TEMPORARY Elementary School Lead Teacher (Grades K–3)

Position: Full-Time | Reports to: Head of School | Start Date: Immediate or August 2026 | Location: Palo Alto, California

Overview

The Elementary Lead Teacher will join a collaborative, mission-driven faculty dedicated to fostering curiosity, confidence, and connection in young learners.

The ideal candidate is an experienced progressive educator who skillfully blends academic rigor with joyful exploration, SEL integration, and hands-on, interdisciplinary learning.

Responsibilities

• Create a classroom culture rooted in care, curiosity, and collaboration.
• Design and facilitate integrated thematic units connected to real-world contexts and student interests.
• Guide students in developing strong foundations in literacy, numeracy, and inquiry.
• Incorporate social-emotional learning and mindfulness into daily routines.
• Collaborate with colleagues to plan and reflect on student learning and school-wide initiatives.
• Maintain regular communication with families through conferences, newsletters, and student portfolios.

Qualifications

• An experienced progressive educator with a deep understanding of child development, inquiry-based, and project-based learning.
• Bachelor’s degree in Education or related field (Master’s preferred).
• Passion for creating inclusive and culturally responsive classroom environments.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.

Compensation

Competitive salary and benefits commensurate with experience.

How to Apply: Please email a cover letter and resume to tamar@imagination-school.org with the role in the subject line.

• An experienced progressive educator with a deep understanding of child development, inquiry-based, and project-based learning.
• Bachelor’s degree in Education or related field (Master’s preferred).
• Passion for creating inclusive and culturally responsive classroom environments.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States.
Only candidates currently residing in the U.S. will be considered.

About Imagination Lab School

Imagination Lab School is a TK-8 grade independent, progressive school located in Palo Alto. We are an intentionally small, relationship-based community with a commitment to social and emotional development, experiential learning, community engagement, and real-world problem solving. Our students are engaged, empowered, and empathetic individuals with the strength of character and strength of voice to make a difference in the world. Visit us at www.imagination-school.org to learn more about our community and our programs.

Connections working at Imagination Lab School