K-8 English Lead

Presidio Knolls School Inc•San Francisco, CA

2d•$80,000 - $134,000

About The Position

The K-8 English Lead is a key member of the middle school team, and will also provide critical coordination and support for our English team (K-8). This is a role that functions as a master teacher, and team coordinator and requires both excellent teaching as well as team management. The person in this role will report to the Head of the Middle School and also collaborate closely with the Head of Elementary to help ensure our program is aligned K-8. The ideal candidate is a person who loves teaching Middle School English and enjoys mentoring other English teachers to improve their craft. Crucially, the person in this role is comfortable helping parents understand the research and philosophy of the English strand of the PKS program. The ideal candidate will also have a thorough grounding and understanding of English language literacy development and strong familiarity with programs such as Fundations, Readers and Writers Workshop, and Fountas & Pinnell Reading Assessments. The English Lead will conduct training for teachers, workshops for parents, and provide a visionary pathway for exemplary instruction in English Language Arts. Candidates should understand neurodiversity and be committed to strengthening our students’ foundational skills as well as interest in and love of reading and writing. Our diverse school values children’s questions, and we are seeking someone with the experience, talent, and energy to help inspire and equip students with not only skills and fluency, but also a deep understanding of how these skills empower students as communicators and changemakers. The position is full-time and exempt and reports to the Head of Middle School.

Requirements

Outstanding English teacher with experience teaching grades K-8.
Willingness to understand how Mandarin immersion education works, and that Mandarin literacy and English literacy can support each other
Ability to integrate theory with practice in designing and implementing appropriate learning strategies for K-8 students
A commitment to professional development and a growth mindset about learning for adults. We believe that everyone can improve and should continually work toward excellence
Strong commitment and track record with student-centered teaching, project-based learning, and performance-based assessment
Strong written and oral communication skills and collaboration skills, and an ability to effectively discuss literacy development generally and in a bilingual/ language immersion setting
Willingness to model professional and ethical standards when working with students, teachers, and families. We are a warm and friendly community that works with respect for each other
The desire and ability to contribute to student and community life inside and outside the classroom. PKS is a community and our close relationships build a solid foundation for our kids
A commitment to social justice and multicultural education. As a progressive school, we are growing engaged global citizens equipped with empathy, compassion and practices that position them to thrive in a diverse society
BA required, Masters degree preferred
Demonstrated ability to support English literacy across K-8 grade levels
Familiarity with and experience using coaching models to support teacher development.
Strong background in curriculum design and project-based learning.
Contagious enthusiasm and charisma; the ability to engage and inspire students, parents and colleagues.
Experience helping children construct interdisciplinary knowledge.
5+ years experience teaching in an independent school setting

Responsibilities

Provide leadership to the school’s English teachers on curriculum, instruction, and assessment, and serve as a leading voice to the community on issues of English language arts, literacy, reading, and writing
Oversee the continuing development of our K-8 English Scope and Sequence
Teach classes in the Middle School division, typically Grade 8, and support instruction in the classroom across all K-8 grade levels.
Prepare High School reference letters as part of the High School Guidance process for G8 students.
Coordinate English assessments (Fountas and Pinnell, running records, MAP, writing samples, phonics assessments) and track data for individual student growth, intervention needs, and program strengths and needs
Work directly with the Learning Specialist to coordinate and communicate accommodations for individual students, and assist parents in identifying resources and tools when outside English literacy support is needed
Assist in hiring and onboarding new English teachers and assistant teachers, including training on curriculum and instructional expectations.

Benefits

Monthly commuter benefits up to $325/month, PKS subsidizes $60
A unique bicultural learning environment that promotes personal growth, intentional practice, and collective purpose
5% Employer match contribute to your 403(b)-retirement plan
Salaries aligned with Bay Area market rates, with annual cost-of-living adjustments
Tuition remission offered for full-time employees who have child(ren) enrolled at PKS, to 75% discount on tuition for one enrolled child, subject to admissions process and eligibility.
100% employer- paid medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability, and life insurance for employees
Affordable options for spouse family coverage
Pre-tax Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for healthcare and dependent care
Wellness benefits and EAP
Mental health benefits via Springhealth
Paid holidays in accordance with the school calendar
Non-exempt admin / support employee accrued 120 hours / year
Accrual of 10 sick days annually
Regular staff appreciation lunches
Monthly Birthday celebration
Complimentary tickets to our annual Gala
Celebration lunch as part of our Lunar New Year Festival
Happy hour events: past events have been Ping Pong, Karaoke, SF Giants game, Mahjong, Christmas Party, End of School Year Celebration