Middle School Science Specialist (Grade 8)

Khan Lab School • Mountain View, CA

4d • Onsite

About The Position

Khan Lab School is a TK–12 independent school with two Silicon Valley campuses serving more than 300 students. The Middle School Science Specialist is an experienced teacher with a strong understanding of physics who partners with the Middle School Director and teaching team to deliver a rigorous, mastery-based curriculum, facilitate active learning aligned with the school’s vision, and support students’ social and emotional development. The role teaches a high-school-level conceptual physics course to Grade 8 students and contributes to the broader school community through school activities, admissions, meetings, and professional development.

This is a leave-replacement position at the Mountain View campus, beginning by January 5, 2027, and continuing through June 15, 2027. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with school events as required. The position reports directly to the Middle School Director. It may be hired at the Associate Teacher level for individuals without prior formal teaching experience.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Prior middle school teaching experience required.
• Expertise in teaching curricula from introductory through advanced concepts.
• Understanding of and support for Khan Lab School’s core values, mission, and vision.
• Passion for working with middle school students and understanding of their developmental needs.
• Commitment to inquiry-based, project-based learning and other progressive pedagogies.
• Experience analyzing student data and using a variety of assessment techniques.
• Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills, with the ability to communicate effectively and respectfully.
• Flexibility to take on varied tasks as the school grows and changes.
• Ability to reflect on teaching effectiveness, respond well to feedback, and adjust instruction accordingly.
• Ability to occasionally lift, carry, push, and pull up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to remain stationary at least 50% of the time and occasionally move around an office setting.
• Ability to proficiently and frequently operate a computer, keyboard, and office equipment such as calculators, copy machines, printers, and projectors.
• Ability to communicate information and ideas clearly and to understand information communicated by others.
• Ability to practice safe working habits and maintain a safe, hazard-free workstation.

Nice To Haves

• Credential or master’s degree.
• Academic background in middle school education.
• Knowledge and experience using Khan Academy for instruction, when applicable.

Responsibilities

• Teach at least 8 hours per week of a high-school-level conceptual physics course, using existing materials and tools efficiently.
• Return student work within five days.
• Document the course syllabus, assignments, and assessments in Canvas by the beginning of Term 1, making materials reusable by other instructors.
• Use internal materials and external resources such as Khan Academy where applicable, and participate in regular Canvas course reviews.
• Communicate regularly with students, families, teachers, and other professionals about student progress; submit progress reports by term deadlines.
• Prepare students to participate in student-led parent-teacher conferences.
• Facilitate active, real-world learning while minimizing direct instruction; use approaches such as think-pair-share, experiential learning, case studies, role-playing, and peer teaching.
• Support student-driven interests through the Applied Learning Program.
• Use assessment data to inform instruction, provide timely feedback, and complete progress reports by identified deadlines.
• Select and adapt instructional resources for students with different backgrounds, learning styles, and needs, in collaboration with school leadership and with Executive Director approval.
• Explore emerging technologies, including AI tools, and apply them meaningfully to the role.
• Create an inclusive classroom environment that welcomes diverse backgrounds and perspectives and fosters critical thinking.
• Perform duties assigned by the Middle School Director, including lunch and goal-time supervision.
• Remain accessible to students during the school day for interaction, office hours, and support.
• Attend faculty and community meetings, professional development, morning meetings, faculty in-service, and culture-building activities with students.
• Participate in school and community events, including the middle school dinner, moving-up day, annual fundraiser, and group field trips.
• Uphold professional and ethical standards in interactions within the school community.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage for full-time employees.
• 401K retirement plan with employer match for full-time employees.
• Basic life insurance for full-time employees.
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance for full-time employees.
• Generous paid time off, including paid holidays, sick time, and floating holidays, for full-time employees.

What This Job Offers

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