Middle School English Literacy Teacher

Presidio Knolls School Inc•San Francisco, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Presidio Knolls School (PKS) was founded on a bold premise: that progressive, student-centered education and rigorous Mandarin immersion are not competing priorities—but powerful complements. For nearly two decades, PKS has demonstrated that children can experience deep joy in learning while achieving exceptional academic and linguistic fluency. The progressive philosophy of Presidio Knolls School embraces kids as co-collaborators in their education, valuing their voice and agency to shape their own learning journey. The school has a commitment to social-emotional learning that permeates the culture of the school. The PKS curriculum is project-based and interdisciplinary. In Middle School, students learn about half the time in English, and half in Chinese. Our English department delivers a rich, rigorous curriculum and works closely with the rest of the middle school faculty to make sure all learning is aligned. PKS offers equal opportunity to all, and considers all qualified applicants for employment PKS does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, identity, national origin, ancestry, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression, ability or any other characteristic protected by law. We strongly encourage those with a demonstrated dedication to social justice, collaboration, innovation and student-centered education to apply. The English-Literacy Teacher partners with the Middle School Faculty to provide an engaging, balanced, English Literacy program to our students. The ideal candidate will understand how to provide rigor and extended learning experiences within the context of a progressive, diverse learning environment. Along with teaching literature, reading, and writing skills, members of our English team help develop and deliver a curriculum with elements of history, current events, and social studies. This is a full-time, exempt position that reports to the Head of Middle School.

Requirements

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.
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.
Teaching Credential or Master’s in Education preferred.
Minimum of three years teaching experience.
Knowledge of and experience with reading and writing programs for Grades 5-8 students including but not limited to guided reading, Readers’ and Writers’ Workshop, and Structured Word Inquiry or similar etymology-based word-study program.
Understanding and experience with student-centered teaching, project-based learning, and performance-based assessment is preferable.
Familiarity with integrated learning and planning; ability to teach early literacy within an integrated curriculum context.
Ability to screen, monitor progress, and implement small group instruction to support the acquisition of reading and writing.
Experience using backwards design for curricula and applying effective and varied ways of assessing students.
An ability to collaborate and work comfortably with a team of teachers.
Strong interpersonal skills.
Strong time management and organizational skills.

Nice To Haves

Teaching Credential or Master’s in Education preferred.
Understanding and experience with student-centered teaching, project-based learning, and performance-based assessment is preferable.

Responsibilities

Create a warm and caring classroom community.
Teach English language arts to Middle School students, grades 5-8.
Advise a group of 6-8 students in an SEL curriculum
Collaborate with a team to create a classroom space that is differentiated, engaging, responsive, and beautiful.
Chaperone one trip per year as part of our travel program.
Identify and respond to individual students’ social and emotional needs, including learning differences in collaboration with Learning Specialist and Wellness Team.
Create enrichment and extension opportunities for advanced students.
Use a variety of teaching techniques and strategies to engage students in learning.
Plan, design, and implement authentic assessment of student progress.
Plan and develop curricula and assessments with English-Humanities team.
Write progress reports and conferences with parents.
Participate in reflection and coaching activities.
Use documentation to make learning visible to the children and families; contribute to student portfolios.
Perform other duties as directed.

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 event
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