Current Openings

Instructional Assistant (IA)

Reports to: Instructional Assistant Supervisor

Department: Academics

FLSA Category: Exempt; Contract Employee Position

Average Hours per Week: 2.5-4 per credit hour (will vary based on term)

Summary

As a non-faculty member of the instructional staff, the Instructional Assistant (IA) collaborates with faculty to support students’ academic and personal integration of course content. Working under faculty subversion, the IA assesses student progress on coursework and helps to facilitate course delivery as part of the teaching team. 

The Instructional Assistant 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. IA 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 IA 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.

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. We currently have payroll in WA, AK, CO, IL, GA, NC, OR, PA, TN, and TX.
  • Seattle School Alumni are highly encouraged to apply.
  • Applicants of color are highly encouraged to apply.
  • IAs are generally only assigned to courses with enrollment over 35 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: 13 weeks, early September to mid-December
    • Winter term: 13 weeks, mid-January to early April
    • Spring term: 10 weeks, late April to end of June

Essential Functions

The Instructional Assistant is responsible to:

  • Provide feedback to students on progress toward course learning outcomes. 
  • 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.
  • Provide instructional technology support via resources such as Populi (course management platform), Zoom, Google, etc.
  • 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 IA.
  • Attend relevant pre-term and midterm IA staff and training meetings. (Approx 7-10 meetings total, Sept.-June, dates to be provided by the IA supervisor at hiring) 
  • Attend All Staff Orientation Wednesday, September 4th
  • Attendance at Convocation and Graduation are encouraged.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

The Instructional Assistant 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 IA 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 Instructional Assistant 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, which specifies that Instructional Staff members may not have currently-enrolled students as therapeutic clients.
  • Flexible work schedule.
  • 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.
  • Familiarity and appreciation for the mission and values of The Seattle School.

Compensation & Benefits

$1,800-$3,900 per course

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

Application Process

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). Questions about position responsibilities not answered in the job description should be directed to Katie Clum, IA Supervisor kclum@theseattleschool.edu.

Application Deadline: May 27, 2024 12:00 am
Candidates may be considered after the deadline, but early applications received by May 27, 2024 will received priority review.

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.