Lower School Visual Arts Associate

The Synapse School in Menlo Park, CA, an innovative TK-8 independent school located in the heart of Silicon Valley, dedicated to rethinking and reimagining education, seeks a LOWER SCHOOL (TK-4) VISUAL ARTS & DESIGN ASSOCIATE TEACHER.

Synapse educates a community of change makers by combining social-emotional learning, leading-edge academics, and the practice of innovation. We have an unwavering belief in the capacity of children, and our teachers work alongside our students to unlock their powers of curiosity, discovery, and creativity. Synapse’s program provides a deep and unique range of integrated academic, social, and creative experiences to help children use their hearts and hands to unleash their passion for learning. Synapse draws students from around the San Francisco Bay Area.

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

Synapse School seeks an aspiring education professional to join us as a Lower School Visual Arts & Design Associate Teacher. Associate Teachers participate in aspects of instruction, planning, and daily school life. Associate Teachers also receive broad support for their personal and professional growth through weekly meetings, extensive professional development opportunities, and immersive classroom experiences.

We are looking for aspiring lower school teachers who love lower schoolers, are highly collaborative, love innovation and design, have a growth mindset, and want to be part of an exciting team of forward-thinking educators looking to do big things.

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING, as directed by the Lead Teacher:

• Assist with classroom management
• Assist with curriculum planning and assessment
• Work with small groups of students and 1:1 support in the classroom
• Assist with classroom prep and clean up
• Prepare and support students for three portfolio presentations in addition to other community projects and events
• Attend weekly team and faculty meetings, professional trainings, and other meetings as needed
• Other tasks and responsibilities required to support the goals and objectives of the Fine Arts department, as defined by the Director of Fine Arts

AN IDEAL CANDIDATE WOULD POSSESS THE FOLLOWING QUALIFICATIONS:

• A strong interest in working with young children
• Expertise in a variety of visual arts media and techniques
• Intellectual curiosity
• Independent initiative
• Strong organizational skills; excellent verbal and written communication skills
• A thirst for collaboration and team-oriented work
• A willingness to take on new challenges
• The ability to adapt to a quickly changing environment
• Teaching experience preferred
• A bachelor’s degree is required

WORKING CONDITIONS MAY INCLUDE:

• Ability to work at a desk, conference table or in meetings of various configurations.
• Ability to stand and circulate for extended periods of time.
• Ability to see for purposes of correspondence, documents, and printed matter and observing students.
• Ability to hear and understand speech at normal levels.
• Ability to communicate so others will be able to clearly understand normal conversation.
• Ability to bend, crouch, kneel to assist students in pushing/pulling and lifting of artistic equipment and supplies, sitting in chairs and/or floor and reaching in all directions.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to carry up to 25 pounds.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS:

• Dexterity and physical condition to maintain a rigorous work schedule and meet standards of physical and mental health.
• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.
• Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.
• Individuals must maintain a professional attitude and appearance.

SALARY RANGE AND BENEFITS

$75,000 - $84,000/ yearSynapse offers a generous benefits package including health, dental, and retirement, as well as additional lifestyle perks. Housing stipends available to those who qualify.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Applicants should email a cover letter detailing experience and interest in the position, a résumé, and any other supporting materials you would like to share, via email with the subject line “Lower School Associate Visual Arts & Design Specialist” to Holly Campbell, Head of Lower School, holly.campbell@synapseschool.org.

Synapse School does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex or sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability and familial affiliation or any other characteristic protected by law. All applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $75,000.00 - $84,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person

Salary : $75,000 - $84,000