K-8 SEL Teacher/Counselor (2026-27 school year)

Woodland School•Portola Valley, CA

3h•$90,000 - $120,000•Onsite

About The Position

Woodland Schools seeks a full time K-8 SEL Teacher/Counselor beginning in August 2026. 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 16-18 students. 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 - respect, integrity, curiosity, resilience, equity, respect, and stewardship. 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. Woodland is seeking a candidate that can lead a comprehensive school counseling program for all students K-8. The responsibilities of this role are aligned to the multi-tiered system of support at Woodland with an emphasis on tier-one social emotional instruction for all students. Candidates can expect to spend time pushing into K-8 classrooms on a regular cadence and supporting schoolwide programming (RULER) to ensure the social and emotional growth of all students. Responsive services include small-group design and implementation. Additionally, the role will conduct meetings initiated by students, parents and Woodland staff. The Woodland school counselor will also support students through consultation and collaboration with teachers, parents, and outside providers. 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.

Requirements

Master’s Degree
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

Nice To Haves

California state license in mental health services preferred

Responsibilities

Partnering with classroom teachers to integrate social emotional learning curricula within ongoing classroom curricula.
Developing and implementing 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, and other school personnel; serving on student support teams for lower and middle school.
Communicating with and providing resources/education/training for parents (coffees, referrals, etc.).
Communicating with potential families about the SEL program through admissions events.
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.