Lower School Associate Teacher

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 LOWER SCHOOL ASSOCIATE TEACHER.

Synapse educates a community of change makers by combining social-emotional learning, 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.

POSITION DESCRIPTION
Synapse School seeks an aspiring education professional to join us as a Lower School Associate Teacher. Associate Teachers participate in aspects of instruction, planning, and daily school life. Associate Teachers also receive broad support for their professional growth through weekly meetings in our New Teacher Program, professional development opportunities, and immersive classroom experiences. We are looking for aspiring lower school teachers who love lower schoolers, are highly collaborative, love innovation and design, have a growth mindset, and want to be part of an exciting team of forward-thinking educators looking to do big things. Lower School Associates work with one age group per year, and typically rotates the next year. Synapse Lower School is TK – 4th grade.

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING, as directed by the Lead Teacher:
Assist with classroom management and help maintain a warm, inclusive learning environment
Support social-emotional learning through modeling, coaching, and reflection with students
Assist with curriculum planning, implementation, assessment, and documentation
Prepare materials and set up the classroom environment for daily learning experiences
Work with small groups of students
Assist with or run small group explicit literacy and math instruction
Supervise students during snack and lunch (“duties”)
Collaborate with the Lead Teacher to prepare for conferences, progress reports, and family communication
Contribute to documentation of student learning, classroom projects, and portfolios
Engage actively in team reflection, feedback, and planning conversations
Attend meetings as directed by Lead Teacher and/or Head of Lower School

AN IDEAL CANDIDATE WOULD POSSESS THE FOLLOWING QUALIFICATIONS:
A strong interest in working with young children
A commitment to social-emotional learning and whole-child development
Intellectual curiosity, a willingness to take on new challenges, creative and flexible thinking
Independent initiative and a solution-oriented mindset; looks for what can be done and takes ownership of outcomes
Strong organizational skills; excellent verbal and written communication skills
A desire for collaboration and team-oriented work and the ability to adapt to a quickly changing environment
Teaching experience, credential and/or an advanced degree is preferred
A bachelor’s degree 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 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:
$75,000 – $84,000/ year
Synapse offers a generous benefits package including health, dental, and retirement, as well as additional lifestyle perks. Housing stipends available to those who qualify.

APPLICATION PROCESS
Applicants should email a cover letter of interest, three names of references with contact information and a résumé with the subject line “LS Associate Opening” to the Head of Lower School, Holly Campbell, 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.

Tagged as: K-6