Career Center

BERKWOOD HEDGE SCHOOL

Berkwood Hedge School is seeking excellent candidates for a full-time Associate Teacher position for the 2023 - 2024 school year.

Berkwood Hedge School’s program is based on the understanding that children construct their knowledge of the world through experiential, integrated, and project-based learning.  We allow our children to develop as creative participants in their own learning.  Our teachers support our children’s development across the cognitive, physical, social and moral domains and support our school in whatever capacity necessary to ensure excellence and success.

The primary role of the Associate Teacher is to support classroom instruction that is consistent with our mission and pedagogy. The Associate Teacher also provides supervision during non-instructional times. Instructional responsibilities involve contributing to and teaching lessons, working closely with the classroom teacher to coordinate curriculum and instruction, and with children to enhance learning. In addition to teaching responsibilities, associate teachers participate in the life of the school, including professional development, staff meetings, events, and snack and lunch duties.

The successful candidate will:

• Work enthusiastically to support planning and implementation of all aspects of the program
• Collaborate effectively with colleagues in all aspects of student learning
• Maintain professional and thoughtful communication with all members of our community 
• Wholeheartedly support and manifest the Berkwood Hedge mission of social justice and equity
• Be creative, innovative, flexible, and responsive
• Have a sense of humor

Qualities

• Love of children and understanding of child development
• Collaborative, creative, and curious nature
• Maturity, professionalism, and good judgment
• Willingness and capacity to assume a wide range of responsibilities
• Interested in learning new skills and engaged in continuous improvement of practice
• Excellent organizational and time management skills

Responsibilities

• Work with individual children or small groups under supervision of the lead teacher.
• Prepare teaching materials as agreed upon by Head of School and/or directed by lead teacher
• Perform clerical duties as related to classroom instruction
• Assist in classroom management
• Prepare lesson materials, bulletin board displays, exhibits, equipment, and demonstrations
• Present subject matter to students under the direction and guidance of teachers, using lectures, discussions, and/or role-playing methods
• Coach and assist children individually or in small groups in order to help them master assignments and to reinforce learning concepts presented by teachers
• Observe students’ performance, and record relevant data to assess progress
• Organize and supervise games and other recreational activities to promote physical, mental, and social development
• Participate in agreed upon teacher-parent conferences regarding students’ progress or problems
• Develop, file, and duplicate materials
• Use computers, audiovisual aids, and other equipment and materials to enhance learning
• Perform other related duties as assigned by Head of School

Additional Expectations 

• Maintain and support a climate of mutual respect which encourages students to take healthy risks: asking questions, sharing opinions, and making mistakes necessary to learn
• Cultivate each student's creativity, intellectual curiosity and social-emotional development in an academically rich and relevant context

At Berkwood Hedge, a teacher's engagement includes various activities in addition to teaching and classroom duties, such as giving extra help to students who need it, communicating feedback directly to the Head of School, encouragement of the efforts of colleagues, concern for the appearance of the classroom and of the grounds, promptness in meeting all School obligations and flexibility and cooperation in supporting our school’s advancement. Attendance at School events and activities, such as plays, concerts, festivals, and fairs, staff meetings, and open houses is required.

This position is full time and starts mid-August 2023. We look for candidates who thrive on ownership, service, creativity and collaboration. For more information about Berkwood Hedge School, please visit us at berkwood.org. Salary and benefits are competitive. We will accept applications until the position is filled. Interviews will begin immediately.  Submit cover letter and resume to employment@berkwood.org.

Berkwood Hedge School actively seeks to build a diverse student, staff and parent community. We are an avid equal opportunity employer and seek applicants who reflect the rich diversity of the Bay Area.  We do not discriminate on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship, ethnicity, family-care status, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, medical condition, disability, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree––A teaching credential is desirable
• Understanding of and appreciation for progressive education
• Strong communication skills with both children and adults
• An abiding interest in helping young people experience joy and success

Skills

• Ability to provide customer service to BH families with frequent, engaging, and informative communication
• Capacity to focus on the whole child, intentionally developing each individual academically, physically, emotionally, and socially
• Ability to exercise daily flexibility by wearing many hats, prioritizing, and problem solving while maintaining a poised professional demeanor
• Enthusiasm for incorporating global perspectives that expand students’ circles of influence and cultural competency
• Ability to utilize sound and developmentally appropriate educational practices related to technology