The School 

Founded in San Francisco in 2010, Alta Vista School implements an inquiry-based STEAM program serving approximately 325 students across two campuses. 

Alta Vista School encourages students to go beyond a strong academic foundation to pursue their passions with the help of our community. Faculty, administrators, and families believe experiences and hands-on activities are the best practice for meaningful learning. Alta Vista educators benefit from small class sizes and are intentional in their instruction. Teachers serve as guides for students as they explore, observe, predict, measure, and analyze for themselves in an inquiry-based journey of discovery and knowledge-making. Likewise, AVS teachers are serious about play. We love learning alongside our students, believing that children learn better in joyous, authentic settings. Most important to the AVS approach is a foundation rooted in the scientific method and a belief that science and technology, guided by the arts, can be leveraged to benefit all. At AVS, students learn to embrace technology and apply the principles of design thinking as powerful tools for innovation. Technology is thoughtfully integrated into each classroom. 

The Lower School employs a co-teaching model in which co-lead teachers support the classroom and students throughout the school day. Grade-level teams work collaboratively to ensure a dynamic and robust experience throughout the grade.

The Position

Alta Vista Lower School is seeking a dynamic co-teacher for Upper Elementary Literacy and Social Studies. The team is looking for an experienced, energetic individual with a passion for creating safe, positive environments for students from diverse backgrounds and for integrating and modeling social and emotional learning (SEL). The teacher should be able to foster a calm, responsive environment. Strong communication skills and professional ethics are essential.

Essential Functions

• Develop a high-quality, innovative curriculum aligned with the mission of Alta Vista School.
• Design and maintain vibrant classroom environments.
• Work cooperatively and collegially with the school’s administration, the faculty and staff, and the parents to create and maintain an exemplary school environment.
• Prepare for and actively participate in all school activities, faculty meetings, and conferences, including those with parents, during and after school hours as needed.
• Take full advantage of all opportunities to grow as a teacher.
• Cultivate collaboration, transparency, inclusion, curiosity, fun, innovation, and excellence in a dynamic learning community.
• Possess a passion for math and have the ability to spark student motivation and love of learning.
• In-depth knowledge of literacy and social studies curricula and best teaching practices.
• Ability to conduct dynamic and flexible instruction to address a variety of learning needs and interests.
• Willingness to examine one's own teaching with a critical eye in order to continuously improve one’s practice.
• Evaluate student progress regularly using assessment tools. 
• Provide students with opportunities to question, investigate, and wonder.

Qualifications:

• Required Education/Experience: Bachelor's Degree, Experience teaching at an elementary or middle school
• Preferred Education/Experience and/or Certification: Master's Degree, Teaching Certification

Skills/Abilities and Attributes

• Experience teaching elementary school.
• Strong communication skills and professional ethics are essential. 
• Team-oriented, with a strong ability to multitask and work in a fast-paced environment to multiple deadlines
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize effectively and efficiently
• Excellent time management with an ability to balance multiple projects and timelines, and to meet deadlines
• Effective written and verbal communication skills; ability to express ideas clearly and actively listen to others
• Positive attitude and strong work ethic

 Physical Demands/Work Environment

• Regularly lifting or carrying 1-20 lbs.
• Regular pushing, pulling, bending, stooping, and kneeling
• Regularly climbing stairs
• Regularly sitting or standing 4-8 hours
• Requires physical presence, work to be performed on campus

Salary:

• $78,000 - $115,000, based on experience

If interested, please send a resume and cover letter detailing your educational philosophy and why you believe you would be a good fit at Alta Vista to lshiring.committee@altavistaschool.org. 

NOTICE: This position is not limited to the duties in the job description. Duties and responsibilities can be changed, expanded, reduced, or deleted to meet the needs of Alta Vista School. The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

Alta Vista School values a diverse workforce and inclusive work environment, and as an Equal Opportunity Employer, AVS does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other status legally protected by Federal, State, or Local law.

About Alta Vista School

An independent Junior Kindergarten through 8th grade progressive school based in San Francisco, AVS prepares students to thrive as creative thinkers, innovators, and catalysts for positive change in the world. Our STEAM-powered curriculum and our foundation of deep social- emotional learning inspire curiosity, creative problem-solving, and love of learning.Alta Vista is committed to being a safe and welcoming place for all families, students, and faculty. The Alta Vista School does not discriminate against employees on the basis of race, color, religious creed, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status or disability.

Connections working at Alta Vista School