Middle School Learning Guide

Red Bridge Description
Red Bridge is an independent K-8 school that opened in September 2020 in San Francisco. Red  Bridge was founded as a demonstration school for a new model of education designed to foster a sense of agency in students as opposed to traditional schools that are designed to reinforce compliance. Student ownership is built into every system and structure of the school, so that students gradually take on more responsibility for their learning. This puts every student on the path to becoming a lifelong learner – so that no matter what the future looks like, they can adapt and flourish. Learn more about our nontraditional grouping, grading and teaching model here.

Red Bridge strives to have a student body that reflects the diversity of our community in San  Francisco. Our mission, location and individualized tuition model all support this goal. We believe that a diverse learning community is a necessary part of a high-quality education. We aim to have a faculty that reflects this diversity as well. Candidates from underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply.

Red Bridge currently serves 71 students in the equivalent of Kindergarten – Seventh Grade. We will have a full K-8 school in the 2026 – 2027 school year, and our first graduating class of 8th graders in June 2027.

Working at Red Bridge
Teachers at Red Bridge are not only in charge of instruction, but are also contributing to creating a new model of education. This means that teachers are designing their own lessons based on the Red Bridge scope and sequence and creating new systems and structures that align with the Red Bridge mission. While this role asks more of teachers than a traditional teaching role, it also provides the opportunity to have a much further-reaching impact and to truly change how we educate kids. Red Bridge regularly has educators from around the globe tour the school to learn from our model.

Red Bridge teachers are known for being highly intentional and structured, which results in students who are empowered to drive their own learning. Our teachers believe in high standards for students and create learning environments that support students in showing up as their best and most capable selves. Red Bridge is also a more collaborative environment than most, which can be both exciting and challenging. Red Bridge teachers are willing to find compromise, excited to learn from others, comfortable giving and receiving feedback, happy to lend a hand, and approach this all with a good sense of humor. If you are excited by this, please apply!

Position Overview
The Middle School guide will plan and implement key elements of the Red Bridge model – Work and Character Habits instruction, Deliberate Practice or self-directed learning, mastery-based Learning Credits, and Project-Based Deep Dives – working closely with experienced Red Bridge educators to ensure alignment and rigor. A large portion of time will be spent meeting with students one-on-one to support and hold them accountable for their continuous growth. The first year of this position will be a training year to learn the ropes of Red Bridge’s school design, with increasing opportunities for leadership and creativity over time. Additional responsibilities include leading instruction in Critical Thinking & World Studies, student supervision, assessment, and parent communication. An ideal candidate is excited to learn about Red Bridge’s approach to agency and believes that structure, relationships, and a sense of belonging enable Middle Schoolers to thrive. Red Bridge does not group students by grade level, but by Autonomy Level. Each Autonomy Level spans about three years of age difference. Middle School students are in Autonomy Level 4 or 5, which typically covers students between 10 -14 years-old. This is a full-time position reporting to the Head of School. Applicants for this role should have deep experience advising Middle School students and enthusiasm for the special developmental stage of Middle School.

Qualifications

Experience
Ideal candidates will have:

• at least 5 years of experience working with similar-age students
• at least 3 years of experience leading content instruction in a relevant subject area
• a Master’s Degree in a relevant field (Psychology, Elementary Education, Child Development, English, Math, etc.) preferred
• experience working with students with diverse needs and from diverse backgrounds
• an understanding of child development and developmental milestones
• Montessori, Responsive Classroom training are a plus

Mindset
Ideal candidates will believe:

• in high expectations for all students, and have the ability to recognize excellence
• that collaboration yields better results
• that the role of the teacher is not to get students to listen, but to get students to think
• that thoughtful feedback is welcome and helpful for personal development
• that backwards planning and preparation are key to reaching lofty goals

Work habits
Ideal candidates will consistently:

• address issues proactively
• take on a variety of tasks flexibly, as necessitated in the school’s early years
• act with intention in order for students to learn from your deeds and thought process
• gather and use high quality student data to inform instruction
• incorporate feedback into and reflect on your practice
• demonstrate authentic enthusiasm for intellectual inquiry
• work to create a culture of belonging for students, parents and colleagues
• model lifelong learning

Steps to Apply
Please make sure you have read all of the materials on our website. Red Bridge is a new model of school, and it’s important that you are excited to be on an early-stage team where you will be creating brand new systems, projects, documents, resources, etc. and that you are fully aligned with our mission. If you’re interested in applying e-mail jobs@redbridgesf.org with your resume and cover letter. Be sure to specify the name of the role you are applying for and what ages and subject areas you are most interested in working with.

Start Date
Summer 2026 (for the 2026-2027 school year)

What We Offer

• Opportunity to be part of an early-stage team of motivated, intentional, life-long learners
• Competitive compensation commensurate with experience
• Health and dental benefits
• Stipend for lifelong learning
• 401k
• Meaningful opportunities for professional development
• Opportunity to have a broader impact on the field of education

Red Bridge Education is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age,  color, national origin, ethnic origin, citizenship status, disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual  orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic  protected by federal, state or local law in its employment policies. In addition, Red Bridge Education will  provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.

Red Bridge strives to have its faculty and student body reflect the diversity of the society in which they  exist. Candidates from underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply.

Tagged as: Middle School