credential, graduate degree, extensive graduate or other work in the field of Special Education or Learning Differences preferred
• Ability to individualize lessons to fit the students’ needs
• Technology savvy: familiarity with Google, Word, Excel, smart boards and relevant music technology.
• Collaborative, team player
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills
• Displays strong organization and time-management skills
• Ability to identify and improve student results
• Desire to continue to develop professionally by learning new programs and methodologies

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions for the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Physical demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to sit in on meetings and work on a computer for long periods of time; and is occasionally required to walk, reach with hands and arms, balance, stoop, talk, and hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

Submit your cover letter and resume to:

musicteacher@westmarkschool.org

Westmark School

5461 Louise Avenue | Encino, CA 91316

Position Title: Lower/ Middle School Visual Art Teacher

Position Start Date: August 2019

Position Summary:

Westmark School is currently seeking a Lower/Middle School Visual Art Teacher. Our ideal candidate will possess a knowledge base and passion for teaching students, preferably with language-based learning differences, and be a self–starter, able to organize and implement an instructional program that will capitalize on student strengths and be in accordance with Westmark School’s mission.   

 

Essential Responsibilities:

• Teach courses in visual art for both lower and middle school students grades 2-8
• Submit weekly lesson plans to the Lower and Middle School Directors
• Facilitate the integration of art into the general elementary school curriculum
• Collaborate with teachers to embed art appreciation into the language arts and history curriculum
• Organize and facilitate art education based field trips
• Maintain class PowerSchool page by regularly updating and posting
• Use behavior management systems that are effective with students with language-based learning differences
• Provide a positive environment that encourages students to actively participate in their own learning
• Individualize lessons to fit students’ needs
• Incorporate technology into lesson plans
• Meet regularly with Fine Art Department Chair and implement new strategies, tasks and skills
• Attend regularly scheduled department meetings
• Communicate with parents, Fine Art Department Head, Middle School Director, Lower School Director and advisors regarding students’ behaviors, academic concerns, and academic progress
• Model professional and ethical standards when interacting with students, parents, peers and the community
• Additional responsibilities and duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or graduate degree in education with a specialization in studio art or graduate work in education/studio art
• Ceramics experience a plus
• Ability to understand and implement a process focused curriculum for Lower School
• 3-5 years teaching experience
• Credential, graduate degree or extensive graduate work in the field of Special Education or Learning Differences preferred
• Ability to individualize lessons to fit the students’ needs
• Experience with technology, specifically iPads, Macs, PCs and SMART Technologies
• Collaborative, team player
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills
• Displays strong organization and time-management skills
• Ability to identify and improve student results
• Desire to continue to develop professionally by learning new programs and methodologies

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions for the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Physical demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to sit in on meetings and work on a computer for long periods of time; and is occasionally required to walk, reach with hands and arms, balance, stoop, talk, and hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

Submit your cover letter and resume to:

lmsarts@westmarkschool.org

Westmark School

5461 Louise Avenue | Encino, CA 91316

 

Position Title: Lower and Middle School Reading Teacher

Position Start Date: August 2019

Position Summary:

Westmark School is currently seeking a Lower and Middle School Reading Teacher experienced in teaching the mechanics of reading to Lower and Middle School students following a structured reading program.  As our Lower and Middle School Reading Teacher, you will organize and implement an instructional program that will capitalize on student strengths and be in accordance with Westmark School’s mission.

Our ideal candidate will have a proven track record of demonstrating an exceptional knowledge and passion for teaching students, preferably with language-based learning differences.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Teach Lower and Middle School students with language-based learning differences
• Plan, implement and follow the reading curriculum
• Submit weekly lesson plans to Divisional Director and Reading Department Chair
• Integrate technology into the curriculum following best practices
• Maintain class PowerSchool page
• Regularly update and post to PowerSchool class grade book
• Use behavior management systems that are effective with students with language-based learning differences
• Provide a positive environment that encourages students to actively participate in their own learning
• Model professional and ethical standards when dealing with students, parents, peers, and the community
• Embrace and support the mission of Westmark School
• Other duties, responsibilities, activities, events, and functions as requested by Head of School or designee

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Arts degree in Special Education or related field
• 3-5 years of classroom teaching experience or experience in a reading remediation clinical setting
• Strong desire to work with students with language-based learning differences
• Advanced degree or credentialing in Education preferred
• Proven track record of successfully working with young and adolescent children
• Training in a structured reading or literacy program such as: Orton-Gillingham, Wilson Reading, or Lindamood-Bell
• Knowledge of multi-sensory teaching methodologies
• Experience with technology- iPads, PCs and SmartTechnologies
• Excellent oral and written communication skills; ability to effectively communicate with students, parents, and other professionals on a regular basis
• Team player; ability to work collaboratively with fellow faculty, staff and administration
• Accepts responsibility and is self-motivated
• Demonstrates strong work ethic
• Desire to continue to develop professionally by learning new programs and methodologies
• Displays strong organization and time-management skills
• Ability to identify and improve student results

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions for the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Physical demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to sit in on meetings and work on a computer for long periods of time; and is occasionally required to walk, reach with hands and arms, balance, stoop, talk, and hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

Submit your cover letter and resume to:

lmsreading@westmarkschool.org

Westmark School

5461 Louise Avenue | Encino, CA 91316

 

Position Title: Lower School Teacher

Position Start Date: August 2019

Position Summary:

Westmark School is currently seeking a Lower School Teacher. Our ideal candidate will possess a knowledge base and passion for teaching students, preferably with language-based learning differences, and be able to organize and implement an instructional program that will capitalize on student strengths and be in accordance with Westmark School’s mission.   

Essential Responsibilities:

• Teach classes to students with language-based learning differences;
• Plan and implement curriculum;
• Submit weekly lesson plans to the Lower School Director
• Integrate technology into the curriculum following best practices;
• Maintain class PowerSchool page;
• Regularly update and post to PowerSchool class grade book;
• Use behavior management systems that are effective with students with language-based learning differences;
• Provide a positive environment that encourages students to actively participate in their own learning;
• Provide effective and consistent communication with parents and Lower School Director regarding students’ behaviors, academic concerns and progress;
• Individualize lessons to fit students’ needs;
• Model professional and ethical standards when interacting with students, parents, peers, and the community;
• Additional duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in education, special education or related field preferred;
• Credential, graduate degree or extensive graduate work in the field of Special Education or learning disabilities;
• Minimum 2-4 years classroom teaching experience;
• Strong desire to teach students with language-based learning differences;
• Knowledge of multi-sensory teaching methodologies;
• Experience with technology, specifically iPads, PCs and SMART Technologies;
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills;
• Strong organization and time-management skills;
• Desire to continue to develop professionally by learning new programs and methodologies

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions for the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Physical demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to sit in on meetings and work on a computer for long periods of time; and is occasionally required to walk, reach with hands and arms, balance, stoop, talk, and hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

Submit your cover letter and resume to:

lsteacher@westmarkschool.org

Westmark School

5461 Louise Avenue | Encino, CA 91316