Middle School Science Specialist (Grade 8)

Khan Lab School • Mountain View, CA

6d • $72,000 - $100,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Khan Lab School is hiring a Middle School Science Specialist for Grade 8 as a leave replacement from by January 5, 2027 through June 15, 2027. The position is based at the Mountain View campus and reports directly to the Middle School Director. The specialist partners with the 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 also contributes to school activities and events, admissions, and faculty and staff meetings.

The specialist teaches at least 8 hours per week of a high-school-level conceptual physics course, uses and documents curriculum and learning materials in Canvas, reviews courses, communicates with students and families about progress, and supports student-led parent-teacher conferences. Teaching emphasizes active learning, real-world contexts, student interests, inclusive practice, and the use of assessment data to guide instruction. The role also includes student supervision and support, meetings and professional development, community events, and other duties assigned by the Middle School Director.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Prior middle school teaching experience required.
• Expertise in teaching curricula from introductory to advanced concepts.
• Understanding and support of Khan Lab School’s core values, mission, and vision.
• Passion for working with middle school students and an understanding of their development.
• 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 and the ability to communicate effectively and respectfully.
• Flexibility to take on a variety of tasks as the school grows and changes.
• Ability to reflect on one’s effectiveness, respond well to feedback, and adjust instruction accordingly.
• Ability to occasionally lift, carry, push, or pull up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to remain in a stationary position at least 50% of the time and occasionally move around an office setting.
• Ability to operate a computer and keyboard frequently, as well as office equipment such as calculators, copy machines, printers, and projectors.
• Ability to practice safe working habits and maintain a safe, hazard-free workstation.
• Ability to communicate information clearly and understand information communicated by others.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

• Teach a minimum of 8 hours per week of a high-school-level conceptual physics course, using existing materials and tools efficiently.
• Return student work within 5 days.
• Document the course syllabus, assignments, and assessments in Canvas by the beginning of Term 1, creating materials that other instructors can reuse.
• Participate in regular Canvas course reviews.
• Communicate regularly with students, families, teachers, and other professionals about student progress, and submit progress reports by term deadlines.
• Prepare students for student-led parent-teacher conferences.
• Facilitate active, real-world learning while minimizing direct instruction, using approaches such as think-pair-share, experiential learning, case studies, role-playing, and peer teaching.
• Support student-driven passions and interests through the Applied Learning Program.
• Use assessment data to inform instruction and provide timely feedback.
• Select and adapt instructional resources for students with varied 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 and foster critical thinking through thoughtful questioning.
• Perform assigned duties such as lunch and goal-time supervision.
• Remain accessible to students during the school day for interaction, office hours, and support.
• Attend faculty and community meetings and participate in professional development, morning meetings, faculty in-service, and other culture-building activities.
• Participate in 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 an 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: Part-time
• Career Level: Mid Level