Employment Opportunities
Why Choose Westminster School for Your Education Career?
Professional Respect
Westminster School respects its faculty members as professionals and values them as individuals with unique perspectives and gifts. This is shown through professional development activities, generous benefits (see below) and personnel policies, personal attention (e.g., treats and lunches on teacher workdays and conference days), openness to faculty concerns and solutions, and warm daily interactions. Many special events and school traditions implemented by the administration provide a feeling of belonging.
Empowering Philosophy
Teachers at Westminster School feel empowered by the school’s uplifting mission and philosophy and the opportunities to contribute to it. While they are respected as professionals in their own classrooms, Westminster teachers also know themselves to be part of something greater, which inspires them and bonds them with their colleagues and the greater school community.
Structured and Orderly Environment
Westminster’s approach to educating and helping to raise the children is characterized by consistent classroom management and respectful, courteous conduct on the part of the students. Teachers are expected to be role models and students are held to high expectations, both academic and behavioral. This is backed by a firm, but loving, administration.
Strong Peer Support
Teachers are linked with their peers horizontally (by grade levels) and vertically (by subject department) with regular meetings and much interchange of ideas and resources. They appreciate the clear guidance and ready support provided by faculty team leaders and department chairs. There is a clear curriculum guide established for each subject, with room built in for teacher creativity. And faculty members are especially bolstered by an administrative team that is accessible, appreciative, and supportive.
Teacher Specialization
One of the unique aspects of the Westminster program is that all subjects are taught by specialists. During the course of the day, the students change classrooms to be taught each subject by the specialist. In each grade, there is a *separate teacher and dedicated classroom for each core subject, including English/language arts, math, history, science, French (in all grades), and Latin (in grades 7-8). Of course, the students are also taught by specialists in all their enrichment classes, including P.E., art, music, drama, technology, and STEAM. Not only does this provide students with an “immersion” environment in each classroom they enter, but teachers get the opportunity to focus their teaching on what they are truly passionate about.
Small Class Size
An average class size at Westminster School is 12 students (limit of 18). Small classes allow teachers to really get to know the students and their parents. There is time to establish a strong relationship and understand how to best approach each student’s learning needs.
Engaged, Supportive Parents
Westminster parents truly care about their child’s development, and communication among parents, teachers, and administrators is emphasized. Parents are friendly and supportive of school values. Many are active in fundraising and “fun-raising” activities throughout the school year. Westminster encourages a professional relationship with the parents.
School Traditions
Traditions such as the Back-to-School Picnic, Halloween Parade, Hat Day, Holiday Cookie Party (and staff party!), Varsity vs. Parents Basketball Games, along with student plays, music programs, talent shows, art and poetry contests, and more, lend variety to the school year and provide much enjoyment and mutual appreciation.
Current Openings
Apply for Employment
If you would like to apply for a current opening or be considered for future opportunities, please complete this form.
Where We're Located
Westminster School sits on a seven-acre campus in the heart of Annandale, VA, a residential suburb of Washington, DC. Inside the I-495 beltway, we're minutes from downtown DC, Tysons Corner, Crystal City, the Mosaic District, and other major hubs across Northern Virginia.
Our Facilities
Westminster's 24 classrooms include dedicated spaces for art, music, orchestra, and a makerspace. Our campus also features:
- A library and theater
- A gymnasium
- Two administrative suites and conference rooms
- An outdoor playground
- A state-of-the-art athletic field
- Maintenance headquarters and workshop
A Space That Teaches
We believe the physical environment shapes learning. Order, cleanliness, thoughtful displays, and works of art create a sense of calm and engagement, states of mind that support both learning and personal growth. High standards for our buildings and grounds are woven into Westminster tradition, and staff and students alike take pride in how the school looks and feels.
Our Community
Just as important is our human environment. Westminster embraces a diverse community of students, staff, and families, one where everyone can find warmth, respect, and kindness, and where each person is encouraged to grow and reach their full potential. We challenge our staff to grow professionally while also exploring their own creativity and talents, whether through orientation activities, talent shows, our drama and music programs, or bringing creativity into their own classrooms.
Competitive salary and benefits
Salaries for beginning teachers and increases for advanced degrees and additional years of teaching experience are competitive with area private and public schools. Benefits include:
- Generous leave policies;
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance options;
- Employer-matching retirement plan (optional);
- Supplemental retirement plan (optional);
- Short- and long-term disability plans, including parental leave;
- Professional development opportunities;
- Life insurance;
- Fifty-percent tuition remission.
* There are two homerooms per grade. In Kindergarten – 2nd grades, one teacher specializes in language arts and social studies while the other specializes in Math and Science (with general topics being taught by both). In grades 3 – 8, there is a separate teacher for each subject.
Requirements for employment
Westminster seeks candidates who are energetic, enthusiastic team players, creative, and passionate about teaching/education. Most of our teachers hold a bachelor's degree in the subject they teach and a master’s degree in education, or have a comparable background. At least two years of teaching experience are preferred. A bachelor’s degree and state and national background checks are required. (See specific requirements in the Current Openings section.)
Diversity and Equity at Westminster School
Westminster School draws students from a wide variety of racial, ethnic, religious, and socio-economic backgrounds. Approximately half of our students are members of minority groups. Classroom activities and general school culture emphasize the diversity of our community as a gift to be shared and celebrated. Tolerance for differences and respect for all are values that are woven throughout the formal program of the school and, most importantly, through the daily interaction among our students, parents, and staff.
Westminster School admits students and employs staff members without regard to gender, race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, or sexual identity. The school does not discriminate on these bases in the administration of personnel policies, educational policies, athletic programs, financial aid and loan programs, or other school programs.
