1st/2nd Grade Lead Teacher

Lower School Lead Teacher 

Synapse School in Menlo Park, CA, an innovative K-8 independent school located in the heart of Silicon Valley dedicated to rethinking and reimagining education, seeks a Lower School Level 2 (combined 1st/2nd grade) Lead Classroom Teacher.

Synapse, a Lab school of Six Seconds, educates change makers by combining social-emotional learning, leading-edge academics, and the practice of innovation. We have an unwavering belief in the capacity of children, and our teachers work alongside our students to unlock their powers of curiosity, discovery, and creativity. Synapse’s program provides a deep and unique range of integrated academic, social, and creative experiences to help children use their hearts and hands to unleash their passion for learning. Synapse draws students from around the San Francisco Bay Area.

SETTING AND LOCATION

South of San Francisco, Synapse School resides in the city of Menlo Park. Because of Synapse’s unique and exciting location, our school is influenced by the dynamic cultural, intellectual and ethnic diversity that permeates the region. Stanford University is minutes away, and provides an unparalleled intellectual community in neighboring Palo Alto. Synapse is a close neighbor to several high-tech and high profile companies such as Facebook, Google, Apple, Sun Microsystems, and Oracle. We are conveniently located between freeways 101 and 280 and along Caltrain, a commuter railway system that services thousands of people each day from San Jose to San Francisco.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Synapse School has an opening for a Lower School Level 2 (combined 1st/2nd grade) Lead Classroom Teacher for the 21-22 school year. The ideal candidate will be a creative and enthusiastic teacher who has a strong commitment to meeting the learning needs of each student, a teaching style that supports differentiation of instruction, a collaborative spirit, a growth mindset, and an interest in building community. The candidate will develop differentiated curriculum, provide direct instruction, support the assessment process, collaborate with faculty, and communicate with families. Additional responsibilities include collaborative teacher meetings and supervisory duties.

We are looking for a lower school teacher who loves children, is highly collaborative, embraces innovation and design, has a growth mindset, always puts the child first, understands constructivism, is committed to SEL, and wants to be part of an exciting team of forward-thinking educators looking to do big things.

3375 Edison Way Menlo Park, CA 94025 | 650-294-4570 | www.synapseschool.org

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING: ● Create positive and respectful classroom environment including modeling and implementing social-emotional learning (SEL)

● Plan and deliver leading-edge (constructivist) curriculum across all subject areas ● Plan and implement differentiated small group literacy- and math-skills instruction ● Work collaboratively with grade level team, specialists (Self Science, Performing Arts, Visual Arts & Design, Maker Space)

● Mentor and collaborate with a full-time associate teacher who works as your close partner

● Develop personal education plans for each student, regularly setting and updating personalized goals

● Communicate and collaborate with parents/guardians on a proactive basis ● Write end-of-trimester narrative reports to be discussed with parents/guardians ● Collaborate with teachers and specialists to develop and document integrated theme-based curriculum

● Possess strong oral and written communication skills

● Integrate appropriate technology to enhance learning

● Collaborate effectively with students, teachers, and parents

● Model flexibility in implementing best learning practices

● Attend Lower School student meetings, weekly faculty meeting,s and other meetings as needed

● Maintain confidentiality and use discretion

● Review student work regularly to determine if lesson/concept needs to be re-taught

● “Can do” solutions-oriented attitude, flexible, and enjoy working in a changing and dynamic environment

AN IDEAL CANDIDATE WOULD POSSESS THE FOLLOWING QUALIFICATIONS:

● Minimum of three years of classroom experience, preferably in 1st/2nd grades ● Excellent verbal and written skills and ability to communicate with students, parents, and colleagues

● A bachelor’s degree in education or a related field. An advanced degree is preferred, though not required.

● Experience developing and implementing constructivist, project-based curriculum ● Desire to be innovative and creative in curriculum design and pedagogy ● Creativity, flexibility, a sense of humor, and a love of learning

● A passion to work cooperatively with colleagues, actively cultivate an inclusive environment, and support a school community grounded in empathy, social responsibility, and an appreciation and respect for individual differences ● Experience integrating technology effectively into student learning

3375 Edison Way Menlo Park, CA 94025 | 650-294-4570 | www.synapseschool.org

● Demonstrate kindness, enthusiasm, a sense of humor, investment in continued learning and professional growth, and a passion for supporting children as they grow and learn

● Effective classroom management skills

● A sense of playfulness and fun!

WORKING CONDITIONS MAY INCLUDE:

● Ability to work at a desk, conference table or in meetings of various configurations. ● Ability to stand and circulate for extended periods of time.

● Ability to communicate so others will be able to clearly understand normal conversation. ● Ability to lift or carry up to 25 pounds.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS:

● Dexterity and physical condition to maintain a vigorous work schedule and meet standards of physical and mental health.

● To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.

● Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

● Individuals must maintain a professional attitude and appearance.

To Apply:

Please submit a resume, a concise cover letter detailing your experience teaching writing and your interest in the position, and any other supporting materials you would like to share via email with the subject line “Level 2 Teacher” to the attention of Trina Currier at careers@synapseschool.org.

Synapse School does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex or sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability and familial affiliation or any other characteristic protected by law. All applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States.