Reports to: Head of School
Position Status: Full-Time
Location: Aurora School, Oakland, CA
Start Date: August 2025

About Aurora School

Aurora School is an independent, progressive K-8 school in Oakland, dedicated to cultivating academic excellence, emotional intelligence, and social engagement. Our nurturing, inclusive community fosters a love of learning, creativity, and leadership. We strive to develop students into self-aware, confident lifelong learners who are capable of advocating for themselves and others in both the school community and the wider world.

Job Summary

The Lower School Lead Teacher is responsible for planning and implementing a rich curriculum across core subjects, including Language Arts, Math, Social Studies, and Science, as well as fostering students' social and emotional growth. This teacher will collaborate with specialists to ensure that every child’s unique learning needs are met. The ideal candidate is a committed educator who values diversity, equity, and inclusion and has the ability to differentiate instruction based on students' needs.

Key Responsibilities

Curriculum & Instruction:

• Design and implement a curriculum aligned with school goals and standards.
• Provide a balanced instructional approach across core subjects (ELA, Math, Social Studies, Science).
• Plan, organize, and execute lessons that engage students in independent learning, collaboration, and critical thinking.
• Use a variety of instructional and classroom management techniques to support learning.
• Create and utilize assessments that drive instruction and monitor students' academic progress.
• Provide timely, constructive feedback to students.
• Integrate technology and other resources to enhance learning experiences.
• Foster a positive, inclusive classroom environment that supports academic and behavioral expectations.

Classroom Management & Environment:

• Maintain a safe, organized, and welcoming classroom.
• Implement classroom routines and procedures that encourage independent and collaborative learning.
• Organize and store materials effectively, ensuring a clutter-free and efficient learning environment.
• Ensure that students' social and emotional development is supported through appropriate strategies and interventions.

Family & Community Engagement:

• Communicate effectively and regularly with parents/guardians about student progress, curriculum, and classroom activities.
• Hold formal parent-teacher conferences twice a year, and additional conferences as needed.
• Foster positive relationships with students, parents, staff, and the community.
• Encourage family involvement in the educational process and provide guidance on supporting student progress.
• Write and distribute regular class newsletters (Grades K-1 weekly; Grades 2-5 bi-weekly).

Professional Development & Collaboration:

• Participate in weekly staff meetings, professional development, and school-wide activities.
• Collaborate with grade-level colleagues, specialists, and the Head of School to enhance the learning environment.
• Participate in school committees and events, such as Back-to-School Night, Admissions events, and field trips.
• Actively engage in ongoing professional growth and reflection on teaching practices.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Organize and supervise field trips that align with curriculum goals.
• Support and supervise students during recess and lunch periods, ensuring their safety and addressing any behavioral concerns.
• Plan and prepare lessons for substitutes when needed.
• Attend and support school events such as Tinker Faire, Admissions events, and other school-wide activities.
• Participate in the interview process for new staff as needed.

• Education: Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree or teaching credential preferred.
• Experience: Minimum 3-5 years of teaching experience in elementary education; experience with remote and in-person teaching preferred.
• Skills:
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Expertise in progressive education practices.
• Knowledge of child development and social-emotional learning.
• Ability to differentiate instruction for diverse learners.
• Skilled in using technology to enhance teaching and learning.

About Aurora School

ABOUT US Aurora School has been a leader in progressive education since 1988. Aurora is an independent K-8 school that combines challenging academics, multi-grade classes, differentiated instruction, and a keen awareness of children’s social and emotional development. We strive to foster students’ development into self-aware, confident life-long learners and leaders who step up to advocate for themselves and others. Professionals in the LGBTQ and BIPOC communities are strongly encouraged to apply.

Connections working at Aurora School