Responding to COVID-19: The School School requires indoor masking through the end of the term, June 24, 2022. See our COVID-19 page for details and updates.
Current Openings

Assistant Instructor

Reports to: AI Supervisor

Department: Academics

FLSA Category: Exempt; Contract Employee Position

Average Hours per Week: 4 per credit hour (will vary based on term)

Summary

As a non-faculty member of the instructional staff, the Assistant Instructor (AI) primarily acts as a mediator of the learning process at The Seattle School, supporting students’ academic and personal integration of course content and collaborating with faculty to assess student progress on coursework. In addition, the AI regularly acts as a liaison between students and faculty.  

The Assistant Instructor role is a less-than-part-time position with hours that fluctuate throughout the course of the term based on class rhythms, due dates, etc. (roughly 60 hours per credit, with most courses being 2 or 3 credits). AI team members typically assist 1-4 courses per year, ideally for multiple years. The position provides experience and training complementary for Seattle School alumni, recent graduates, and early career professionals as they establish vocational goals and priorities. The AI position is ideal for those with flexible work schedules who are interested in revisiting and integrating academic material through assisting student comprehension and by partnering with faculty in coursework assessment.

An informational Q&A drop-in for interested applicants will be held on Thursday, May 19th 12pm-1pm PDT on Zoom. To register for the Zoom Q&A, complete this form. 

Relevant Information for Applicants:

  • The Seattle School cannot currently guarantee the possibility of out-of-state hiring for AIs but does not discourage non-WA residents from applying, as we are determining possibilities in regard to online courses.
  • Seattle School Alumni are highly encouraged to apply.
  • Applicants of color are highly encouraged to apply.
  • AIs are generally only assigned to courses with enrollment over 36 students, the predominant courses being in the Counseling Psychology program. 
  • The Seattle School offers both low-residency and on-campus courses.  Applicants interested in working only online, only on campus, or in combination are all encouraged to apply. 
  • Seattle School classes typically take place Mondays through Thursdays during term time, with occasional weekend Intensives. 
  • Campus courses are typically held Mondays and Tuesdays with most online courses held Wednesdays and Thursdays; scheduling variations occur.
  • The Academic school year typically follows the following timeline:
    • Fall term: Early September to mid-December, with final grades due Dec 26
    • Winter term: Mid-January to early April, with final grades due April 17
    • Spring term: Late April to end of June, with grades due July 5

Essential Functions

The Assistant Instructor is responsible to:

  • Evaluate student assignments, examinations, presentations and other deliverables based on standards and rubrics provided by the faculty member.
  • Attend classes as assigned. 
  • Read texts and articles assigned for class.
  • Record student grades in collaboration with the faculty member.
  • Assist students in understanding course syllabi and assignments, following faculty guidance.
  • Conduct office hours with students.
  • Communicate regularly with the course instructor, meeting as needed.
  • Assist with course research and lectures as suits the needs, interest and availability of both faculty and AI.
  • Attend relevant pre-term and midterm AI staff meetings. 
    • 5 total meetings are held across Fall and Winter terms; guidelines and schedule of dates to be provided by the AI Supervisor before the start of term. 
    • Team meetings typically take place Saturday afternoons via Zoom to accommodate team member work schedules.
  • Attend New AI training (August dates to be provided by the AI Supervisor at hiring).
  • Attend All Staff Orientation (early September date TBD).
  • Attendance at Convocation and Graduation are strongly encouraged.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

The Assistant Instructor is able and willing to:   

  • Demonstrate superior written communication skills, including a grasp of APA and Chicago style, grammar, and research.
  • Demonstrate skills as a teacher/facilitator or displaying great promise in this area.
  • Demonstrate high proficiency with online learning management systems, Google Suite, and Zoom.
  • Demonstrate sensitivity to the dynamics of the learning process.
  • Demonstrate a willingness to honestly communicate progress and needs with the AI Supervisor and course instructor.
  • Engage others with effective interpersonal skills.
  • Self-manage and prioritize multiple deadlines and tasks with strong attention to detail.
  • Communicate a Christian worldview in alignment with learning goals.
  • Demonstrate competency and a growing expertise in a given area of academic study.
  • Discern and advocate for student needs while supporting faculty instructional goals and upholding school policy.

Minimum Qualifications

The Assistant Instructor demonstrates:

  • Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology, Master of Divinity, or Master of Arts in Theology & Culture degree or its equivalent. 
  • Adherence to The Seattle School dual relationship policy.
  • An appreciation of the intellectual diversity of the educational mission, research, and scholarship conducted in a Christian seminary that attempts to engage a postmodern culture with sensitivity to multiple theological, therapeutic, and contextual orientations.

Compensation & Benefits

$1,300 per credit hour 

MACP Assistant Instructors’ in-class hours are eligible for CEUs.

Application Process

Staff and faculty feedback will be considered as part of alumni candidate evaluation. Preference will be given to candidates who demonstrate awareness and attunement regarding the impact multicultural and intersectional perspectives have within educational and professional settings. Interview invitations will be issued by Wednesday June 8. Please reserve the date for the Zoom interview: Friday June 17. Explanation for hiring decisions will not be given.

To apply: Submit your resume, cover letter, a 5-10 page writing sample in APA or Chicago format and our employment application to jobs@theseattleschool.edu (where questions about the hiring process may also be directed). Email jobs@theseattleschool.edu for a PDF fillable employment application (which will be online soon).

Questions about position responsibilities not answered in the job description should be directed to Dr. Kj Swanson, AI Supervisor kswanson@theseattleschool.edu.

Application Deadline: May 29, 2022 12:00 am

Employment Application [PDF]

About the Employer

Established in 1997, The Seattle School of Theology & Psychology resides in the heart of the Belltown neighborhood of Seattle, Washington. The Seattle School offers three interdisciplinary graduate programs: M.A. in Counseling Psychology, Master of Divinity, and M.A. in Theology & Culture. Focused on a transformational education through deep relationality, the school is committed to train people to be competent in the study of text, soul, and culture in order to serve God and neighbor through transforming relationships. Employees at The Seattle School strive to hold the capacity to see relationally and to see each other beyond social categories, allowing room for the complexity and nuance that is asked of us to live as the global body of Christ.

Federal employment non-discrimination rules preserve the freedom of faith-based organizations to hire according to faith. State and local employment civil rights laws include a similar exemption for faith-based organizations such as The Seattle School of Theology & Psychology.