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, and innovate wisely. These four mission points guide the development of the curriculum, the student experience, and the evolution EPS culture. Founded in 2002, Eastside Prep was re-accredited by the Northwest Association of Independent Schools (NWAIS) in January 2019. EPS has grown from 17 students in 2003-2004 to a total of 536 students for the 2024-2025 academic year.

The Resident Teaching Program (RTP) includes a graduate-level teaching methods seminar; direct observation of, and collaboration with, skilled classroom teachers; and a full-time classroom teaching experience. A minimum of two residents are hired into the TRP for each academic 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 primary goal of the EPS Resident Teaching Program is to identify and develop a diverse population of independent school teachers. The program is designed for both recent college graduates and individuals seeking to make a mid-career transition to education. A degree in one or more of the academic disciplines taught at EPS is required.

Arts | English | Interdisciplinary Studies | Learning Science | Mathematics | Physical Education |
Science | Social Science | Spanish | Technology/Computer Science

Residents engage in an immersive experience that equips them with the knowledge, skills, and habits of mind necessary to thrive in independent school, both in the classroom and broader professional and family communities.

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. In the context of the EPS program, focused on critical thinking, experience by doing, and integration, residents will develop knowledge and skills in the following domains:

Program Sequence

Resident teachers begin each academic year in late August on the EPS campus (Take a Virtual Campus Tour). with a two-day orientation before the faculty and staff prepare for the new academic year.

Fall Trimester, resident teachers participate in a graduate-level seminar, Teaching@EPS, observe veteran teachers in their classrooms, and begin to spot teach under the guidance of their mentor teacher.

Winter Trimester, resident teachers co-teach two class sections and an advisory with their mentor teacher.

Sprint Trimester, resident teachers take responsibility for independently teaching four class sections and facilitating an advisory.

In addition to the seminar and unique teaching assignments, resident teachers participate with the full faculty and staff daily for the entire academic year.

Teachers leave the Resident Teaching Program with:

• Mentorship from experienced faculty
• Experience running their own classroom
• Experience co-developing lesson plans and assessments with teaching colleagues
• A full year of professional development as a faculty member
• Guidance through the hiring process for independent school teaching positions

Compensation and Benefits

The salary for resident teachers is $47,000 plus benefits for the 2025-2026 school year. More information on benefits can be found HERE.

Application Requirements

1. Applicants must have a Bachelor’s Degree in an academic subject area (Arts | English | Interdisciplinary Studies | Learning Science/Support | Mathematics | Physical Education | Science | Social Science | Spanish | Technology/Computer Science).
2. Applicants must be able to spend the full year as a resident of Washington State, working on the EPS campus.
3. Applicants need a strong interest in teaching in an independent school and must be willing/able to complete the full year program.

Application Process

1. Applicants are strongly encouraged to either attend an online information session or watch the video about Resident Teaching @ EPS. Online sessions are held throughout December and January each year.
2.  Applicants can access the online application form in November.
3. For an application to be considered complete, the following documents need to be included with the online application form:
   • Letter of interest
   • Resume
   • A college transcript copy
   • Two letters of recommendation
     • one from a professor in the applicant’s academic discipline
     • one from an individual who can speak to the likelihood of the applicant’s success as an educator (a professor, employer, peer)
4. Select applicants are notified of virtual interview opportunities in January and February, with the hiring process concluded in mid-March.
5. Each applicant is notified of their status at the close of the hiring process.

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