Lower School (K-4) Associate Teacher

San Francisco Friends School • San Francisco, CA

5d

About The Position

The San Francisco Friends School (SFFS), located in the heart of the Mission District in San Francisco, educates K-8 students in the tradition of Quaker learning. By example and commitment, we hope to inspire all connected with our school to work together toward a peaceful and caring society. The school has vibrant and creative programs in the arts, service learning, technology, social justice, and social-emotional learning, as well as the core academic subjects. For further information about San Francisco Friends School’s beginnings, mission, and philosophy, please visit our website at​ www.sffriendsschool.org.
At San Francisco Friends School, we believe that students thrive when they are immersed in both the joy and the challenge of learning. Our philosophy is clear: we offer an academically rigorous program rooted in a progressive approach and Quaker values that is intellectually engaging, purposeful, and affirming of the spirit of each child. We seek individuals who are passionate about teaching students in grades K-8 and resonate with our Friends School mission to join our caring and welcoming professional community.
Job Summary
The Lower School Associate Teacher is a respected professional in our community. They work together with lead classroom teachers and our specialist teachers to meet a wide range of academic and social developmental needs of students in grades K-4. For those newer to teaching, our approach provides a hands-on opportunity to collaborate with experienced mentor teachers on all aspects of classroom life and gain valuable professional development in a supportive setting. In turn, the Associate Teacher/mentor pairing allows SFFS to provide a collaborative team teaching approach that allows for low student-teacher ratio, small-group instruction, and individualized attention.
Associate Teachers are part of a two-year program. They are paired with a single classroom/grade for a year. In the associate teacher’s second year, a new pairing may be made to broaden the Associate Teacher’s perspective and deepen their learning.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree
• Experience working with children
• Desire to pursue a career in education
• Commitment to professional growth, reflective practice, and growth mindset
• Strong ability to work collaboratively
• Openness to Quaker philosophy and the Friends School Mission

Nice To Haves

• Student teaching experience or classroom experience with children in K-4
• Strong preference for individuals either in or considering credentialing and/or advanced degree programs in education
• Knowledge of progressive pedagogy and facility with hands-on and project-based instruction
• Language skills in Spanish
• Is inspired to be an active and engaged member of the SFFS community

Responsibilities

• Preparing for, planning, and leading some whole group, small group and individual activities and lessons
• Responding to individual student’s learning differences and implementing enrichment opportunities and support to achieve student goals
• Collaborating with Student Learning Services and Health & Wellness Team to meet the needs of individual learners
• Preparing for and participating in parent/guardian teacher conferences and report writing
• Participating in classroom preparation, organization, and logistical responsibilities
• Creating a supportive and inclusive classroom environment that honors and nurtures each child’s intersectional identities
• Meeting with classroom teacher and teaching team regularly, as well as participating in weekly faculty meetings and professional development days
• Developing respectful relationships with students
• Managing daily parent/guardian communications, with supervision and feedback from mentor teacher
• Attending Back to School Night and other curriculum-focused evening events
• Supervising students at recess, carpool, lunch, etc.
• Chaperoning field trips (K-4) and overnight outdoor education trips (grades 3-4)
• Participating in assemblies and other special events
• Serving on committees and working groups, as needed
• Opportunities to co-lead affinity groups, serve in the student admissions process, and/or coach a sports team

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, basic life insurance and AD&D, long-term disability insurance
• Matching 403b
• Generous paid time off, including personal time, academic vacations, and sick leave
• Professional development

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level