Elementary Teacher ( Collaborator )

Seeking World-Class Educators (Collaborators) for San Francisco

Brightworks is not a traditional school, and our teachers aren’t traditional instructors. We call them Collaborators. We are looking for visionary educators to co-create a project-based, inquiry-driven curriculum for the upcoming school year.

At Brightworks, you’ll lead a small cohort (10–14 students), balancing the creative freedom of a designer with the rigorous project management of a professional mentor.

The Role

As a Collaborator, you are the architect of the student experience. Your responsibilities include:

Curriculum Co-Creation: Designing interdisciplinary, real-world projects based on student interests.
Accountability & Mentorship: Setting high standards for independent study and pacing complex projects.
Narrative Assessment: Documenting the learning journey through weekly parent communications and student-led portfolios.
Equity in Action: Engaging in deep power and privilege work to maintain an anti-racist, gender-inclusive, and radically welcoming environment.

Who You Are
Experienced Educator: You have a background in progressive, inquiry-based education and a deep respect for student agency.
Professional Communicator: You bridge the gap between “candid” and “kind,” writing compelling narratives of student growth.
Project Manager: You have a strong work ethic and the ability to help students navigate ambiguity to reach concrete goals.
Social Justice Advocate: You actively leverage conversations about identity to build equitable spaces.
Lifelong Learner: You possess high EQ, a growth mindset, and a spirit of mutual aid.
Reflective & Adaptive: You possess a high degree of self-awareness, regularly seeking feedback and pivoting your approach as student needs or project directions evolve.

Employment Requirements
Required

Experience: 2-3 years working with school-aged children

Compliance: Ability to pass background screening and compliance training, CPR/First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain), and pass TB testing

Tech Literacy – Proficient in Google Suite

Physical Demands – Ability to lift 45 lbs and navigate the city on foot or via public transportation for off-site learning

Preferred 

A background working with diverse learning styles

Compensation and Benefits
Salary Range: $70,583.87 – $110,775.36 (based on experience).

Benefits: Comprehensive medical/dental/vision, life/disability insurance, and a 4% immediate-vesting retirement match.

How to Apply
Please submit the following as PDF documents.

Cover Letter: Tell us where you learned about the open position, your journey, why Brightworks, and a recent project that excited you.
Resume: Focused on relevant educational and professional experience.
Writing Samples: 2–3 professional communication samples with dates (e.g., newsletters or family correspondence).

Note: Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. Brightworks is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and merit-based hiring.

Are you ready to redefine what school can be? Join us at Brightworks.

Tagged as: K-12