Website woodlandpk8 Woodland School
Woodland Schools seeks a full time K-8 SEL Teacher/Counselor beginning in August 2021. Located just west of Stanford University, Woodland is an independent day school that offers a joyful approach to learning in a diverse, respectful, and inclusive environment for approximately 300 students in early childhood through eighth-grade. We have two sections of each grade level K- 8 with class sizes that average from 14-18 per class.
Woodland School specializes in education that inspires students by nurturing each individual’s voice, intellect, and character. With rich content and an emphasis on inquiry-based and student-driven projects, students are empowered and encouraged to be active and engaged learners. Our students’ innate sense of wonder is the foundation of learning at Woodland School. Teachers craft meaningful, multi-sensory learning experiences which enable creativity, ingenuity, and deep interdisciplinary connections. Students explore and develop complex understandings that engender a sense of self and purpose in the world.
Woodland School’s faculty create a school environment that is as supportive and nurturing as it is challenging, and they embody the core values of the school—stewardship, integrity, curiosity, resilience, equity, and respect. Our teachers apply best practices through collaboration, integrated curriculum, brain-based teaching and learning methods, and continued professional development. Our teachers are themselves learners, constantly searching for ways to improve their practice. A robust professional development program supports our faculty by connecting them to the best practices in pedagogy, curriculum development, educational technology, and student assessment.
The ideal K-8 SEL Teacher/Counselor candidate should have strong knowledge of academic, social, and emotional development of Kindergarten through eighth grade students. He or she must be highly organized, have excellent verbal and writing skills, understand current education pedagogy, and be adept at working with all constituents of the school community. Strong interpersonal, communication, and problem solving skills are essential.
Duties and Responsibilities
The K-8 SEL Teacher/Counselor is responsible for partnering with teachers, parents, and administration to support the emotional well-being of students across the grades and designing interventions to support various needs. Woodland School expects that the individual will adhere to the following duties as part of their daily responsibilities:
- Partnering with classroom teachers to integrate social emotional learning curricula within ongoing classroom curricula.
- Developing classroom and advisory lessons on topics such as friendship, navigating social challenges, wellness, conflict resolution, emotional fluency and communication skills, amongst others.
- Providing brief (short-term) social, emotional, and behavioral support for individual students as needed
- Leading friendship/social skills groups/discussion groups
Collaborating and consulting with the division directors, teachers, other school personnel - Communicating with and providing resources/education/training for parents (coffees, referrals, etc.)
- Supporting students in classroom and play settings within the school environment, with an emphasis on “in-the-moment” coaching during recesses
- Providing classroom observations with written feedback for teachers, administration, and parents
- Facilitating referrals to outside agencies/practitioners as needed
- Engaging in the life of the community in order to maintain a visible presence throughout the school and to develop strong relationships with students and faculty alike
Desired Qualifications and Skills
- Master’s Degree
- California state license in mental health services preferred
- Five years of experience working in a school setting, with a focus on social emotional learning or school counseling
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (verbal and written)
- Ability to collaborate and work in a team environment
- Extensive knowledge of current developmental, cognitive science, and social and emotional learning research and strategies
- Specialized training in intervention programs
- Experience teaching in diverse learning communities
- Ability to think ahead and plan for effective one-on-one or small group support
- Ability to organize, manage, and prioritize multiple priorities
- Commitment to the school’s mission, values, and vision
- Technical/computer skills as required for job performance
How to Apply
Candidates for this position should submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information for a minimum of three references (at least one recent supervisor is required).
Salary and benefits are commensurate with our peer schools in the San Francisco Bay Area and with like NAIS schools.
Woodland School is dedicated to the goal of building a culturally diverse and pluralistic faculty committed to teaching and working in a multicultural environment and strongly encourages applications from candidates who reflect such diversity. Woodland School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin in the administration of its educational or admission policies, financial aid distribution, or other school programs.
