What are the responsibilities and job description for the Science Teacher position at Life Learning Academy?
Science Teacher at Life Learning Academy
Application Deadline
8/17/2026 11:55 PM Pacific
Date Posted
Contact
415-397-8957
Number of Openings
Salary
Add'l Salary Info
Length of Work Year
Employment Type
About the Employer
The Life Learning Academy (LLA) is a Bay Area charter high school and non profit organization for disconnected and under-resourced youth and young adults. Our mission is to create a welcoming and well-resourced community for students who have not been successful in traditional school settings. For 26 years, Life Learning Academy has successfully supported high-need students from the San Francisco Bay Area to thrive. Factors contributing to the uniqueness of LLA’s program include: (1) the ability to re-engage youth who were previously disconnected from school and community; (2) innovative project-based learning and career development pathways which include paid employment and; (3) supportive housing programs for our students and alumni. LLA is the only public school in California offering no cost housing to unstably housed and homeless students. Opened in 2019, we have an on-campus (no fee) dormitory for up to 16 students. The impact on our residents’ attendance, academic performance, and engagement is nothing short of remarkable .Without intervention, disconnected and unstably housed youth are at very high risk for homelessness, substance abuse, incarceration, and violence. Additionally, LLA is a small school which maintains a 1:6 teacher to student ratio with 6-8 students per class. We utilize a block schedule model for extended instructional periods, and maintain immediate, on-call student intervention and onsite mental health counseling. Students are eligible for credit recovery options, concurrent enrollment with local community colleges in their junior & senior years, and ongoing transition services including education and employment counseling post graduation and transitional housing. Teachers teach 3 classes per term carrying a student load of no more than 24 students.
Job Summary
Job Summary
We are seeking an enthusiastic teacher with experience and a clear passion for teaching young people science and sustainable horticulture practices in our campus organic garden. At Life Learning Academy, we believe that every single kid deservesrelentless love, accountability, and the chance to make a good life. For the past 28 years, we’ve provided an innovative, student-centered alternative to large public high schools for Bay Area students who have been failed by traditional educational models. We believe that when our students become immersed in a community of mutual respect and accountability, they surpass everyone’s expectations. This belief is supported by our 92% average graduation rate. Our model includes on-campus, no-cost housing in our dormitory for up to 16 students. We offer ongoing transitional services for our alumni. We serve up to 60 students per year in the school, and maintain a 1:8 teacher to student ratio with 6-8 students per class. We utilize a block schedule model for extended instructional periods Monday-Thursday. On Fridays, we support students through our workforce development programming. Teachers teach 3 classes per term carrying a student load of no more than 24 students. Teachers are strongly encouraged, supported, and resourced to create engaging project-based curriculum building on student needs and interests and taking full advantage of Treasure Island and Bay Area opportunities. A team of experienced school leaders and mental health professions provide as-needed wraparound services and individualized interventions to all students.
Requirements / Qualifications
Other Requirements: Bachelor's degree CA Teaching Credential (Multiple Subjects or Single Subject in Science) Teachers should have the ability to teach at a high school level including Physics, Biology and Ecology. Current knowledge and experience with sustainable gardening principles and effective organic garden management practices or a desire to learn. Some experience in classroom instruction at the high school level Experience with sustainable gardening and/or garden to table principles a plus Experience writing curriculum or scaffolding curriculum with accommodation that supports a variety of learners. Knowledge and commitment to supporting the needs of disconnected, system-involved youth and at least two (2) years experience working directly with this population. Excellent communication skills, professional demeanor, sound judgment, and strong organizational skills. Willingness to work collaboratively, but with the capacity to work independently. Competency with Google Docs and Google Classroom. Criminal Justice Clearance required. Encourages a culture of mutual respect and equitable practice Demonstrates content knowledge Commitment to understanding student academic needs and catering instruction to meet those specific needs Supports students’ social, emotional, and behavioral learning needs Implements Project-Based Learning techniques and strategies Facilitates and designs effective group work & independent learning opportunities Provides timely feedback and collaborates with faculty to offer specialized support Showcases student work within the local and wider school community Scaffolds instructional activities that facilitate engaging and appropriate learning opportunities
Requirements / Qualifications
Other Requirements: Bachelor's degree CA Teaching Credential (Multiple Subjects or Single Subject in Science) Teachers should have the ability to teach at a high school level including Physics, Biology and Ecology. Current knowledge and experience with sustainable gardening principles and effective organic garden management practices or a desire to learn. Some experience in classroom instruction at the high school level Experience with sustainable gardening and/or garden to table principles a plus Experience writing curriculum or scaffolding curriculum with accommodation that supports a variety of learners. Knowledge and commitment to supporting the needs of disconnected, system-involved youth and at least two (2) years experience working directly with this population. Excellent communication skills, professional demeanor, sound judgment, and strong organizational skills. Willingness to work collaboratively, but with the capacity to work independently. Competency with Google Docs and Google Classroom. Criminal Justice Clearance required. Encourages a culture of mutual respect and equitable practice Demonstrates content knowledge Commitment to understanding student academic needs and catering instruction to meet those specific needs Supports students’ social, emotional, and behavioral learning needs Implements Project-Based Learning techniques and strategies Facilitates and designs effective group work & independent learning opportunities Provides timely feedback and collaborates with faculty to offer specialized support Showcases student work within the local and wider school community Scaffolds instructional activities that facilitate engaging and appropriate learning opportunities
Comments and Other Information
Comments and Other Information
Links Related To This Job
- Life Learning Academy
- CalSTRS Info for New Educators