EMPLOYMENT AT WESTMINSTER SCHOOL
Westminster School is located on a seven-acre campus in the heart of Annandale, VA, a residential suburb of Washington, DC. Located inside the Interstate 495 “beltway,” Westminster is minutes from downtown DC, Tyson’s Corner in Fairfax, Crystal City in Alexandria, the popular Mosaic District, and other prominent hubs of the northern Virginia area.
School facilities include 24 classrooms, including art, music, orchestra, and makerspace studios, plus library, theater, gymnasium, two administrative suites, conference rooms, outdoor playground and game field, and maintenance headquarters and workshop.
At Westminster, we believe that the physical environment teaches. To be surrounded on a daily basis by order, cleanliness, attention to detail, engaging displays, and works of art encourages calmness, a sense of well-being, engagement, imagination, appreciation, and responsibility—all states of mind helpful for learning and personal growth. High standards for the maintenance and presentation of the buildings, interiors, and grounds are deeply embedded in school tradition, and both staff and students take pride in the appearance and “feeling” of Westminster School.
Of course, the human environment is the most important one. Westminster School embraces a diverse community of students, staff, and their families, and strives to create an environment where all members of the community find warmth, respect, courtesy, and kindness, and where each individual is encouraged toward personal growth and fulfillment of potential. Staff members are challenged to develop professionally, but also to explore and share their creativity and talents. Staff activities during orientation meetings, talent shows, participation in the school’s drama and music programs, and weaving creativity into their lessons and classrooms are all part of daily life at Westminster School.
Current Openings
No current openings.
Job description:
Elementary/Middle School Teacher (Science/STEAM focus)
Pay: $59,000.00 – $61,000.00 per year (negotiable based on experience)
Position Overview:
Westminster School seeks an experienced and enthusiastic teacher to serve as a 5th Grade Science Teacher and 3rd–8th Grade STEAM/Technology Teacher. This is an exciting opportunity for a collaborative educator who loves hands-on learning, building student curiosity, and integrating technology and design thinking into an engaging program.
Science Teaching Responsibilities (5th Grade):
- Teach daily science classes to two fifth-grade homerooms with hands-on exploration, demonstrations, labs, and student projects
- Support science learning with an established curriculum that includes: Earth Science, Physical Science, Life Science, and Geography
- Build student enthusiasm and confidence through inquiry-based learning and strong classroom culture
STEAM/Technology Responsibilities (Grades 3–8):
- Teach and develop STEAM/Technology classes/activities for students in grades 3–8 (approximately 16 classes per week, depending on scheduling)
- Further the design and implementation of a coherent, age-appropriate STEAM program
- Collaborate with academic teachers to use STEAM experiences to enhance classroom curriculum
- Assist with schoolwide technology needs (as appropriate)
Qualifications & Skills:
- Bachelor’s degree required
- Minimum of 2 years of classroom teaching experience required
- Experience teaching elementary and/or middle school science and/or technology/STEAM strongly preferred
- Ability to relate well to children ages 8–14
- Strong collaboration, organization, and communication skills
- Creativity, attention to detail, and enthusiasm for continuous improvement
- Commitment to professional standards and positive student culture
What We Offer:
- Small class sizes (typically 12–15 students)
- Support from teaching teams and subject-area guidance/resources
- Makerspace teaching space
- Established curriculum and textbooks
- A beautiful campus environment
- Superior academic and behavioral standards
- Competitive salary and benefits
- Outstanding collegial and administrative support
- A diverse, welcoming community and a traditional school environment with high expectations
How to Apply:
Interested candidates should submit a resume and a brief cover letter describing their relevant experience with science instruction and/or STEAM/
Job Types: Full-time, Contract
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Employee discount
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Job description:
Elementary/Middle School Teacher (Science/STEAM focus)
Pay: $59,000.00 – $61,000.00 per year (negotiable based on experience)
Position Overview:
Westminster School seeks an experienced and enthusiastic teacher to serve as a 5th Grade Science Teacher and 3rd–8th Grade STEAM/Technology Teacher. This is an exciting opportunity for a collaborative educator who loves hands-on learning, building student curiosity, and integrating technology and design thinking into an engaging program.
Science Teaching Responsibilities (5th Grade):
- Teach daily science classes to two fifth-grade homerooms with hands-on exploration, demonstrations, labs, and student projects
- Support science learning with an established curriculum that includes: Earth Science, Physical Science, Life Science, and Geography
- Build student enthusiasm and confidence through inquiry-based learning and strong classroom culture
STEAM/Technology Responsibilities (Grades 3–8):
- Teach and develop STEAM/Technology classes/activities for students in grades 3–8 (approximately 16 classes per week, depending on scheduling)
- Further the design and implementation of a coherent, age-appropriate STEAM program
- Collaborate with academic teachers to use STEAM experiences to enhance classroom curriculum
- Assist with schoolwide technology needs (as appropriate)
Qualifications & Skills:
- Bachelor’s degree required
- Minimum of 2 years of classroom teaching experience required
- Experience teaching elementary and/or middle school science and/or technology/STEAM strongly preferred
- Ability to relate well to children ages 8–14
- Strong collaboration, organization, and communication skills
- Creativity, attention to detail, and enthusiasm for continuous improvement
- Commitment to professional standards and positive student culture
What We Offer:
- Small class sizes (typically 12–15 students)
- Support from teaching teams and subject-area guidance/resources
- Makerspace teaching space
- Established curriculum and textbooks
- A beautiful campus environment
- Superior academic and behavioral standards
- Competitive salary and benefits
- Outstanding collegial and administrative support
- A diverse, welcoming community and a traditional school environment with high expectations
How to Apply:
Interested candidates should submit a resume and a brief cover letter describing their relevant experience with science instruction and/or STEAM/
Job Types: Full-time, Contract
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Employee discount
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
We seek experienced teachers to provide support for our elementary and middle school classes, and become part of a community dedicated to excellence. All subjects, including French, PE. Enjoy small classes (grades K-8); courteous, orderly students; clear lesson plans; a welcoming atmosphere; and competitive compensation. Applications are accepted throughout the year.
