US Humanities Specialist

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 is a K-12 independent school on 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. 

ABOUT THE POSITION

The Upper School Humanities Specialist is an experienced teacher with a clear understanding and background in mastery-based learning in the context of an Upper School experience. The Upper School Humanities Specialist partners with the Upper School Director and Upper School teaching team to teach a rigorous, mastery-based curriculum, facilitate active learning experiences aligned with the KLS vision and guide students in their social and emotional development. In addition, this position involves contributing to the broader life of the school via participation in school activities and events, school admissions and faculty and staff meetings.

All teachers are required to participate in a number of admissions events and after school events that are beyond the normal work day of 8:00am-4:00pm. 

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Academic Duties

• Teach a minimum of 15 hours per week of high school level courses as assigned by the Upper School Director, making efficient use of existing materials and tools. Return student work in a timely manner, within 5 days.
• Clearly outline and document the course curriculum including the syllabus, all assignments, and assessments at the beginning Term 1 using the school's Learning Management System (LMS) Canvas. Materials must be able to be repurposed by other instructors. Use internal materials, and external resources such as Khan Academy, where applicable.
• Participate in regular Canvas course reviews.
• Lead advisory sessions for a group of students, focusing on academic progress, extracurricular and college goals, and daily practices in mindfulness, character development, and executive functioning skills.
• Mentor and support students in their individual student-driven projects, including Applied Learning projects by checking in on their progress and helping to connect them to outside resources. 
• Maintain regular communication with students, families, teachers, and other professionals about student progress and submit progress reports by the due date at the end of each term. Prepare students to participate in student-led parent-teacher conferences.
• Other duties as assigned.

Teaching & Vision Alignment

• Facilitate classes with an emphasis on active learning and real-world contexts, minimizing direct instruction. Primarily utilize methods such as think-pair-share, experiential learning, case studies, peer teaching, and independent studies.
• Leverage assessment data to inform instruction, provide timely feedback to students, and complete progress reports by identified deadlines.
• Clearly outline and document the course curriculum including the syllabus, all assignments, and assessments by the beginning Term 1 using the school's Learning Management System (LMS) Canvas. Materials must be able to be repurposed by other instructors. Use internal materials, and external resources such as Khan Academy, where applicable
• Identify, select, and modify instructional resources to meet the needs of students with varying backgrounds, learning styles, and learning needs in collaboration with the school leadership and founder.
• Integrate emerging technology into the classroom appropriately, including AI tools relevant to each discipline.
• Create an inclusive environment where students of diverse backgrounds and perspectives feel welcome, fostering critical thinking through thoughtful questioning.

Contribution to KLS

• Participate in student orientation for 9th-12th graders, which may include up to three days of overnight stay.
• Fulfill duties as assigned by the Upper School Director, such as lunch and goal time supervision.
• Be accessible to students throughout the school day for interaction, office hours, and support.
• Serve as a faculty ambassador for the Admissions team during our re-enrollment and admissions period in the Fall and Spring This includes, at minimum, 6-8 hours for Pre-Admission events (Open House, Preview Days, and Shadow Days) and 10 hours of Post Application Events (Student Visits and Observations, Application reads); these events may take place outside of school hours. 
• Write letters of recommendation for summer programs and college applications as requested.
• Lead at least one activity each year that contributes to the life and culture of KLS, to be determined in collaboration with the Upper School Director at the start of the school year. This could include: overseeing the student leadership group, facilitating a student club/ organization during the academic year, planning a hallmark KLS event (e.g., orientation, move-up day), serving as a faculty representative on the DEIB committee, leading leadership committees (e.g. discipline committee), coaching a sport, or starting a new program at the school (e.g. tutoring center). 
• Attend all faculty meetings and participate in professional development, including morning meetings, and any scheduled professional development programming (including Faculty In-service). Faculty must also attend community meetings and other culture-building experiences alongside students. This will account for up to 4 hours during a typical week, accounting for the faculty meeting and professional development meetings. 
• Participate in community events such as the senior dinner, graduation, annual fundraiser, group field trips, and other related activities.
• Uphold professional and ethical standards in all interactions within the school community.

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.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Applications should include:

• A cover letter
• A resume
  
• Names and contact information for three professional references (optional)
  

Successful candidates will have a demonstrated familiarity with the Sal Khan’s school model outlined in his book The One World Schoolhouse.

Start Date: August 1, 2025

Location: Mountain View, CA

Employment Status: Full-time; Exempt

Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage; a retirement plan with an employer match; and life insurance

Salary range: $85,000 - $108,500 exempt, for full-time. Actual salary will take into consideration a candidate's years of experience.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT

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 : $85,000 - $108,500