Resident Teaching at Eastside Prep

Eastside Preparatory School’s vision is to inspire students to create a better world. Our mission is to guide students to think critically, act responsibly, lead compassionately, innovate wisely. The four mission components guide the development of curriculum as well as the evolution of the EPS culture. Founded in 2002, Eastside Prep was re-accredited by the Northwest Association of Independent Schools (NWAIS) in January 2019. Eastside Prep has grown from 17 students in 2003-2004 to a total of 536 students for academic year 2023-2024.

The Resident Teacher Program is designed to provide a graduate-level curriculum coupled with experience in the classroom. Two residents will be admitted to the program for the 2024-2025 school year.

“I’ve gained a lot from observing a number of different EPS teachers in various subject areas, each with their own teaching style and ability to design high-quality student experiences. Classroom observations and collaborations coupled with the graduate level seminar have provided me opportunities to build relationships with EPS mentor teachers and to explore my voice as an instructor, my core teaching philosophy, and what the joy of teaching looks and feels like.” Noah Ching, RTP ’23-24

“My first trimester in the RTP can be easily described in one word: revelatory. As I observe and participate in a wide variety of classrooms, I slowly take in the many, MANY elements that make a strong learning experience. I can see myself growing as a person and teacher in real time. While I work very closely with my mentor teachers, I also feel like I am supported and guided by a village of seasoned faculty and staff. This has been a wonderful welcome to the profession.” Diana Gonzalez-Castillo, RTP ’23-24

Program Overview

The EPS Resident Teacher Program (RTP) exists to identify and develop new independent school teachers. Recent college graduates with degrees in secondary school content discipline along with individuals seeking to make a mid-career change to education are the targets of the program. The RTP addresses the strategic challenge of attracting qualified, diverse candidates  to the profession.

Residents will engage in an immersive experience that equips them with the skills and habits of mind necessary to thrive in the secondary independent school classroom and broader community.

Program Content

Teaching is a complex and multi-faceted endeavor. Part science, part artistic expression, teaching involves a blend of technical expertise and individual style. Throughout the program, residents will develop knowledge and skills in:

  • Creating Classroom Culture
  • Course Design
  • Assessment and Grading
  • Social Emotional Learning
  • Instructional Methods
  • Differentiated Learning
  • Adolescent Development
  • Advising

These domains are taught in the context of the EPS program, which focuses on integration, experiential learning, and critical thinking.

Program Sequence

Residents begin each school year in August on the EPS campus (Take a Virtual Campus Tour). Following a two-day orientation, Residents will join the faculty and staff as they return for the new academic year. During trimester 1, Residents will participate in a Seminar on Teaching, observe veteran teachers in their classrooms, and begin to spot teach under the guidance of their mentor teacher. During trimester 2, Residents co-teach 2 classes with the Mentor Teacher. During trimester 3, each Resident will have responsibility for teaching 4 classes independently.

In addition to the Seminar on Teaching and their unique teaching assignments, Residents will participate with the full faculty and staff daily for the entire academic year.

Teachers will leave the Resident Teacher Program with:

  • Mentorship from experienced faculty
  • Experience running their own classroom
  • Experience co-developing lesson plans and assessments with experienced teachers
  • Access to a year of faculty professional development
  • Specific professional development experience geared towards people new to the teaching profession

Compensation and Benefits

Salary for Resident Teachers is $45,600 per year plus benefits. More information on benefits can be found HERE.

Application Requirements

  1. Applicants must have a Bachelor’s Degree in an academic subject area (Computer Science, English, Fine or Performing Arts, History, Math, Physical Education, Science, Social Science, or Spanish Language).
  2. Applicants must be able to spend the full year as a resident of Washington State, working on the EPS campus.
  3. Applicants should have a strong interest in teaching in an independent school and must be willing/able to complete the full year program.

Application Process

  1. All applicants must attend one virtual information session (multiple sessions will be offered)
    INFO SESSIONS: Resident Teaching at Eastside Prep
    Wednesday, January 10th, 2024, 4:00 – 4:45 PM (PST) (Register HERE)
    Tuesday, January 23rd, 2024, 5:00 – 5:45 PM (PST) (Register HERE)
    Monday, February 5th, 2024, 1:00 – 1:45 PM (PST) (Register HERE)
    Tuesday, February 27th, 2024, 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM (PST) (Register HERE)
  2. Following the information sessions, applicants will receive a link to the online application form. For an application to be considered complete, the following documents will need to be included with the online application form:
    • Letter of interest (to be prepared after the information session)
    • Resume
    • Two letters of recommendation including one from a professor in your academic discipline and one from an individual who can speak to the likelihood of your success as an educator (can be a professor, employer, peer)
    • A copy of college transcript
  3. Select applicants will be notified of virtual interview opportunities.
  4. The final step in the application process is notification of status to each applicant.

For more information, contact Matt Delaney, Director of Academic Design and Integration.