Relief & Support Educator

Are you an experienced, imaginative, and collaborative educator who believes in progressive gifted education? Do you enjoy creating meaningful learning experiences, and being part of a diverse, supportive and talented community? If so, please consider joining our team at Tessellations. We are currently accepting applications for a full-time Relief & Support Educator position, starting immediately. We are seeking individuals who can substitute teach as needed, with the hope that you would grow into a full-time teaching position. Competitive salary and full benefits available.

Tessellations is a modern, innovative Pre-K-12 non-profit school for gifted learners based in Cupertino, CA. Our mission is to provide challenging experiential education that recognizes and nurtures the individual strengths of gifted learners, empowering them to confidently express who they are and pursue a meaningful life.

At Tessellations, community is a core value. A strong community was instrumental in launching our school during the pandemic and has facilitated our strong growth and success since then. Our team consists of passionate, qualified and dedicated staff from diverse backgrounds and includes a nationally renowned gifted expert. We believe that it is time to open a new chapter in high school education by forging a model that fosters a cultural ecosystem within the school that promotes innovative thinking and intellectual risk taking. Moving on from an antiquated model born during the industrial revolution, we favor durable skills over compliance and memorization, and collaboration over competition. We believe that assessments should function as guidance rather than judgment.

If you join our team you will help us grow our program and continue designing and delivering a rich, immersive learning experience. You will be heard, respected, and celebrated for your talents and efforts. You will work with students who love to learn, engaged parents who are grateful for your work, and supportive colleagues that will help bring out your best.

Primary Responsibilities

•  Create and foster a safe and supportive learning environment where all students feel heard.
• Substitute teach as necessary across the school (K-8). This may include a wide variety of subjects and classes and we will always work with you to provide adequate support so that you can perform this duty to the best of your ability.
• Teach two once/week elective classes on a topic about which you are passionate to 4th-8th grade students.
• Handle various other teaching or classroom support needs as they may arrive (e.g., one-on-one student support to help a specific student get back on track, supporting a classroom as an extra adult, making photocopies).
• Assist with administrative duties as needed (e.g., drop-off, pick-up, lunch and recess duties, transition times, etc.).
• Support the preparation of supplies for grade band camping trips. Attend and supervise students during grade-band camping trips if needed.
• Join staff and teaching team meetings around the school to understand curriculum when subbing and to understand school support needs.
• Attend staff meetings and actively engage with professional development opportunities.

Collaborative Professionalism

• Utilize curiosity, questions, respect, and empathy in community conversations
• Use school resources, collaborate with colleagues, and seek out opportunities for professional development to ensure execution of educational programming, support of student learning, and growth as an educator
• Conduct action research and/or try new strategies and approaches to improve educational practices and curriculum development
• Be proactive in serving the community (such as picking up trash, supporting a colleague, volunteering to help cover an emergency absence etc.)
• Ensure proper supervision of all students under your care

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
• Prior elementary and middle school (or related) teaching experience
• Passing a criminal background check upon hire
• Proficiency with technology (GSuite in particular)
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Social-emotional teaching experience
• Curriculum development experience
• Familiarity with and commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion practices
• Openness and flexibility in designing improved learning experiences
• Values collegial collaboration and individual improvement
• Enthusiastic life-long learner
• Self starter

Bonus Points

●  Experience teaching gifted learners
●  Experience teaching twice-exceptional learners
●  Master’s degree

Compensation

Salary range: $75,000 – $90,000

Benefits include medical, dental, vision, life, 401(k), flexible spending account, paid time off, holidays, and school breaks.

To Apply

Please submit a cover letter and resume to careers@tessellations.school. For more information about our school, visit http://www.tessellations.school.

Tessellations is an Equal Opportunity Employer — we do not discriminate against any employee or job applicant on the bases of race, color, gender, national origin, age, religion, creed, disability, sex, or reproductive health decision making.