Mandarin Elementary Homeroom Teachers

Presidio Knolls School (PKS) is a progressive and innovative Mandarin immersion school in the heart of San Francisco. We are seeking dynamic, passionate educators to join our Elementary School team.

About Presidio Knolls School

Founded in 2008, Presidio Knolls School (PKS) is an independent school located in the heart of San Francisco, with approximately 400 students enrolled in preschool through eighth grade. Joyful learning, a sense of belonging, and deep intellectual inquiry permeate our school culture, where we are innovating at the intersection of progressive education and Mandarin immersion.

The progressive philosophy of Presidio Knolls School embraces children as co-collaborators in their education. The PKS curriculum is project-based and interdisciplinary. Units of Exploration integrate math, science, social studies, art, drama, and movement into central topics of inquiry in English and Chinese, contextualizing all learning through a real-world lens. Critical to this approach is hands-on, experiential learning opportunities. As such, learning often takes place outside of the classroom.

Mandarin Immersion Homeroom Teacher
The Mandarin Immersion Homeroom Teacher is a key member of our dynamic elementary school team, playing a critical role in developing a thriving Mandarin immersion program. We are seeking an enthusiastic educator who is fluent in Mandarin at a native level and has expertise in teaching Simplified Chinese. This teacher will guide our students through a comprehensive, immersive learning experience across subjects such as math, science, and social studies within the context of Mandarin instruction.

Our ideal candidate is a bilingual and bicultural educator with a deep passion for working with elementary school children. They will bring a strong commitment to progressive educational practices and interdisciplinary instruction, ensuring a well-rounded and rigorous learning environment. With a student-centered approach, this teacher will foster curiosity, creativity, self-awareness and academic growth in each child, prioritizing both academic achievement and social-emotional development.

The position is full-time, exempt teaching position, and reports to the Head of Elementary.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Create a warm, caring, joyful learning community where students feel valued and supported.
• Demonstrate teaching excellence, through their passion for education, their professionalism and integrity.
• Design and maintain a differentiated, engaging, responsive, and welcoming classroom space that fosters student growth and creativity.
• Collaborate with grade-level teams, specialists, and pedagogical teams to plan, coordinate, and implement a well-organized, dynamic and focused curriculum tailored to students' needs.
• Develop and execute authentic assessments that effectively make students' learning visible and inform ongoing instruction.
• Use a variety of teaching techniques and strategies to engage students and support their diverse learning styles.
• Create enrichment and extension opportunities that challenge advanced students.
• Respond to individual social, emotional and learning needs in collaboration with ES Counselor and Learning Specialist.
• Integrate technology meaningfully into the curriculum to enhance student learning and engagement.
• Document student progress by completing individual checklists, report cards and student narratives, support student-led conferences and conferences with parents, keep communication open with parents.
• Show their own growth mindset and participate in reflection and coaching activities.
• Use documentation to make learning visible to the children and families; contribute to student portfolios.
• Perform additional responsibilities as assigned and actively engage in school-wide community events and activities.

Skills & Qualifications

• Joy in working with children and nurturing their growth
• Minimum of 2 years' experience teaching in respective grade level, preferably in an immersion program
• Bilingual and biliterate in Mandarin Chinese and English with native Mandarin Chinese proficiency, including ability to teach simplified and pinyin writing systems.
• Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree desirable, CSET, CBEST, BCLAD or home country certification a plus: (http://www.ctc.ca.gov).
• Proven track record in achieving strong academic results using progressive educational best practices, specifically guided inquiry, or project-based learning.
• Contagious enthusiasm and charisma; the ability to engage and inspire students, parents, and colleagues.
• Creativity, excellent multitasking skills, and ability to thrive in an innovation-driven environment.
• Outstanding verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills.
• Must have authorization to work in the US, and the ability to pass a Livescan background check.

• Have a commitment to professional development and a growth mindset about learning for all. We believe that everyone can improve and should continually work toward excellence.
• Enjoy contributing to student and community life inside and outside the classroom. PKS is a community, and our close relationships build a solid foundation for our kids.
• Work towards social justice and support multicultural education. As a progressive school, we are growing engaged global citizens equipped with empathy, compassion and practices that position them to thrive in a diverse society.
• Possess an ability to integrate theory with practice in designing and implementing appropriate learning strategies for each student.
• A collaboration mindset, eager to work with a team to innovate and refine education practices.
• Be to roll up your sleeves and work with a team that will do whatever it takes to support students as they learn, grow, and thrive.

Benefit & Compensation:

PKS offers a competitive compensation package commensurate with qualifications and experience

• Salary: $71,500 - $120,924 annually, based on experience and qualifications.
• Health, dental and vision fully covered for the employee.
• 403b match
• Wellness Program via Spring Health
• Employee Assistance Program
• Commuting support of up to $60 per month.

To apply, please click on this LINK.

Presidio Knolls School offers equal opportunity to all, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, and national origin, ethnicity, age, sex or disability or other protected class status under any applicable laws. Employment will be contingent on successful completion of a background check.