Lower School Math Specialist

Khan Lab School • Palo Alto, CA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Lower School Math Specialist at Khan Lab School leads a rigorous, student-centered math program for students in Kindergarten through Grade 5, supporting learners across a wide range of levels from foundational numeracy through Algebra 1. This role includes embracing mastery-based and inquiry-driven approaches aligned with the KLS vision. The Math Specialist designs and facilitates engaging learning experiences that build conceptual understanding, problem-solving skills, and mathematical reasoning. Working closely with the Lower School team, the Math Specialist creates an inclusive, student-centered classroom environment grounded in active learning and differentiation. This includes using assessment data to inform instruction, meeting the needs of learners at varying skill levels, and maintaining regular communication with families and colleagues about student progress. The Math Specialist is an educator who is both analytical and flexible and can respond to a wide range of learner needs while maintaining high expectations for all students. Beyond the classroom, the Math Specialist contributes to the broader life of the school through collaboration, admissions support, and professional engagement, and is committed to continuously refining their practice in alignment with Khan Lab School’s vision.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree preferred.
• Ideal candidates will have an academic background in elementary education.
• Prior elementary math teaching experience required.
• Expertise in teaching math curricula from an introductory level to advanced concepts.
• Understanding and support of Khan Lab School’s core values, mission, and vision.
• A passion for working with elementary students and an understanding of where they are developmentally.
• Knowledge and experience using Khan Academy for instruction, when applicable.
• Commitment to inquiry-based, project-based learning, and other progressive pedagogies.
• Prior experience analyzing student data and using a variety of assessment techniques.
• Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills while able to communicate effectively and respectfully.
• Flexibility to shift and take on a variety of tasks as the school continues to grow and change.
• Ability to reflect on one’s own effectiveness, respond well to feedback, and adjust instruction accordingly.
• Ability to occasionally lift, carry, push and pull up to 25 pounds as some regular organizational tasks involve moving desks, chairs, electronics, 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 around 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 nights and/or weekends 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.

Responsibilities

• Teach a minimum of 20 hours per week of math to students in Kindergarten to 5th grade who span math skills from Kindergarten to Algebra 1, as assigned by the Lower School Director.
• Teach using Common Core Standards as a guide, with a commitment to mastery-based and inquiry-based approaches aligned with the KLS vision.
• Guide students in each course in developing and presenting high-quality projects for each end-of-term exhibition.
• Maintain regular communication with students, families, teachers, and other professionals about student progress and submit progress reports by the end of each term.
• Prepare students to participate in Student-Led Conferences.
• Facilitate classes with an emphasis on active learning and real-world contexts, minimizing direct instruction.
• Leverage assessment data to inform instruction, provide timely feedback to students, and complete progress reports by identified deadlines.
• Utilize external instructional resources , including Khan Academy, to accommodate diverse learning needs and backgrounds for in-person courses.
• Collaborate with school leadership to identify materials.
• Develop curriculum and learning experiences aligned with the KLS teaching vision.
• 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 as approved by the Executive Director.
• Actively explore and stay current with emerging technologies, including AI tools, and apply them meaningfully to your role.
• Create an inclusive environment where students of diverse backgrounds and political perspectives feel welcome, fostering critical thinking through thoughtful questioning.
• Work collaboratively with the Lower School team to support student learning and contribute to the ongoing development of the school.
• Fulfill duties as assigned by the Lower School Director, such as playground supervision.
• Be accessible to students for interaction and support.
• Write letters of recommendation for summer and school programs, as requested.
• Attend faculty meetings and participate in professional development , including team meetings, departmental meetings, and any schoolwide professional development programming.
• Serve as a faculty ambassador for the Admissions team during our re-enrollment and admissions period.
• Uphold professional and ethical standards in all interactions within the school community.
• Participate in activities that contribute to the life and culture of KLS, to be determined in collaboration with the Lower School Director.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage
• a 401K retirement plan with an employer match
• basic life insurance
• short-term and long-term disability insurance
• generous paid time off including paid holidays, sick time, and floating holidays.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees