Thank you for taking the time to learn more about Westside Community Schools! As a district, we are deeply committed to fostering innovation, connecting with our greater community, and continuing to lead the way in educational excellence
When you join WCS, you become part of a storied tradition. We take great pride in our forward-thinking culture that prioritizes your professional growth and well-being. We offer dynamic professional development opportunities, structured mentorship programs, and the resources you need to excel in your career. Beyond professional growth, WCS is also a place where you’ll find a sense of belonging. We celebrate our diversity and cultivate a welcoming environment where every staff member feels valued and empowered to succeed. Whether you're a new teacher eager to build your skills or an experienced educator looking for a supportive district where you can grow and thrive, you’ll find the support and encouragement you need to make an impact in Westside Community Schools
Together, we can create opportunities that transform lives and shape the future Connect with us to discover how you can join our community of passionate and dedicated team members.
We Are Westside
Sincerely,
Dr Andrea Haynes, Assistant Superintendent Human Resources and District Operations
Westside Community Schools is proud of the close-knit community you'll find throughout our ten elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school, including specialized secondary programming at our West Campus site
OF OUR TEACHERS HAVE EARNED A MASTER’S DEGREE OR HIGHER
Why staff STAYat Westside
WE-SIDE initiatives ensure that all students and staff feel welcomed and valued. Initiatives focus on Welcoming, Equity, Support, Inclusion & Dignity for Everyone
“I choose to stay at Westside because of the strong relationships I've built with both my colleagues and the community I truly feel supported by the people I work with and the families we serve.”
- Brie Kuster, 4th grade teacher, Paddock Road Elementary School
TOP REASONS STAFF STAY AT WESTSIDE 4
(Taken from the DISTRICT’s Fall 2024 Certified stay survey)
Support fo Teachers
WESTSIDE WAY PROGRAM
Westside Way is a threeyear program designed for all educators joining the WCS community, aimed at fostering collaboration, reflection, and professional growth.
First year educators meet monthly to focus on the key areas of classroom climate, managing behaviors, instructional strategies, planning and preparation, and professionalism
First year educators are paired with a building mentor who serves as a thought partner and support of instructional best practices
Second and third year educators meet quarterly to refine their skills and enhance their effectiveness in the classroom.
LAYERS OF SUPPORT
WCS provides tailored support to ensure that all educators receive the resources they need to thrive within their classrooms and buildings.
An instructional coach is an additional resource for all teachers who can provide tailored support & collaboration in planning and effectiveness in the classroom
Collaboration and opportunities to meet regularly with their grade level partners and professional learning communities are built into the schedule District and buildingled professional learning that supports the implementation of building goals
WCS is committed to fostering continuous growth and professional excellence for our educators. Through a wide offering of learning opportunities, teachers and staff are empowered to enhance their skills, drive student success, collaborate with peers, and implement innovative practices in their classrooms. District and building-led professional learning during Pre-Opening Week
Professional learning days built in throughout the year to support district initiatives, building goals and personal plan time Built-in teacher work days to support planning, preparation and collaboration
Support for Teachers
EMPOWERING SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHERS: UNIQUE RESOURCES AND SUPPORTS
Positive climate and an inclusive servicedelivery model that embraces diverse learning needs and fosters collaboration between general and special education teachers.
Clear and supported pathways for career advancement and specialization within special education, including support for obtaining additional certifications or advanced degrees
Comprehensive induction program with building mentors, as well as special education facilitators and coordinators, who provide ongoing training and support throughout the school year.
Frequent, robust professional learning offerings that allow special educators to gain competency in unique and innovative educational approaches and methodologies.
Well-staffed buildings where experts identified in serving students with complex learning needs (eg, autism, behavior, etc) provide direct, collaborative, or consultative support to both students and staff.
Pre-service mentoring and professional learning, including an additional contract day, tailored specifically to the needs of newly hired special education teachers.
Responsive leadership and strong community partnerships that prioritize communication and authentic collaboration with students, families, and outside agencies.
Comprehensive MTSS framework that ensures all students receive tailored academic, behavioral and social-emotional support through data-driven decisionmaking and tiered interventions.
Childhood About Early
Our Early Childhood Preschool Program serves typically developing, at-risk, and children with special needs who reside in the district, ages three to five years.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
Students receive services at our community-based centers within district boundaries and inclusive classrooms at the Underwood Hills Early Learning Center. Related services and support, to those students who qualify, include:
Speech and language
Physical therapy
Occupational therapy
Vision and mobility
Nursing
Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Assistive Technology
SUPPORT FOR OUR EARLY CHILDHOOD STAFF
Professional learning opportunities that include: science of reading-aligned early literacy skill development, meeting the needs of diverse language learners, and Pyramid Model behavioral prevention and intervention strategies
Strong, collaborative community partnerships that support the early development of children and offer resources to families and educators.
Systematic and supported preparation for educators as students transition between homebased, early childhood special education and elementary settings
Beyond the Classroom
At Westside Community Schools, we are proud to support students, families, and teachers through various certified positions.
These certified staff positions include, but are not limited to:
Administrators
Behavior Specialists
Instructional Coaches
Reading Specialists
Speech and Language
Pathologists
School Psychologists
School Counselors
Social Workers
Special Education Facilitators
"Teachers have a voice in Westside and are part of the decision making process. At Westside, we don't just identify problems and move on. We intentionally seek out solutions to our most difficult challenges and include everyone in the process."
- Dr. Jay Dostal, Principal, Westside High School
Instruction About
Our Instructional Model supports WCS’ strategic plan, drives teacher decision making, and serves as communication to our parents and community.
Our teachers enhance their lesson planning through data-driven strategies and use our Instructional Model as a framework Within their professional learning communities, they collaborate to implement the most effective, up-to-date practices for their specific content areas and grade levels.
