Posted: 26-Apr-26
Location: Pasadena, California
Type: Full Time
Salary: $95,000 - $130,000
Required Education:
Chandler School is an independent K-8 school located in Pasadena, CA, with an enrollment of 450. Founded in 1950, Chandler School abides by its mission to provide each student with the highest quality and most academically challenging education in a nurturing, balanced and diverse environment.
We strive to have our students gain a love of learning, a means of thinking independently and an ability to work collaboratively. A Chandler education seeks to develop good character, self-reliance and a commitment to community in students as a foundation for academic and personal success.
We take pride in our thriving community with diverse perspectives and backgrounds. We learn and grow from one another and respect each others’ creativity and knowledge to promote a nurturing and healthy workplace.
Purpose/Summary:
The Lower School Language Arts Coordinator leads, in collaboration with the Lower School Director, the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of the Language Arts curriculum and instructional practices in grades K-5. This role provides teaching and learning strategies for faculty and students in grade K-5 and ensures program coherence, instructional excellence, and alignment with Chandler’s academic priorities while supporting faculty growth and student outcomes.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Lead the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of the K-5 Language Arts curriculum
- Ensure vertical and horizontal alignment across grade levels to promote consistency in instructional practices
- Evaluate and recommend curriculum materials, assessments, and instructional resources to support program coherence
- Serve as an instructional coach to faculty, providing strategies to strengthen Language Arts instruction, differentiation, and classroom practice
- Model lessons and provide in-class support to teachers to enhance instructional effectiveness
- Design and lead professional development aligned with school priorities and best practices in Language Arts instruction
- Provide targeted academic support to students through small group and/or individual instruction as needed
- Assess and analyze student learning needs, including strengths and areas for growth, using observation, assessment data, and teacher input
- Collaborate with the Lower School Director and Director of Learning Resources to develop and recommend instructional strategies, accommodations, and support plans to meet diverse learning needs
- Collaborate with teachers to implement effective strategies for students requiring additional support or enrichment
- Interpret standardized testing and educational evaluation data to inform both instruction and student support plans
- Communicate with faculty, administrators, and parents regarding student progress and recommended strategies
- Maintain accurate and confidential student records, including observational notes and support documentation
- Support student transitions across grade levels by ensuring continuity of instructional strategies and learning plans
- Serve as a liaison between faculty, administration, and families to support both instructional goals and student needs
- Participate in admissions screening and student review processes as needed
- Stay current with research and best practices in Language Arts instruction and learning support
- Contribute to strategic planning and program development related to teaching and learning
- Participate in faculty meetings, committees, and school-wide initiatives
- In collaboration with the Director of Learning Resources, coordinate the Hearing, Speech, and Vision screening for the Lower School
- In collaboration with the Lower School Director, support and orchestrate standardized testing processes
- Perform other duties as assigned
Skills and Qualifications:
- Strong instructional leadership and coaching skills
- Deep subject matter expertise in English Language Arts instruction
- Ability to analyze and apply student data to improve instructional outcomes
- Strong communication (written and oral) and interpersonal skills to work effectively with students, colleagues, and parents
- Ability to work collaboratively together and across grade levels and departments
- Familiar with curriculum design and assessment development
- Ability to influence and guide faculty without formal supervisory authority
- Proficiency in educational technology and learning management systems
- Strong organizational and time management skills
- Strong classroom management skills that foster a respectful, inclusive, and engaging learning environment
- Willingness to participate in school-wide initiatives, leadership roles, and support of extracurricular activities
- Commitment to Chandler’s mission and values, including diversity, equity, and inclusion, social-emotional learning (SEL), and supporting student well-being
Education and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in Education, or related field from an accredited institution required, Master’s degree preferred
- Minimum of five years of classroom teaching experience
- Experience in curriculum development, instructional coaching, or specialist roles preferred
- Experience with Orton Gillingham and Reader’s and Writer’s Workshop models
- Experience with outdoor education programs and advisory roles
- Community engagement experience such as organizing service learning projects
- Experience in a private school setting preferred
- Experience working with diverse learners and differentiated instruction
- Familiarity with interpreting educational assessments and supporting instructional planning
- Experience partnering with families to support student learning and growth
- CPR and First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain)
Working Conditions:
- Ability to lift and carry items such as sports equipment or activity supplies, typically up to 30 pounds.
- Regular bending, stooping, kneeling, or crouching to interact with children at their level, assist with activities, or manage supplies.
- Works in an environment dealing with a wide variety of challenges and a varied and diverse array of contacts;
- Ability to move around the school campus, including walking, standing, sitting, bending, and reaching for extended periods.
- Willingness and ability to supervise children in various weather conditions, including heat, cold, or rain, during outdoor play or field trips.
- Moderate noise levels typical of a school environment, including student conversations, classroom activities, and occasional events.
- Standard school-day schedule, with occasional evening or weekend work for special events, meetings, or professional development.
Application Process:
Interested candidates should send a resume to Laura Reardon at lreardon@chandlerschool.org.
Compensation and Benefits Overview:
Our comprehensive package is designed to support the well-being and professional growth of our employees:
- Compensation: Competitive, commensurate with experience and qualifications.
- *Full Time Employees only * Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans available to employees and their dependents. Chandler School pays up to 50% of dependent care coverage.
- *Full Time Employees only * Retirement Plan: Participation in a 403 (b) plan with employer contributions up to 10% of salary.
- Vacation accrual is available to non-faculty employees. Personal and sick days available to all employees in addition to 15 paid holidays.
- Professional Development: Access to ongoing training opportunities and reimbursement for relevant certifications.
- Wellness & Connectivity Support: Every employee receives a wellness and connectivity stipend.
- Flexible Work Arrangements: Possible options for remote work or flexible scheduling to promote work-life balance for certain positions.
Chandler School is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants are evaluated without consideration of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
Visit the Chandler website at www.chandlerschool.org.
