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The Seven Hills School
Position Title: 4th Grade Lead Teacher
Full-Time Equivalency: 1.0 (full-time)
Fair Labor Standard Act (FLSA) Classification: Exempt
Supervisor: Head of Lower School, Jennifer Arnest
Salary Range: 60,000-100,000 negotiable based on experience
The School
Founded in 1962, the Seven Hills School is a learning community whose mission is to develop the intellect, engage the spirit, and foster respect for, and responsibility to, our world. Our beautiful campus, located on nine acres of former ranch land near Heather Farm Park in Walnut Creek, CA (approximately 35 miles from downtown San Francisco), is home to our outstanding PS-8th grade program and offers over 420 students the daily opportunity to move freely from engaging classrooms to great expanses of natural outdoor space. We believe every student deserves a whole child education that harmonizes their academic growth and social and emotional development.
At Seven Hills, learning is joyful–from the Preschool sandbox to the 8th grade position paper, learning is fueled by curiosity, exploration, and the love and encouragement of trusted adults. Our small class sizes allow for greater differentiation, building strong partnerships with parents, and employing passionate teachers who love what they do and bring creativity to their daily practice of challenging, nurturing, and inspiring each child.
The Position
Seven Hills seeks an experienced lead teacher to join our vibrant Lower School faculty to teach on the 4th grade team. Our Lower School’s unique approach to learning supports cross-curricular integration and the development of critical thinking. Kindergarten through 5th grade students develop skills and confidence in the exploration of math, science, reading, and writing as they strive to meet high academic standards. Every teacher is responsible for supporting individual learning styles and encouraging the success of every child. As a member of the 4th grade team, the lead teacher would work collaboratively with colleagues to design and implement learning experiences. The position includes includes the following responsibilities and additional duties as needed:
Overview of Responsibilities:
Create a community of learners in which students develop the skills of self-advocacy and resilience while demonstrating empathy and compassion for others.
Plan, implement, and assess language arts, math, social studies, and science curricula.
Collaborate regularly with colleagues (including math and science coordinators, librarian, music, art, Spanish, and P.E specialists) when designing the overall program and special projects.
Provide a hands-on, inquiry-based, workshop model of teaching, manage collaborative learning groups, and comfortably integrate technology into the curriculum.
Provide ongoing communication with families, regularly reporting on student progress.
Attend regular staff meetings, participate in grade level team meetings, and take part in ongoing professional development.
Work with the Support Services team and Division Directors in service to the student and family transition from lower to middle school.
Successful Candidates will:
Hold a Bachelor’s degree, Teaching credential and/or other educational credentials
Demonstrate experience and knowledge of developmental stages of elementary school children, with a deep respect for their capabilities
Be committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion
Have a demonstrated ability to help provide a differentiated program
Have excellent and empathic communications skills, often translating concerns for families and teaching staff
Have experience with inquiry-based teaching strategies and real-world applications
Have a demonstrated ability to help establish a classroom culture that is built on strong teacher-student relationships and allows for risk-taking
Have a comfort level with the use of technology for teaching and learning
Have a demonstrated ability to initiate, fully participate in and foster strong collegial relationships
Be self-aware and able to build on others’ ideas, capitalize on others’ strengths and effectively share
Have a demonstrated commitment to continuous learning and improvement
Have a growth mindset, active sense of humor, warm personality, and excellent organizational and communication skills
Our Professional Culture
At Seven Hills, our creed–be respectful, caring, positive, responsible, honest, mindful, and grateful–provides the foundation for the learning environment we strive to create. We are committed to fostering a sense of belonging, developing cultural competence and global understanding, and practicing effective stewardship of our resources. Every faculty and staff member is expected to act in accordance with the school’s mission and creed, and to meet a set of fundamental professional expectations, which include:
Fostering a safe, predictable, and supportive environment for students
Engaging in duties and responsibilities with a positive attitude
Demonstrating integrity and a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
Interacting with colleagues in a respectful and collegial manner that fosters a healthy professional culture
Upholding professional standards of personal presentation, courtesy, and discretion
Demonstrating appropriate planning and preparation; being punctual, reliable, and prompt
Honoring the confidentiality of school, student, and family information
Being thoughtful, timely, and professional when communicating
Authentically engaging in self-reflection and learning opportunities to grow professionally
Being self aware and building on others’ ideas and effectively sharing responsibility
Teaching at Seven Hills
Seven Hills teachers are compassionate and experienced lifelong learners; they are well-versed on current research and educational trends that positively affect student learning. They are actively involved in curriculum development, planning, and implementation within their classrooms and wider school community. Creativity and innovation are encouraged and supported in order for teachers to engage their students through inspiring classroom experiences. Seven Hills teachers seek to create an inclusive environment that encourages student collaboration and risk-taking.
Application Process:
Interested candidates should fill out this application form. Questions should be directed to Lower School Head, Jennifer Arnest, at jarnest@sevenhillsschool.org.
The application deadline is February 9th, 2024. After that date, we will continue to consider applications on a rolling basis. The Search Committee will review all applications within two weeks of their submission. Soon after, qualified candidates will be invited to participate in a screening phone call, followed by a campus visit, and sample video lesson, for any selected finalist candidates. With the candidates’ permission, reference calls will take place after the campus visit. An offer will be made to the finalist candidate; all offers are conditional upon clearance of a background check.
As an equal opportunity employer, Seven Hills recruits, hires, and promotes without regard to sex, race, color, age, national origin, religion, disability, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship, pregnancy or veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.
