Based in Palo Alto, California, Tru is seeking a part-time educator(20-30 hours per week) ready to engage in transformative experiences with children in grades K-5. Following progressive and constructivist principles of education, we provide many key characteristics of a research-based school:
warm and engaging school climate
integrated and thematic curriculum
inquiry-based science
conceptual mathematics
direct investigations of the surrounding community
school-wide theatrical performances with music and dance
portfolio assessment
mindfulness practice
Our unique program follows the philosophy of the founding teachers, who seek not merely to teach children but to awaken within them a sense of empathy and connection. Inspired by Parker Palmer, Nel Noddings, John Dewey, and many other voices in educational literature, the school believes that the inner experience of the child is crucial to meaningful growth.
About the Position
We are searching for a part time assistant teacher(with a possible emphasis on music) who embodies the following attributes:
A willingness to engage in a transformative process himself or herself: to question personal beliefs and prejudices, and to critically examine his/her relationships with students;
Warmth and kindness, firm expectations, knowledge of child development, and the conscious use of language in a school setting;
Equipped with a growth mindset characterized by ongoing personal and professional development, while leading children to discover new capacities in themselves.
(Special consideration) Familiarity and interest in music education
Teaching @ Tru
The school is organized into mixed-age classes with one teacher each. To prepare candidates for an independent role in our school, we have created an apprentice position for new or experienced teachers to learn school practices and work closely with our lead teachers. The teachers collaborate to determine integrative content strands and essential questions, then implement those strands through developmentally appropriate activities with their individual classes. They communicate regularly with parents to inform them about student work and assess student progress against standard benchmarks of achievement.
Teachers participate fully in school community events and outreach programs. They also create a yearly professional development plan to support continued growth in educational theory and practice. Our program requires educators to reflect on their practice, collaborate constantly, and bring a strong personal presence to their work. Our integrative approach necessitates the development of original activities that reach across the traditional disciplines of science, literature, social studies, etc. A desire to explore, research, and teach unfamiliar topics is essential.
Benefits
Compensation: $32 - $40/hour based on skill and experience
Opportunities to apply school mission in creative ways
Highly supportive staff and parent community
Inclusive decision making process
Developmentally appropriate teaching environment
Contact: Please send a resume to work@truschool.org and include a customized cover letter describing why you would like to join the team at Tru.
Expectations
Demonstrated Interest in career growth as a teacher
Warm and approachable manner with children
Ability to write and communicate well
Strong collaboration skills
Responsiveness to the needs of a spontaneous, child-oriented environment
Tr? is a progressive microschool in downtown Palo Alto serving students K – 5 that makes learning a transformative experience. Social emotional learning is embedded in every activity, by teachers with personal understanding of each child. Academics are supported by children's direct, extended research and experimentation. Encounters with the outside world and stage performances provide real life experience. The program is carefully designed to develop a mindset of reflection and growth that will lead children to deeper, richer, and more meaningful lives.