Berkwood Hedge School is seeking excellent candidates for a full-time Humanities Teacher position for the 2023/24 school year.

Berkwood Hedge School’s curriculum is based on the understanding that children construct their knowledge of the world through hands-on, integrated, and active child-centered learning experiences.  The strength of the Berkwood Hedge School constructivist and developmental approach is that it allows children to be creative participants in their own learning.  Our teachers support their growth and development across the cognitive, physical, social and moral domains.

The successful candidate will: 

• Work enthusiastically to plan and implement all aspects of the curriculum based on current knowledge of constructivism
• Collaborate effectively with colleagues in all aspects of student learning
• Maintain active and open communication with parents/guardians of the children and with all members of the Berkwood Hedge School community
• Wholeheartedly support and manifest the Berkwood Hedge mission of social justice and equity
• Be creative, innovative, flexible, and responsive
• Have a teaching credential
• Have a sense of humor

We seek someone who will enthusiastically implement all aspects of a project-based middle school humanities program, as well as:

• Communicate effectively with students, parents and colleagues
• Perform additional duties and participate in the life of the school
• Collaborate effectively with colleagues in all aspects of student learning and school culture
• Maintain active and open communication with parents/guardians of the children and with all members of the Berkwood Hedge School community
• Wholeheartedly support and manifest the Berkwood Hedge School mission of social justice and equity.
• Be creative, innovative, agile, flexible, and responsive

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Experience and passion for teaching reading, writing, and social studies 
• Capacity to create lessons and projects that integrate social justice, nature and environmental awareness, creativity, and service
• Experience planning and implementing differentiated project-based learning
• Ability to articulate the Humanities program
• Ability to exercise daily flexibility by wearing many hats, prioritizing, and problem-solving while maintaining a joyful professional demeanor
• Willingness to seek opportunities that grow students’ cultural competency
• Ability to utilize sound and developmentally appropriate educational practices related to technology to enhance teaching and learning
• Strong communication skills with both children and adults
• Willingness to embrace geography and cultural opportunities that grow students’ cultural competency.
• Ability to provide families with frequent, engaging, and informative communications.
• Capacity to focus on the whole child, intentionally developing each individual academically, physically, emotionally, and socially.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Maintain and support a climate of mutual respect that encourages students to take healthy risks: asking questions, sharing opinions, and making mistakes necessary to learn.
• Accurately assess each student's progress; inform student, parents, lead teacher, and the Head of School immediately of any relevant information. 
• Cultivate each student's creativity, intellectual curiosity, social-emotional development in an academically rich and relevant context.

PREFERRED SKILLS

• Experience developing, planning, and implementing:
• Project-Based Learning 
• Social emotional learning, social justice, and service learning.

PERSONAL 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

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• 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
• Accurately assess each student's progress; inform student, parents, and the Head of School immediately of any relevant information
• Cultivate each student's creativity, intellectual curiosity, social-emotional development in an academically rich and relevant context

At Berkwood Hedge School, 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 commensurate with experience. We will accept applications until the position is filled. Interviews will begin immediately. Please submit a cover letter and resume to Love Weinstock, Head of School at employment@berkwood.org.  Cover letter REQUIRED.  Resumes received without a cover letter will not be considered.

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. 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Three years of experience preferred
• Deep understanding of and appreciation for progressive education
• Strong communication skills with both children and adults
• Bachelor's Degree is required and a teaching credential and/or Master’s Degree is preferred
• A commitment to cultural competency, antiracist pedagogy, and a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community