Lower School Teacher (4th Grade)

POSITION: Humanities Specialist & Grade 4 Advisor

REPORTS TO: Lower School Director

REPORTING LOCATION: Palo Alto, CA

SCHEDULE: Mon. – Fri., 8:00am – 4:00pm PST, and some nights and weekends for school events, as required.

 

ABOUT THE POSITION:

The Humanities Specialist & Grade 4 Advisor is an experienced teacher with a clear understanding and background in mastery-based learning in the context of a K-6 experience. The Humanities Specialist & Grade 4 Advisor partners with the Lower School Director and Lower School teaching team to teach a rigorous, mastery-based curriculum, facilitate active learning experiences aligned with the KLS vision and guide students in their social and emotional development. In addition, this position involves contributing to the broader life of the school via participation in school activities and events, school admissions and faculty and staff meetings.

 

SPECIFIC JOB DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Academic Duties:

Humanities: Teach one section of Humanities (which includes Reading, Writing, Language, Social Studies), utilizing the KLS Humanities and Advisory curriculum, to grade 4 students, as assigned.
Advisors: Lead Advisory for one class of grade 4 students. Work with students on social emotional and executive functioning skills and build authentic relationships with students.
Ensure all teaching meets the CA Common Core State Standards, with a commitment to mastery-based and project-based approaches aligned with KLS vision.
Other related job duties, as needed.

 

Teaching & Vision Alignment:

Facilitate classes with an emphasis on active learning by primarily utilizing methods such as project-based learning, think-pair-share, experiential learning, and real-world scenarios and case studies.
Leverage assessment data to inform instruction and provide timely feedback to students.
Utilize external instructional resources including Khan Academy and related curriculum, to aid various diverse learning needs and backgrounds. Collaborate with leadership to identify and modify materials.
Develop learning experiences aligned with the KLS teaching vision. Create real-world projects relevant to the students and apply the learning through asynchronous curriculum and in-class activities.
Identify, select, and modify instructional resources to meet the needs of students with varying backgrounds, learning styles, and learning needs in collaboration with the school leadership and founder.
Integrate technology into the classroom appropriately, including AI tools relevant to each discipline.
Effectively communicate and collaborate with students, families, teachers, and other professionals regarding student progress, including timely submission of progress reports on specific dates.
Create an inclusive environment where students of diverse backgrounds and political perspectives feel welcome, fostering critical thinking through thoughtful questioning.

 

Contribution To Khan Lab School:

Complete duties during the school day as assigned by the Lower School Director including, but not limited to, morning drop off, recess supervision, lunch supervision, goal time coverage, afternoon pick-up, front desk, and substitute teaching coverage for colleagues.
Serve as a faculty ambassador for the Admissions team during our re-enrollment and admissions period in the Fall and Spring. This includes, at minimum, 6-8 hours for Pre-Admission events (Open House, Preview Days, Shadow Days) and 10 hours of Post Application Events (Student Visits and Observations, Parent Interviews, Application reads); these events may take place outside of school hours.
Participate in one or more activities that contribute to the life and culture of KLS, to be determined in collaboration with the Lower School Director. This may include participating in and planning all-school events (Lit-Khan, Night in the Lab), facilitating a student club (e.g. student government), contributing to the planning and preparation of KLS events (e.g., Stepping Up day, Family Association events – Fall Festival, Khanival), serving as a representative on the KLS DEIB Committee.
Attend all team meetings and participate in professional development, including departmental meetings (e.g. Humanities team, STEM team, K/1 team). Invest in the life of the school by participating in additional school events, team meetings and any and all aspects that support student growth. Model professional and ethical standards when working with students, parents, peers, and community.

 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES, & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED FOR THE POSITION:

Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree preferred.
Ideal candidates will have an academic background in elementary education.
Prior elementary teaching experience.
Understanding and support of Khan Lab School’s core values, mission, and vision.
A passion for working with elementary students and an understanding of where they are developmentally.
Expertise in teaching Humanities curricula from an introductory level to advanced concepts.
Knowledge and experience using Khan Academy for instruction, when applicable.
Commitment to inquiry-based, project-based learning, and other progressive pedagogies.
Prior experience analyzing student data and using a variety of assessment techniques.
Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills while able to communicate effectively and respectfully.
Flexibility to shift and take on a variety of tasks, as the lab school continues to grow and change.
Ability to reflect on one’s own effectiveness, respond well to feedback, and adjust instruction accordingly.

 

PHYSICAL WORK REQUIREMENTS OF THE POSITION:

Ability to occasionally lift, carry, push, and pull up to 20 pounds as some regular organizational tasks involve moving desks, chairs, electronics, and other school supplies and equipment as needed.
Must be able to remain in a stationary position at least 50% of the time.
Capability of occasionally moving about an office setting to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc.
Ability to proficiently and frequently operate a computer and keyboard as well as other office equipment such as calculators, copy machines, printers, and projectors.
Consistently practice safe working habits while using school supplies, equipment, and electronics as well as the ability to maintain a safe and hazard-free workstation for yourself and others at the school.
Occasionally required to work weekends, nights, or be on-call for events, which are sometimes held outside and require the ability and willingness to work in all weather conditions at any time of the year.
Ability to properly communicate information and ideas so other people can understand as well as the ability to ascertain and understand information communicated from others.

 

WHAT WE OFFER:
Khan Lab School is a community of learners and partners who have a deep commitment to their work. We get things done and believe that in our highly collaborative environment, anything is possible. All our decisions are made through the lens of what is best for our students. We tackle tough questions without ego, are results-oriented, and have high expectations for school and our students.

WHY JOIN US?

Innovative Environment: Be part of a forward-thinking school that values creativity and innovation in education.
Impactful Work: Help shape the future of education by leveraging AI and mastery-based learning principles.
Collaborative Culture: Work with a dedicated team committed to student success and continuous improvement.

 

APPLICATION PROCESS:

To apply, please submit the following:

A cover letter expressing interest in this position.
Current resume.
A list of 3 professional references with name, relationship, phone number, and email address. References will not be contacted without the candidate’s permission.

POSITION DETAILS:

Start Date: August 2024

Location: Palo Alto, CA

Number of Positions to Fill: 1

Employment Status: Full-time; Exempt; Salaried

Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage; a 401K retirement plan with an employer match; basic life insurance; short-term and long-term disability insurance; and generous paid time off including paid holidays, sick time, and floating holidays.

Salary Range: $85K – $105K per year, dependent upon experience.
Khan Lab School is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate based on race, color, creed, place of national origin, sex, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender (including gender identity, gender expression, and transgender), religion (beliefs, observances, or practices, including religious dress or grooming), marital status, registered domestic partner status, ancestry, genetic information, physical or mental disabilities, medical conditions, and/or military or veteran status in its employment practices or any other considerations made unlawful by federal, state, or local laws.

Tagged as: K-6