Website The Berkeley School
What matters in education is what matters in life.
The Berkeley School, a progressive, preK-8 independent school in the East Bay portion of the San Francisco Bay Area, seeks a middle school student health/social-emotional learning teacher and student life coordinator for the 2021-22 school year.
The Berkeley School focuses on developing each child’s academic and life skills in a learning environment shaped by two truths of civic engagement: we are interdependent and what we do matters. Our graduates grow up to make a positive difference in communities where they learn and work through the ways that they observe, think, plan, and act. Our teachers enact this vision in their daily work with students, ensuring that our school can fulfill our mission to ignite curious minds, awaken generous hearts, and engage a changing world.
We are committed to principles that promote effective, inclusive teaching practices and create culturally responsive educational environments for each student, and we value the skills, knowledge and experiences that a diverse workforce brings to our school. As we seek to educate the whole child, affirming the cultural histories and identities of all our students, we seek faculty and staff who are knowledgeable and experienced in helping each student grow. If you see this approach as critical to teaching and learning, we urge you to apply.
OVERVIEW
The middle school health/SEL teacher and student life coordinator teaches health/social-emotional learning classes and manages the organization and coordination of all middle school student life activities, working with teachers to support all middle school students in meeting community expectations and maintaining a healthy, positive middle school climate and culture. The middle school SEL teacher is a member of the middle school teaching team and reports to the Director of K-8 Teaching and Learning.
Preferred Qualifications
- Demonstrated understanding of culturally responsive teaching practices that support a diverse community and a commitment to ongoing growth and tangible advancement in this area;
- Demonstrated enthusiasm for middle school learners and their developmental needs;
- Ability to connect with students to develop healthy, supportive and responsive relationships;
- Familiarity with CASEL standards for middle school students and Second Step curriculum;
- Familiarity with Collaborative Proactive Solutions (CPS);
- Familiarity with/knowledge of Panorama assessment tools;
- Strong interpersonal, organizational, written, and oral communication skills;
- Demonstrated ability to prioritize and execute multiple responsibilities effectively;
- Willingness and availability to be present for student life events that take place on occasional afternoons, evenings, and weekends throughout the year, extracurricular, co-curricular, and athletic events in afternoons, evenings, and on occasional weekends;
- Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in a school setting, preferably with students in middle school;
- A bachelor’s degree and a demonstrated commitment to ongoing professional growth, particularly in regard to leadership.
Primary Responsibilities
- Teach 6th/7th/8th social-emotional learning (SEL) classes;
- Monitor overall social/emotional/behavioral wellness of all 6th-8th grade students, working closely with MS teachers and advisors;
- Address patterns of student behavior with individuals, groups, grades, and the middle school community as needed, using collaborative problem-solving and restorative models;
- Communicate with families proactively and as needed about middle school culture and behavior on behalf of the middle school team;
- Work closely with the Student Engagement Team to discuss individual students and partner in developing action plans for ongoing academic and social-emotional support of Middle School students;
- Manage and support non-academic activities, including the Middle School Olympics, field trips, experiential education, school-sponsored social connection events, athletic scheduling, and other student life activities;
- Assist in preparation and maintenance of MS schedule and calendar from a student life perspective;
- Meet with prospective families and newly admitted families, speak at open houses and other such events throughout the year;
- Other duties as assigned by the Director of K-8 Teaching and Learning and the Head of School.
Overview of the School
Founded in 1964 as Berkeley Montessori School, The Berkeley School is an intentionally small preK-8th grade school of 220 students on two campuses. We focus on developing academic and life skills in joyful, rigorous learning environments deeply rooted in civic engagement. Applicants are encouraged to visit our website at www.theberkeleyschool.org to learn more about our program.
Start date is August 16, 2021. Salary and benefits are competitive and commensurate with experience. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, age, gender, sexual orientation, or gender identification.
How to Apply: Please submit a resume, letter of interest, and two professional references to Andie Gaeta at msslcemployment@theberkeleyschool.org.
