Lower School Associate Teacher

KHAN LAB SCHOOL

In 2012, Sal Khan wrote The One World Schoolhouse that outlines how modern education developed and how Khan Academy came to be. The book outlines a vision for the future of both in-person and online education given the tools we have and the need to participate in the knowledge economy. In 2014, he founded Khan Lab School to test and refine these ideas in an actual school setting.

Khan Lab School (KLS) is a non-profit independent lab school with two campuses serving over 290 students in Silicon Valley. The Lower School (grades TK-5) program is located in Palo Alto, California. The Middle and Upper School (grades 6-12) are located in Mountain View, California. We believe in the importance of essential content and skills over excess information, preparing students for the future. Academic mastery is crucial, but we also prioritize student mindfulness and social-emotional learning. Our decisions are guided by what is best for our students, addressing challenges with humility, focusing on results, and maintaining high expectations for our school and students.

ABOUT THE POSITION:
An Associate Teacher at Khan Lab School requires a teacher who is also adept at inhabiting the role of a learner, demonstrating skills of observation and inquiry, and who loves to teach and guide children as they learn and play.   The teacher in this position is expected to exercise discretion and independent judgment in the performance of their teaching duties. This position reports to the Lower School Director and includes partnering with a teaching team and wider school community in support of the school’s mission and vision.  This role also requires a teacher who has experience teaching in a mastery-based environment and/or who is curious and open to implementing mastery-based instruction and assessment and who is comfortable guiding students in their social and emotional development, when applicable, through regular direct instruction and/or integrated practices.  

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

• Support teaching in one or more Lower School classes.
• Support teachers with assessment, preparation of class materials, and classroom management.
• Provide academic support and structure to students during independent work time.
• Support individual students through one-on-one tutoring or small group instruction; promote academic success & character development.
• Supervise & ensure safety of students, including before and after school, during lunch and transition times, and on field trips.
• Fill in other school positions, such as substituting for teachers as needed.
• Use classroom management systems that are effective with students with varying learning needs.
• Model professional and ethical standards when working with students, parents, peers, and community.
• Meet professional obligations through efficient work habits such as: meeting deadlines, honoring schedules, planning, and participating in school events . 
• Collaborate with researchers, designers, technologists, and other educators to design and refine an innovative education model.
• Build a positive, safe, inclusive, and fun classroom community.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND EXPERIENCE INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification; ideal candidates will have an academic background in elementary education.
• Prior elementary teaching experience.
• Understanding and support of Khan Lab School’s core values, mission, and vision.
• A passion for working with elementary students and a keen understanding of where they are developmentally.
• Expertise in teaching Humanities curricula from an introductory level to advanced concepts.
• Knowledge and experience using Khan Academy for instruction, when applicable.
• Commitment to inquiry-based, project-based learning, and other progressive pedagogies
• Prior experience analyzing student data and using a variety of assessment techniques.
• Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills with the ability to communicate effectively and respectfully with all constituents. 
• Flexibility to shift and take on a variety of tasks, as the lab school continues to grow and change.
• Ability to reflect on effectiveness of own practice, respond well to feedback, and adjust instruction accordingly.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to occasionally lift, carry, push and pull up to 25 pounds as some regular organizational tasks involve moving desks, chairs, electronics, paperwork and other school supplies and equipment as needed.
• Must be able to remain in a stationary position at least 50% of the time.
• Capability of occasionally moving about inside an office setting to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc.
• Ability to proficiently and frequently operate a computer and keyboard as well as other office equipment such as calculators, copy machines, printers, and projectors.
• Consistently practice safe working habits while using school supplies, equipment, and electronics as well as the ability to maintain a safe and hazard-free workstation for yourself and others at the school.
• Occasionally required to work weekends, nights, or be on-call for special events, which are sometimes held outside and require the ability and willingness to work in all weather conditions at any time of the year.
• Ability to properly communicate information and ideas so other people can understand as well as the ability to ascertain and understand information communicated from others.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to occasionally lift, carry, push, and pull up to 25 pounds as some organizational duties involve moving desks, chairs, electronics, paperwork and other school supplies and equipment as needed.
• Must be able to remain in a stationary position at least 50% of the time.
• Capability moving about in an office setting to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc.
• Ability to proficiently and frequently operate a computer and keyboard as well as other office equipment such as copy machines, printers, and projectors.
• Consistently practice safe working habits while using school supplies, equipment, and electronics as well as the ability to maintain a safe and hazard-free workstation for yourself and others at the school.
• Occasionally required to work weekends and/or nights, and be on-call for special events which are sometimes held outside and require the ability and willingness to work in all weather conditions at any time of the year.

Khan Lab School is an equal opportunity employer. The organization does not unlawfully discriminate based on race, color, creed, gender (including gender identity or gender expression), religion (all aspects of religious beliefs, observance or practice, including religious dress or grooming practices), marital status, registered domestic partner status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disabilities, medical conditions (including medical history or genetic characteristics), sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related conditions), genetic information, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state, or local laws or regulations.

Salary : $68,640