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CAREERS AT OWS

Open Window School is a K–8 independent school on Cougar Mountain in Bellevue. We serve bright, gifted learners and we invest in the adults who help them thrive.  

 

Why Open Window School


WHY OPEN WINDOW SCHOOL

Gifted students bring big questions, quick connections, and deep feelings into the classroom. They thrive with educators who love learning, teach with intention, and build strong relationships.  At Open Window, you will find a community of colleagues who take students seriously, support one another, and stay curious right alongside the kids. 
 

“Open Window is the first place I have worked where my colleagues are as curious as the students.”

Lower School Lead Teacher

 

What it feels like to work here 

Collaboration is the norm. Faculty and staff share ideas, reflect together, and communicate with clarity and care.  Professional growth is supported. Learning is part of the job through in-service days, on-campus training, and school-funded opportunities beyond campus. 


Belonging matters. We are committed to equity and inclusion in the way we teach, work, and build community. 
 



PORTRAIT OF AN OPEN WINDOW COLLEAGUE 

You might be a great fit here if you are someone who: 

  • Loves learning and stays curious
  • Builds trust with students and colleagues
  • Designs engaging learning experiences with purpose and care
  • Values equity and belonging in daily practice
  • Communicates clearly and kindly 
     
Teacher helping student on laptop

 

Typical opportunities 

Many of our openings fall into these categories: 

  • Lower School Lead Teacher
  • Lower School Associate Teacher
  • Middle School Lead Teacher
  • Middle School Associate Teacher
  • After Care Assistant 
     

 

Application Process


APPLICATION PROCESS
 

Step 1: Complete the online application 

Upload a resume and cover letter, then be sure to “sign” your application so hiring managers can confirm it is complete. 

**Timing note  - Please allow up to two weeks to hear back after your application is received. If your application is incomplete, it may take longer to review. 

Step 2: Interviews 

Most roles include: 

  • Initial interview with the hiring manager, typically on Teams
  • In-person interview day. Depending on the position, this day may include:
    • Interviews with the team you will be working with
    • Interviews with other teams you would work closely with
    • Demo lesson in a classroom
    • Meeting with a member of our Diversity Leadership Council
    • Lunch with future colleagues or students
    • Tour of the campus
    • Meeting with Elaine Christensen, Head of School
Step 3: References and offer steps 
  • Reference checks
  • Verbal job offer, contingent on successful background check
  • Background check
  • Written offer letter 

 

Tip! 

We love cover letters that help us understand who you are and why you want to work at Open Window, especially what draws you to working with gifted students.

 

Teacher working with student on laptop

 

Compensation & Benefits


 COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
 

As an independent school, Open Window's mission is brought to life by the people who serve our students every day. We offer competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the whole person.
 

Competitive Compensation

We believe great work starts with employees who feel valued, respected, and supported. That's why we offer competitive compensation that is market-aligned and reflective of each role's responsibilities and impact.

 

2025–2026 Salary Schedule: Lead Teachers and Specialists2025–2026 Salary Schedule: Associate Teachers

 

Mission Aligned Benefits 


As an independent school, Open Window’s mission is brought to life by the people who serve our students every day. 

 

Health, vision, and dental benefits
KAISER HMO PLAN 
  • Kaiser PPO Plan 
    Employee-only coverage is funded by the school and dependent coverage is subsidized. 


DENTAL INSURANCE 
  • Willamette Dental HMO Plan
  • Delta Dental PPO Plan 
    Employee-only coverage is funded by the school and dependent coverage is subsidized. 


VISION INSURANCE (VOLUNTARY) 
  • Delta Vision (VSP Network) 
    Employee paid. Both Kaiser plans include vision coverage; this is a buy-up plan. 


HEALTH REIMBURSEMENT ACCOUNT (HRA) 

All employees enrolled in a group health plan, whether through Open Window or elsewhere, are enrolled in our HRA. All enrollees receive $1,750 per plan year from the school. 



FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNTS (FSA) 

Eligible employees may enroll in pre-tax Medical FSA and Dependent Care FSA programs. 

Commuter benefits
Employees can put aside pre-tax dollars for mass transit and parking. We also offer a shuttle that picks up from the South Bellevue Station and takes employees to campus in the morning and back to the light rail station at the end of the day.
Retirement planning 
Open Window offers Roth and traditional 403(b) retirement plans. After one year of service, eligible employees receive a 3% employer contribution regardless of employee contribution. In addition, if eligible employees contribute, the school will match up to 3% based on plan terms. 
Life, AD&D, and disability insurance 
Life and AD&D insurance is provided by the school, with voluntary plans available for employees and dependents. Long-term disability insurance is also provided by the school. 
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) 
Confidential support through ComPsych, available 24/7. Initial services are offered at no cost to employees and members of their household. 
Professional development and education assistance 
Open Window provides robust professional development for faculty and staff, including on-campus learning during in-service days and school-funded opportunities such as conferences and certification programs. Employees may also apply for tuition reimbursement through the Education Assistance Program for advanced degrees, in accordance with federal guidelines. 
Technology and supplies 
Open Window provides the technology, software, and classroom or office supplies needed to support each employee. 
Work-life balance 
  • Paid sick leave for faculty and staff, prorated by FTE and start date
  • School breaks for faculty aligned with the academic calendar
  • Vacation leave for administrative staff, prorated by FTE and start date, intended primarily for use during school breaks
  • Paid holidays during the school year for administrative staff
  • Additional benefits
  • Annual on-site flu and COVID vaccine clinics
  • Discount program through BenefitHub 
Non-Discrimination Policy

Open Window School is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions on the basis of merit and School needs. Creating an inclusive and professional environment where employees feel comfortable, safe, and free from inappropriate and disrespectful conduct is one of the School's core values. Open Window School does not discriminate against (in any aspect of employment, including recruiting and hiring, job assignment, compensation, opportunities for advancement, promotion, transfers, evaluation, benefits, training, discipline, and termination), nor does it tolerate harassment by any person, including, co-workers, supervisors, and third parties, on the basis of any legally protected classification or characteristic (“Protected Characteristics”) which includes: race (including hair texture and protected hairstyles), creed, national origin, age, color, sex (including pregnancy), citizenship or immigration status, honorably discharged veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, use of a trained guide dog or service animal by person with a disability, and protected genetic information. 

Open Window School also prohibits discrimination and harassment based on the perception that an employee falls within one of the categories of Protected Characteristics or based on the employee's association with a person who falls within, or is perceived to fall within, one of the categories of Protected Characteristics. These prohibitions apply in the workplace, on school trips, during meetings, at school-related social events, and at any other location where a School-sponsored event takes place. 

HIRING INQUIRIES 

Open Window only accepts inquiries for posted jobs. Please direct questions to hr@ows.org

View Open Roles 

Open Window School is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions on the basis of merit and School needs. Creating an inclusive and professional environment where employees feel comfortable, safe, and free from inappropriate and disrespectful conduct is one of the School’s core values. View our non-discrimination policy.