Elementary Teacher, The Learning Center

Job Description

Almaden Country Day School (ACDS) is seeking a full-time elementary teacher for The Learning Center at ACDS. The Learning Center (TLC) is a program within our school for bright children with language-based learning differences. Classes are taught in a ratio of 4:1. The specialized curriculum in TLC includes language arts, math, social studies, and social-emotional learning; specialists outside of TLC teach science, PE, art, music, and theater. We meet the academic and social needs of our students with dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia. We believe “All students deserve to see themselves as capable and successful.”  

Essential to success in TLC is patience, precision in instruction, and an understanding and appreciation of children’s developmental stages and an understanding of the learner with dyslexia. Teachers must also deliberately foster collaboration, teamwork, and building relationships with students, parents, and colleagues. The successful candidate will demonstrate respect for childhood, celebrate the talents and strengths of every child he or she teaches, and be committed to helping promote a sense of belonging across all members of the school community. We are looking for compassionate teachers who are lifelong learners. 

ACDS will cover the expenses of training and certification in the Orton-Gillingham Approach of instruction. Teachers are expected to complete the OG certification within two years.

Requirements/Responsibilities:

• Demonstrated success in teaching children in an elementary or middle school setting; 5 years minimum
• Evidence of ongoing professional development and commitment to grow as an educator
• Demonstrated commitment to a collaborative work style 
• Demonstrated success in working with children with language-based learning differences
• Aptitude in promoting student inquiry and collaboration 
• Values student agency in a learner-centered culture
• Adaptable and comfortable with ambiguity and change
• Commitment to teaching 21st Century Skills, including teamwork, creativity, problem solving, curiosity, ethics, and resilience
• Experience in integrating technology as an instructional tool
• Ability to implement instructional strategies in all content areas that meet the Principles of the Orton Gillingham Approach (please see the OGA website)
• Personal characteristics: passion for working with children, optimism, flexibility, patience, and humor
• Willingness to carry out other duties and responsibilities beyond the classroom, as expected of all faculty

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience using the Orton-Gillingham Approach
• Experience with multisensory math instruction
• Experience in and commitment to Belonging work

All candidates must pass background check before being hired. Interviews for open positions begin immediately and remain open until filled.

Overview of Almaden Country Day School

Almaden Country Day School is an independent preschool through 8th grade school located in the Almaden Valley of San Jose. The school’s mission is to “discover the gifts in every child.” ACDS promotes the belief that children learn best when instruction is age-appropriate and engaging; learners excel in a low stress, high opportunity environment. Our core values are Belonging, Balance, Childhood, and Learning. 

ACDS strives to develop well-rounded young people. In addition to core academics, our students take art, music, science, PE, theater, and world languages; middle school students choose from nearly 50 electives. The school's signature enrichment programs, hands-on science featuring an outdoor classroom, a robust integrated technology program, a designated maker space, and a strong fine and performing arts program, all contribute to the emphasis on balanced, whole-child instruction at ACDS. Students participate in after-school sports, clubs, and overnight field trips. TLC students participate in all of these opportunities, other than world languages. 

In The Learning Center, teachers are compassionate, dedicated, and certified in the Orton Gillingham Approach. TLC students enjoy a balanced approach: small academic classes (ratio of 4:1) with greater breadth of opportunities in enrichment classes (ratio of 15:1). TLC is a transitional program, expecting students to move to general education when they are ready. 

For more information about TLC, please visit the school website.

ACDS uses a variety of HR tools in our selection process. Finalists will be asked to spend time on campus, teach a demonstration lesson, participate in a faculty-led interview, and submit a writing sample.