Lower School Lead Teacher — Grades 3/4

SYNAPSE SCHOOL POSITION OVERVIEW

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 3rd & 4th Grade LEAD TEACHER for a mixed-age classroom.

Synapse educates a community of Change Makers by combining Social-Emotional Learning (SEL), 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.

JOB DESCRIPTION: Synapse School has a full-time opening for an exceptional Lower School 3rd & 4th Grade Lead Teacher for the 2026-2027 school year. The ideal candidate possesses a positive disposition, a growth mindset, a collaborative spirit, a sense of humor, and an interest in building community. Candidates must be excited to collaborate with colleagues to create curriculum and communicate with families, be flexible in order to meet the needs of the school community, and be committed to equitable student success. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, SEL instruction, explicit literacy and math instruction, as well as project- and problem-based curriculum development, collaborative teacher meetings, evening and weekend events, and supervisory duties.

KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

Teach the whole child with a strong emphasis on Social Emotional Learning
Create hands-on, project-based learning experiences; collaborate with colleagues to design, prepare, deliver, and assess rich curriculum and instruction
Teach expertly with high expectations for each student; support the wellbeing of all students
Convey enthusiasm for content and intellectual inquiry
Design instruction that emphasizes critical thinking and problem solving
Integrate appropriate technology to enhance learning
Collaborate effectively with students, teachers, and parents
Mentor an associate teacher (e.g. providing ongoing guidance, modeling teaching strategies, professionalism, and school culture)
Implement and reflect on best learning practices

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND TRAITS

Positive, enthusiastic, and warm personality
Strong work ethic, proactive communicator and collaborator
Experience working with third and fourth graders
Role model in social-emotional skills
Effective classroom management strategies
Friendly and patient with excellent verbal and written communication skills
Reliable, flexible, and adaptable
Experience with the curriculum of Wilson Fundations, Bridges Mathematics, and/or The Writing Revolution is preferred, but not required
Experience in an independent school is preferred, but not required
An undergraduate degree is required
A master’s degree or teaching credential is required

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.

SALARY RANGE AND BENEFITS

$100,000 – 120,000/year

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

TO APPLY:

Please submit a resume, a cover letter detailing your teaching experience and interest in the position, and any other supporting materials you would like to share via email with the subject line “Synapse Level 3 Lead Teacher” to Holly Campbell, Head of Lower School, holly.campbell@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.