UPPER ELEMENTARY TEACHING POSITION

Gillispie School is an independent K-6 school in La Jolla, CA. We are a vibrant community devoted to developing empathetic global citizens and resilient learners. We honor and foster each child’s social, emotional, and intellectual journey.

Gillispie teachers ignite each child’s creative and intellectual potential from early childhood to sixth grade. By designing authentic explorations and applying a cross-disciplinary approach, we help children discover their interests and passions. We encourage personal accountability and view mistakes as avenues for learning. Balancing academic programs and a constructivist philosophy, we prepare children for their futures in a way that challenges and nurtures them along their educational paths. We embrace diversity and appreciate that differing views and life experiences help us generate insightful solutions. At Gillispie, every child is known.

Position Description:

We seek full-time upper elementary educators for the 2024-2025 school year in Grades 2, 3, and 4 with a deep respect for children and a commitment to life-long learning. Candidates must foster a nurturing classroom environment. Strong interpersonal skills, pedagogical expertise, a growth mindset, the ability to join our school culture, a good sense of humor, a commitment to professional development, and flexibility are essential attributes. Prior experience in a constructivist, inquiry-based environment at the elementary level is highly desired. Responsive Classroom, Singapore math teaching method, and The Writing Revolution (Hochman Method) training are preferred. Moreover, candidates applying for the Grade 2 position should have some training and experience with instructional approaches firmly grounded in the Science of Reading (e.g., Orton Gillingham, Wilson, Structured Literacy, etc.).

Minimum qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in elementary education or a related field
• Multi-subject Teaching Credential and/or MA in Education
• Minimum of two years teaching experience as a lead teacher in upper elementary (3-5 years or more classroom teaching experience in an independent school preferred)
• A solid understanding of curriculum design, project planning, and varied assessment strategies
• Ability to develop and maintain close parent relationships
• Excellent writing skills and digital literacy
• Experience and training in the Science of Reading (Grade 2)
• Ability to collaborate well with other teachers and administrators

Primary responsibilities include:

• Plan and design lessons that align with Gillispie’s scope and sequence, school mission, and educational philosophy
• Foster a safe and inclusive environment where students feel valued, respected, and empowered
• Implement inquiry-based teaching methods to encourage critical thinking skills and curiosity
• Embody the innovator’s mindset which is defined by curiosity, creativity, empathy, ethical problem-solving, resilience, critical thinking, and learning from mistakes
• Provide ongoing feedback and encouragement to students to build their confidence and promote a growth mindset
• Actively collaborate with other teachers for cross-disciplinary projects
• Use the Responsive Classroom approach to design, manage, and develop a consistent, caring classroom environment
• Work collaboratively with admin and other faculty to analyze student learning, differentiate instruction, ensure student agency in their learning, and foster a positive classroom culture that aligns with the Gillispie strategic plan, initiatives, and mission
• Contribute to the regular review, revision, and development of curricular scope and sequence and academic learner objectives with emphasis on the latest research in education, SEL, and neuroscience
• Attend weekly faculty meetings and provide active supervision while on assigned duties
• Commit to continual professional development
• Maintain accurate and timely electronic educational records for each student
• Uphold all practices, policies, and expectations outlined in the school’s employee handbook
• Communicate with students, families, administrators, and student support in a timely and professional manner concerning student progress
• Attend school functions as needed

Please reply with a letter of interest, resume, and references. Address in your letter your experience with constructivist approaches and programmatic literacy, writing, and math development strategies.

Gillispie School is committed to equal opportunity for all individuals in education and employment. School programs, activities, and practices will be free from discrimination, harassment, intimidation, and bullying by reason of the following actual or perceived characteristics: sex/gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, transgender status, race, color, religion, ethnicity, ethnic group identification, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, age, military/veteran status, marital status, registered domestic partner status, pregnancy status, and any other characteristics protected by federal, state, or local law.

Job Types: Full-time, Contract

Pay: $58,000.00 - $75,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Grade levels:

• 2nd grade
• 3rd grade
• 4th grade

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

School subjects:

• English
• Math
• Reading
• Social Studies

School type:

• Private school

Ability to Relocate:

• La Jolla, CA 92037: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person