Middle School Social Studies Teacher

Middle School Social Studies Teacher

The Synapse School in Menlo Park, CA, an innovative TK-8 independent school located in the heart of Silicon Valley, dedicated to rethinking and reimagining education, seeks a MIDDLE SCHOOL SOCIAL STUDIES TEACHER for an opening to teach fifth and sixth grade.

Synapse educates a community of 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.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Synapse School has a full time opening for a middle school social studies teacher for the 25-26 school year, teaching grades 5 and 6. The ideal candidate is passionate about exploring social studies with middle school students, a creative and enthusiastic teacher who has a strong commitment to meeting the learning needs of each student, has a teaching style that supports differentiation of instruction, has a collaborative spirit, and has an interest in building community and being able to make middle school a lasting learning adventure for our middle school students in grades 5-8. The candidate will develop differentiated curriculum, provide direct instruction, and support the assessment process. Additional responsibilities include active involvement in student advisory, collaborative teacher meetings, supervisory duties, and other classes as needed for the MS program..

We are looking for a middle school teacher who loves middle schoolers, is highly collaborative, loves 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.

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING

Teach project-based middle school social studies classes
Teach an executive functioning class to middle school students
Collaborate with teachers and specialists to develop and document integrated theme-based curriculum
Integrate appropriate technology to enhance learning
Collaborate effectively with students, teachers, and parents
Model flexibility in implementing best learning practices
Provide timely and thoughtful feedback to students and parents in the forms of assessments, written narrative feedback, student-parent-teacher conferences, and meetings/conferences with parents
Lead a middle school advisory and be a middle school advisor, including mentoring middle school-aged students to support their personal and social-emotional growth
Mentor an associate teacher
Chaperone field trips, overnight trips, expeditions
Attend faculty, division, and other meetings as needed
AN IDEAL CANDIDATE WOULD POSSESS THE FOLLOWING QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum of three years of teaching experience, preferably in middle school and in independent schools
Advanced degree, preferably in education, humanities, or a related field
Experience designing and implementing project-based curriculum, as well as explicit skill development
Desire to be innovative and creative in curriculum design and pedagogy
Experience differentiating instruction
Demonstrated commitment to equity and inclusion in education
Effective classroom management skills
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Creativity, flexibility, a sense of humor, and a love of learning
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
A passion to work cooperatively with colleagues on a consistent basis and actively cultivate an inclusive environment and support a school community grounded in empathy, social responsibility, and an appreciation and respect for individual differences
SALARY RANGE AND BENEFITS

$100,000 – 120,000

Synapse offers a generous benefits package including health, dental, and retirement, as well as additional lifestyle perks.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Applicants should email a cover letter of interest, three names of references with contact information and a résumé to Stephanie Seto, Head of Middle School, stephanie.seto@synapseschool.org. This position is open until filled.

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.

Tagged as: K-6, Middle School