Elementary Teacher

Location:
Ventana School

1040 Border Road

Los Altos, CA 94024

Description, Responsibilities, & Duties

Minimum Qualifications/Requirements

Elementary Teaching Position for 2015-2016

Ventana is looking for experienced teachers with an entrepreneurial spirit and professional aspirations that can grow with the long-term vision of the school. This is an opportunity for teachers who have some familiarity with Common Core Standards and are prepared to immerse themselves in project-based curricula that integrate all academic disciplines. Successful candidates will be well versed in the social emotional needs of a diverse school-age population and able to communicate effectively with students, parents, and colleagues.

Professional Qualifications:

Multiple-subject teaching credential or a Masters Degree in a related field
Minimum of three years experience teaching at the elementary level preferred
Proven track record in achieving strong social emotional and academic results using the social constructivist approach to learning
Effective written and verbal communication skills
Skill in differentiating curriculum and instruction

Desired Qualities:

Knowledgeable about the Reggio Emilia philosophy
Passionate about ‘whole-child’ development
Knowledgeable about curriculum development and integration, including design thinking, essential question inquiry, and project work
Able to thrive in a dynamic, entrepreneurial, young school environment
Committed to reflective practice and life-long learning
Curious about perfecting teaching practice through learning and discovery with children
Skilled with instructional technology
Capable of taking initiative, risk-taking and experimentation, resiliency and flexibility

Essential Job Functions

Lead whole group, small group, and individual instruction within a Reggio-inspired curriculum delivery format
Implement classroom management strategies that draw on children’s strengths and participation
Facilitate a democratic community of learners through classroom meetings, conflict resolution strategies, and a view of the child as competent in both solving problems and contributing to solutions
Create and sustain a classroom environment that fosters active student participation in the learning process
Support students in their learning inquiries by listening and respecting their interests and dialogues
Make learning visible to students, their parents, and the greater community through the use of targeted documentation
Use observation and multi-media documentation to assess student learning
Participate in a range of parent communications; including daily/weekly snapshot reports, portfolio reviews, semester progress reports and conferences, and/or “Celebration of Learning” events
Work in partnership with co-teacher, members of the faculty, staff, and administration to: 1.) assess and analyze curriculum materials, and 2.) develop instructional best practices that meet the needs of a diverse student population
Participate, when necessary, in the Student Study Team (SST) process
Attend weekly faculty meetings and actively contribute to the school’s professional learning community
Participate in and contribute to ongoing professional development through in-service workshops inside and outside of school
Supervise, as needed, unstructured time at recess and lunch

Secondary Job Functions

Design and lead parent educational workshops through ‘The Third Place’ events, as well as faculty and staff professional development
Be present at school wide functions such as Back to School Night, Celebration of Learning, and the Annual Spring Celebration
Be present at open house events for parents of prospective students
Support annual school traditions and cultural events such as Fall Festival, and the Holiday Concert
Maintain a neat, orderly, and welcoming classroom environment

Employment Details:

Compensation commensurate with experience
Generous and comprehensive benefits package

Salary & Benefits

Application Procedures

To Apply:

Please send ALL of the following documents to ventanaschool@ccla.us . Application will not be complete until all documents submitted.

Cover letter
Resumé
List of at least 3 professional references or reference letters that specify referring party’s professional relationship
Brief statement of educational philosophy
Teaching credentials with transcripts

No phone calls, please. Resumés will be received and reviewed until position(s) is/are filled. When applying via email, be sure to note the position title in the subject heading.

Program Description

School Overview

Ventana has offered Reggio Emilia preschool since 2004, and began its first Reggio-inspired elementary class in 2010. The School has grown rapidly since then, graduating its first class of 5^th grade students in May 2015. Ventana School is a place where learning is a joint venture between children and teachers. At all ages and grade levels, we practice cross-curricular, project-based teaching and learning around ‘big questions.’ We provide a small class size with a teacher to student ratio1:10 in the Elementary. Our teachers collaborate with one another across ages and grade levels throughout the School. We are seeking teachers who are passionate about supporting children’s exploration, inquiry, and creative and critical thinking, and who are excited about joining a growing organization. We welcome dynamic teachers with Kindergarten to fifth grade experience to apply.

Contact Info

Ventana School
1040 Border Road
Los Altos, CA 94024
650-948-2121

Job Opportunity