Old Orchard School, a private JK-8 school in Silicon Valley, is seeking a talented, collegial, and dedicated educator for a full time position teaching science and math to Grades 4 & 5. This position starts in August 2024. In this role, candidates would join our 4h & 5th Grade Team serving as homeroom teacher to one grade, and science and math teacher to both. Candidates must, of course, have a deep understanding of and appreciation for the joys and challenges that come with teaching upper elementary students on the cusp of Middle School.
Old Orchard is a small, vibrant and well-established independent school. In 2024-25, we will be celebrating our 51st year. We welcome talented and caring educators who love to learn and value close-knit school communities. Learn more about us at www.oldorchardschool.com
JOB DESCRIPTION
This is an exempt position that is responsible for teaching up to five daily classes and serving as lead teacher for science and math in Grades 4 & 5 opposite our Language Arts teacher. Together, these faculty members are also responsible for the overall growth and well-being of students, and working collaboratively with all who work with the classes.
KEY QUALIFICATIONS
A minimum of 3 years’ experience teaching inquiry-based science to Upper Elementary or Middle School students; a demonstrated mastery of math through pre-algebra; a minimum of 5 years' teaching experience is greatly preferred. A candidate with a blend of classroom and outdoor programs is welcome.
A bachelor's degree in a relevant field of math, science or science education; a relevant master’s degree and/or current teaching credential greatly preferred. A strong foundation in mathematics and science.
A deep understanding of and appreciation for the social-emotional, learning, and developmental needs of Upper Elementary or Middle School students, and the flexibility and good humor needed to work with them and build effective learning relationships.
Excellent and current professional references who are able to speak to candidates' mastery of the subject matter, effectiveness in the classroom, and readiness to be members of a close-knit, collegial school community.
Experience with educational technology tools and programs including 1:1 classroom iPads/devices, posting assignments and grades online, use of Google Classroom or similar LMS systems.
CORE RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:
Design and effectively deliver academically challenging, appropriately differentiated science instruction using inquiry-based lessons and science labs.
Organizing relevant field trips and planning and leading annual science camp trips (already scheduled for 2024-25.)
Communicating thoughtfully, respectfully, and clearly in English with parents, students, and colleagues. This includes in-person, written, and all forms of communication.
Working closely with our lead Language Arts teacher and others who work with these two grades; coordinating curriculum across grades, and meeting the needs of students at different levels.
Leading and applying SEL lessons.
Participating actively in professional growth opportunities.
Participating in school duties such as lunch, recess, and arrival/dismissal duties.
Being punctual, flexible and highly organized; grading student work on a timely basis; proactively reaching out to students who need support; communicating clearly, professionally, and effectively in English with colleagues, students, and parents; and remaining calm on deadline or when plans need to change.
Have the talent to build strong relationships with students, parents/guardians, and faculty/staff.
In general, this position requires an individual to frequently walk, stand, sit, squat, stoop, reach, kneel, rise from the floor, twist, listen, read, write, and speak, read and write the English language. This position also requires the ability to lift or carry up 20 pounds, use repetitive or fine hand movements, and occasionally push, pull, or bend.
SALARY and BENEFITS
Old Orchard School is committed to attracting and retaining the highest quality faculty and staff through a substantial compensation plan, including competitive salary. Individual salary is negotiable depending on years of experience, educational background, and teaching responsibilities.
Salary Range: $70,000 to $90,000. The lower end of the range reflects candidates with minimum experience; the highest, represents educators with top qualifications and extensive experience.
Key benefits include medical, dental & vision; 401(k) participation; paid sick days and time off.
NON-DISCRIMINATION
Old Orchard School values diversity and seeks talented students, faculty, and staff from different backgrounds. All employment decisions are made without regard to unlawful considerations of race, color, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, mental or physical disability, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, or local law.
TO APPLY:
Via email ONLY, please submit the following as Word or PDF documents:
A cover letter or statement detailing your relevant experience and your interest in teaching at Old Orchard.
A current resume emphasizing your qualifications for this position.
Supporting materials you feel support eligibility for this position; this may be directly related to teaching math and science, or illustrate additional skills, interests and talents.
