Website woodlandpk8 Woodland School
Position Overview
Woodland School seeks an inspiring Lower School Science Teacher who develops students’ inquiring minds and provides hands-on science skills. Teachers are encouraged to immerse students in collaborative learning experiences, critical thinking skills, and evidence-based explanations. The philosophy of the science department aims to engage the students in real world problems, allowing them to explore, explain, elaborate, and evaluate their own findings.
At Woodland, science has evolved from a content-based focus to a performance-based program where students learn science content through interactive inquiry-based labs, discussions, activities, and projects. Teachers facilitate student-centered learning by engaging them in learning through fun and engaging real-world situations. The graduating Woodland student has a deep understanding of how major concepts in science and scientific thinking such as patterns, change, cause and effect, structure and function, and systems cycle throughout any content they are discovering whether it be the interactions between atoms or the butterfly cycle. Woodland School also understands that responsible global citizens need the skills not only to explain and explore scientific phenomena, but also to think critically and evaluate large amounts of data and information that can be applied to everyday life in real-world and hands-on ways. Our students recognize that their ideas are integral to group learning and are expected to challenge their own understandings together.
Overview of Woodland School
Located just west of Stanford University, Woodland is an independent day school that offers a joyful approach to learning in a diverse, respectful, and inclusive environment for approximately 300 students in early childhood through eighth-grade. We have two sections of each grade level K- 8 with class sizes that average from 14-18 per class.
Woodland School specializes in education that inspires students by nurturing each individual’s voice, intellect, and character. With rich content and an emphasis on inquiry-based and student-driven projects, students are empowered and encouraged to be active and engaged learners. Our students’ innate sense of wonder is the foundation of learning at Woodland School. Teachers craft meaningful, multi-sensory learning experiences which enable creativity, ingenuity, and deep interdisciplinary connections. Students explore and develop complex understandings that engender a sense of self and purpose in the world.
Woodland School’s faculty create a school environment that is as supportive and nurturing as it is challenging, and they embody the core values of the school—stewardship, integrity, curiosity, resilience, equity, and respect.
Our teachers apply best practices through collaboration, integrated curriculum, brain-based teaching and learning methods, and continued professional development. Our teachers are themselves learners, constantly searching for ways to improve their practice. A robust professional development program supports our faculty by connecting them to the best practices in pedagogy, curriculum development, educational technology, and student assessment.
Essential Duties, Skills, and Responsibilities
We seek a dynamic teacher who inspires students to ask questions and examine Science. This individual should embrace working collaboratively and creatively with colleagues in shaping various curricular areas and divisions. Candidates should be passionate about teaching and have a love of science and elementary school-aged students.
- Bachelor’s degree in science, science related field, a teaching certificate or credential or equivalent professional experience which would translate to successful classroom teaching. An advanced degree is preferred but not required.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills are required.
- Collaborate well with colleagues of diverse backgrounds on pedagogical approaches, curricular alignment and instructional strategies. Applicants will be required to create integrated units of study with faculty members of other disciplines in an ongoing effort to deepen student learning and model real-world connections.
- Lead several sections of Early Childhood-4th grade science.
- The science program at Woodland provides students with opportunities to expand, change, enhance, and modify the ways in which they view the natural and physical world. The teacher facilitates an environment that promotes students’ thinking, honesty, curiosity, and questioning. Students are empowered to express and share points of view, solve problems, and make decisions based on evidence.
- Encourage collaborative teamwork in the classroom, teaching students to communicate effectively and thoughtfully, justify their reasoning and to consider multiple perspectives when solving problems.
- Participate in weekly department meetings and multidisciplinary team meetings, anti-bias training, and all aspects that support the student experience.
- Manage the school garden as an outdoor classroom where students can apply their learning.
- Demonstrated professional behavior, including discretion, judgment, and integrity.
- Effectively work with a diverse population of students and faculty.
Physical Demands and Work Environment
The position can be physically demanding. Reasonable accommodations may be made if requested in advance.
How to Apply
Candidates for this position should submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information for a minimum of three references.
Salary and benefits are commensurate with our peer schools in the San Francisco Bay Area and with like NAIS schools.
Woodland School is dedicated to the goal of building a culturally diverse and pluralistic faculty committed to teaching and working in a multicultural environment and strongly encourages applications from candidates who reflect such diversity. Woodland School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin in the administration of its educational or admission policies, financial aid distribution, or other school programs.
