Position Summary

Ventana School is searching for an Elementary Resident Teacher for the 2024-25 school year to support a lead teacher in a lower elementary classroom. This teaching position is designed for teaching professionals early in their careers. Resident Teachers will be part of a cohort that meets weekly with the Director of Elementary Education and Head of School to receive support and training to develop their craft. The ideal candidates are those who have received a BA in Education and have had some classroom experience, are working on their teaching certification or Masters in Education, or have completed their certification or Masters in Education and are looking for a supportive environment to launch their careers. The Resident Teacher will help to monitor and support the academic and social-emotional progress of students. We are seeking an energetic, committed educator who will be a strong collaborator, a thoughtful communicator, and have a good understanding of the developmental needs of lower elementary students.

School Overview

Ventana School is a small independent school in Silicon Valley serving students from 2 years old to 5th grade. We believe that all children are capable learners; our role as educators is to create an environment where they flourish. Balancing direct instruction with inquiry-based project work, Ventana teachers give children a strong academic foundation, and provide daily opportunities for students to express their creativity, engage their curiosity, and connect with others. At all ages and grade levels, we practice inquiry-based teaching that encourages cross-curricular connections and critical thinking. Social-emotional learning is a vital part of our curriculum and approach. www.ventanaschool.org

What makes teaching at Ventana different:

• Inquiry-based teaching with opportunities to create emergent curriculum
• Small class sizes
• Space and time to build relationships with students and teach social-emotional skills
• The Reggio-Emilia approach to education promotes the use of artistic disciplines to invite, and extend, learning at all age levels
• Focus on collaboration between teachers and across disciplines
• An administration that is committed to eliciting the perspectives of teachers

The Resident Teacher Program will help teachers learn to:

• Demonstrate commitment to inquiry-based learning
• Balance skill development with experiential exploration
• Have strong classroom management skills
• Understand the importance of social-emotional learning
• Have experience differentiating instruction to meet the needs of a variety of learners
• Are reflective practitioners
• Are flexible and creative

Essential Expectations

Elementary teachers are expected to maintain a democratic, creative environment in which meaningful learning and personal growth are fostered through a variety of active learning experiences.

Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Providing one-on-one, small group, and whole group instruction. Instructional methods must include direct instruction and inquiry-based exploration in literacy, math, and social studies. Instruction will be in alignment with Ventana’s Reggio Emilia-inspired approach, as guided by the Director of Elementary Education.
• Supporting learning inquiry and active student participation by developing age-appropriate project work through thoughtful reflection on student interests, passions, and dialogues.
• Differentiating for individual student needs.
• Collaborating daily/weekly/monthly with co-teachers, specialists, teaching team, and Director of Elementary Education.
• Monitoring student progress through consistent observations and regular assessments.
• Facilitating a democratic community through daily Morning Meetings and Closing Circles, classroom meetings, conflict resolution strategies, and a view of the child as ‘competent’ in both solving problems and contributing to solutions.
• Implementing classroom management strategies that draw on children’s strengths and participation.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $70,000.00 per year

Benefits Included

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Work Location: In person

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $70,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

License/Certification:

• CPR Certification (Preferred)
• Child Development Associate Certification (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Los Altos, CA 94024 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Los Altos, CA 94024: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person