Lake Washington School District is a remarkable community for learning. Covering 76 square miles on the East side of the Seattle metropolitan area, this large public school district is located in a community that supports learning. It also has created a unique community of learners, supporting teachers in their own learning and growth. When teachers learn, so do their students.

Lake Washington School District also employs classified support staff, who work in diverse areas, from one glazier to more than five hundred classroom and special education assistants. Since the skills required to be effective are constantly changing, classified employees participate in classes and training programs to stay current with job requirements and district expectations. To this end, classified staff members are encouraged to participate in any of the classes offered through the electronic catalog. They may also take classes at local institutions to enhance their skill and knowledge.

Learning is valued
It’s no surprise that learning is highly valued in our community. Redmond is the home of Microsoft and of many other high tech companies. Many of our parents are professionals from around the world who believe in the power of education. Our neighborhood schools enjoy participation from parents, business professionals and community members. That support also translates into regularly passing school levies and bond measures. In 2006, voters approved technology and facilities levies. They also approved the second phase of a modernization program that ensures schools are renovated or rebuilt on a regular schedule.

Teacher learning and growth are supported
Our community of education professionals supports each other in continuous learning. From the very first day, Lake Washington teachers receive the support they need to succeed. All teachers new to the district attend a paid New Teacher Institute to understand the standards, curriculum and instructional strategies used in the District, before they even get to the classroom.

The New Teacher Support Program provides concentrated guidance and invaluable assistance in those critical first two years of teaching. Each first-year teacher is assigned a consulting teacher to serve as a mentor and instructional coach. Consulting teachers assist with classroom set-up, content support, classroom management, record-keeping, curriculum planning, emotional support and more. In addition to the New Teacher Institute before the school year begins, new teachers are released from their classrooms to attend new teacher workshops during the year.

Learning is a continuing process for all Lake Washington teachers. Within each school, teacher leaders specialize in specific content areas. They lead planning and collaboration among teachers in that subject. They work with District staff development specialists to plan trainings and workshops designed to meet their school’s specific student learning needs. Early release of students on Wednesdays means that is the day for teachers to learn, from each other and from other experts.

Student-centered learning
In Lake Washington School District, motivated students do the work of learning as teachers coach and guide them to meet district and state standards. Teaching strategies center on the concept of student-centered learning, where students, guided by the teacher, learn how to gather and interpret information.

Technology-supported learning
With a technology savvy community, our classrooms are well connected. Every classroom has a ceiling-mounted LCD projector with a dedicated computer connected to a high-speed network with Internet access. Students enjoy a clear, 70-inch display from video, DVD or computer. Digital whiteboards were installed in all classrooms last year and audio support is scheduled to be provided in all classrooms. Teacher training in using all the available technology to help students learn is part of the package.

More reasons to join our community of learners
Here are some of the benefits for Lake Washington School District staff members. These descriptions of benefits are general: the specific benefits for a particular position may be different. All benefits are subject to change.

Teachers:

• $2000 professional fund per year, for tuition, workshop/conference fees, instructional materials or 4 incentive days pay
• Incentive stipend for experienced teachers, from $500 to $5000 depending on experience
• New elementary teachers (0-1 years of experience) will not be assigned a split classroom
• New secondary teachers (0-1 years of experience) will have no more than two preps

All certified staff working at least .5 FTE and classified staff working at least 20 hours per week:

• Medical insurance is available to all staff, with six different plans to choose from
• Dental Insurance is provided
• Vision Insurance is provided
• State Retirement Plan is provided
• Employee Assistance Program is provided
• Flexible Spending Accounts for Unreimbursed Medical and Dependent Care available
• Optional insurance for long-term care, short-term disability and more
• Real estate services available
• Pre-paid legal services and ID theft protection available