Fill out the form at the bottom of the page to apply.
Job description:
Camp Counselor – Camp Griffin (Seasonal Summer)
Westminster School | Annandale, VA
Job Type: Seasonal (Summer)
Camp Type: Day Camp
Hours: 8:30 AM-3:30 PM or 10:00 AM-6:00 PM
Pay: $19-21 per hour
About Camp Griffin:
Camp Griffin is a vibrant, engaging day camp at Westminster School committed to providing children with a safe, inclusive, and enriching summer experience. Our program emphasizes fun, personal growth, teamwork, creativity, and character development. We align our programming and staff practices with American Camp Association (ACA) best practices, ensuring strong standards for child safety, supervision, and positive youth development.
Position Summary
Camp Counselors are essential to creating a safe, supportive, and joyful camp environment. Counselors supervise campers, lead activities, model positive behavior, and build meaningful connections with children. Ideal candidates are energetic, responsible, positive, and passionate about working with youth.
Key Responsibilities
- Supervise and engage a group of campers throughout the camp day, ensuring safety and well-being at all times
- Plan, lead, and participate in age-appropriate activities (games, arts & crafts, outdoor play, enrichment)
- Build positive relationships with campers and promote teamwork, kindness, and respectful behavior
- Implement behavior guidance strategies aligned with Camp Griffin policies
- Communicate clearly with camp leadership regarding camper needs, concerns, and daily highlights
- Follow all health, safety, and emergency procedures, including active supervision and risk management protocols
- Serve as a positive role model by demonstrating professionalism, enthusiasm, and integrity
- Assist with daily setup/cleanup, transitions, and special events as needed
Required Qualifications
- 2–3 years prior camp experience (day camp or residential camp preferred)
- Experience working with children in a group setting (camp, school, afterschool, childcare, etc.)
- Ability to actively supervise campers and maintain a safe environment
- Strong communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills
- High level of responsibility, reliability, and professionalism
- Ability to stand, walk, and participate in physical activities throughout the day
- Must successfully pass all Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) licensing background checks prior to employment (including fingerprinting, criminal history, sex offender registry, and child protective services checks), in accordance with state regulations
Preferred Qualifications
- Coursework/background in education, child development, recreation, or related field
- CPR/First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain before camp begins)
- Experience supporting social-emotional development and inclusive programming
Why Work at Camp Griffin?
- Supportive leadership and collaborative team culture
- Training grounded in ACA standards and best practices
- Opportunity to make a meaningful impact in children’s lives
- Fun, positive, mission-driven workplace
Camp Griffin Core Values
- Safety First: Physical and emotional safety guide all decisions
- Inclusion & Respect: Every child is welcomed and valued
- Positive Youth Development: We focus on growth, confidence, and connection
- Professional Excellence: Staff are trained, supported, and held to high standards
How to Apply
Use the form on the bottom of the page.
Submit a resume and a brief statement of interest outlining your relevant experience working with children and in camp settings.
Camp Griffin is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building a diverse staff team.
Job Type: Full-time
Work Location: In person
No current openings.
In the News
Head of School, Nancy Schuler discusses her philosophy on teacher retention in this article in CSEE Connections Quarterly.
Pages 2 – 5
Author: Ted Fish
Why Choose Westminster School for Your Education Career?
Teachers at Westminster School feel empowered by the school’s uplifting mission and philosophy [link] 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 – 2 nd 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.
I really love working here at Westminster School. It is a perfect match for me. I believe in the values of hard work, discipline, and manners. We teach the students to be responsible and carry themselves in a respectful and courteous way. We also teach them to care and be attentive to details. It is a wonderful school and we offer so much more than just an advanced curriculum. I can be myself and I have full support from my colleagues and supervisors. My personality involves a lot of fun, movement, and interaction with the students. Our diverse community
makes our classes very rich with different experiences and we emphasize sharing with each other.
Sylvie Peev | Preschool – 4th grade French teacher
The faculty and staff at Westminster School, more so than at any other school I have worked for, believe in educating and forming the entire person: mind, body, and spirit. The administrators and teachers work closely with each other and with the parents to raise our students to be kind, inclusive, thoughtful, and grateful. While I love being able to focus solely on teaching math in the Upper School, I also appreciate the team-centered approach. My fellow Upper School teachers are constantly discussing how best to solve problems and serve each individual student. My peers inspire me to plan my lessons creatively, to work collaboratively, and to hold high expectations of our students. I am grateful to have found Westminster School and it will forever hold a spot in my heart.
Alexa Uhrmacher / 7th -8th Grade Algebra / Geometry Teacher & Math Department Chair
If you would like to apply for a current opening or be considered for future opportunities, please complete the form below.
