Company: Terra San Francisco (The Terra Schools)

Location: San Francisco, California

Position Type:

• Full-time
• 5 days per week, Monday through Friday
• 2 Shift Options: 8am to 4pm or 9:45am to 5:45pm 
• Salary : $20-32 / hour based on experience

Job Overview

We are seeking a compassionate and dedicated Mandarin Preschool Teacher to join our team at Terra San Francisco. International applicants are welcome to apply - we provide assistance with visas. 

You will play a critical role in creating a positive, emotionally safe, and enriching environment for our preschool students, ages 2.5 to 5.5. 

About Our School

Teachers are at the heart of our school. We are a multilingual private school that combines small class sizes, whole-child development, and nature-based learning. 

We are in scenic Mill Valley, just north of the Golden Gate Bridge near San Francisco. There is a San Francisco Shuttle for both students and teachers to commute from SF to Mill Valley. 

What’s Unique About Us

• Mandarin Immersion. We believe young children are capable of learning a second and/or third language. Bilingualism & trilingualism also helps them develop empathy and cognitive skills, as well as an appreciation for diversity. 

• Reggio Emilia Inspired. Our children are center stage. Their interests and passions drive the topics discussed in class, while teachers facilitate their cognitive, social, and emotional skill acquisition.

1. Nature-based Learning. Once a week, children explore the outdoors with an experienced Earth Educator to cultivate their sense of wonder and curiosity.

Why work with us

1. Small Class Sizes & Ratios: We offer ratios that are smaller than those found in traditional childcare centers. This fosters stronger and more intimate connections with children, families, and fellow educators. 
2. Holistic Child Development: Our project-based, Reggio-inspired curriculum, outdoor classroom, and social and emotional learning curriculum are centered around nurturing the multiple intelligences of each child. 
3. Diverse & Inclusive Community: Learn from a diverse and inclusive group of fellow educators, students, and families who value kindness. Over half of teachers and students are multi-ethnic, a third of families receive scholarships, and a third have lived abroad. 

Minimum Job Requirements

1. Bachelor’s or graduate degree, or in the process of obtaining one. 
2. 12 hours of Early Childhood Education (ECE) college credit units, or equivalent.
3. Two years of experience teaching preschool or kindergarten students.
4. Advanced oral communication skills in Mandarin. 
5. Intermediate oral communication skills in English.
6. Ability to create and implement lesson plans that support learning objectives.
7. Proficient technology skills including, but not limited to, Microsoft Office
8. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate openly, professionally, kindly, and empathetically with students, parents, and staff.
9. Demonstrated proficiency in classroom and behavioral management.
10. Passion for learning and youth development, particularly in the preschool age range.
11. Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
12. Reliable transportation to and from Mill Valley.
13. Commitment to a full school year. 
14. Fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or have a valid medical or religious exemption.
15. Clear background check (provided by the Terra Schools).

Job Responsibilities

1. Supervise to ensure physical safety of children.
2. Create and co-lead daily flow and curriculum. 
3. Co-lead and engage a group of 5 to 15 students in age-appropriate free play, snack and lunch times, curriculum lessons, naps, transitions, drop-offs and pick-ups. 
4. Educate students on the semantic and syntactic aspects of the Mandarin language through content-based inquiry in a Mandarin-immersion setting.
5. Implement compassionate and effective classroom and behavioral management strategies, in line with the Terra Schools’ values and Reggio Emilia philosophy. 
6. Communicate openly and professionally with students, parents, school day staff, and after school staff. 
7. Foster an emotionally safe and supportive environment for all children, teachers, and parents.
8. Facilitate a smooth hand-off to after-care teachers when the school day ends at 3:15pm.
9. Collaborate with staff and co-teachers to continuously improve and strengthen the program.
10. Adhere to the duties and responsibilities outlined in the Employee Handbook or mandated by State or Federal regulations.

Perks & Benefits

1. Competitive pay rate ranging from $20 to $32 per hour, based on experience and location.
2. For international applicants, we will help with your visas. 
3. Federal holidays and weekends off.
4. Opportunity for professional growth, including potential advancement to be a Preschool Director or run the After School Program.
5. Covid-19 Safety: Free daily access to covid tests, masks, and hand sanitizer. 
6. Free parking for employees in our parking lot and on the street.