Ventana School is searching for an upper elementary teacher. This is a co-teaching position with both teachers equally responsible for monitoring and supporting students' academic and social-emotional progress. We are seeking an energetic, committed educator who knows how to balance direct instruction with inquiry-based project work. This teacher will be a strong collaborator, a thoughtful communicator, and have a good understanding of the developmental needs of elementary age students. 

School Overview

Ventana School is a small independent school in Silicon Valley serving students from 2 years old to 5th grade. We believe that all children are capable learners; our role as educators is to create an environment where they flourish. Balancing direct instruction with inquiry-based project work, Ventana teachers give children a strong academic foundation and provide daily opportunities for students to express their creativity, engage their curiosity, and connect with others. At all ages and grade levels, we practice inquiry-based teaching that encourages cross-curricular connections and critical thinking. Social-emotional learning is a vital part of our curriculum and approach. www.ventanaschool.org

What makes teaching at Ventana different:

• Inquiry-based teaching with opportunities to create emergent curriculum
• Small class sizes
• Space and time to build relationships with students and teach social-emotional skills
• The Reggio-Emilia approach to education promotes the use of artistic disciplines to invite, and extend, learning at all age levels
• Focus on collaboration between teachers and across disciplines
• An administration that is committed to eliciting the perspectives of teachers

Essential Expectations

Elementary teachers are expected to maintain a democratic, creative environment in which meaningful learning and personal growth are fostered through a variety of active learning experiences.

Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Providing one-on-one, small group, and whole group instruction. Instructional methods must include direct instruction and inquiry-based exploration in literacy, math, and social studies. Instruction will be in alignment with Ventana’s Reggio Emilia-inspired approach, as guided by the Head of School.
• Supporting learning inquiry and active student participation by developing age-appropriate project work through thoughtful reflection on student interests, passions, and dialogues.
• Differentiating for individual student needs.
• Collaborating daily/weekly/monthly with co-teachers, specialists, teaching team, and Director of Elementary.
• Monitoring student progress through consistent observations and regular assessments.
• Facilitating a democratic community through daily Morning Meetings and Closing Circles, classroom meetings, conflict resolution strategies, and a view of the child as ‘competent’ in both solving problems and contributing to solutions.
• Implementing classroom management strategies that draw on children’s strengths and participation.

We are looking for teachers who:

• Demonstrate commitment to inquiry-based learning
• Able to balance skill development with experiential exploration
• Have strong classroom management skills
• Familiarity with social-emotional learning programs 
• Have experience differentiating instruction to meet the needs of a variety of learners
• Are reflective practitioners
• Are flexible and creative
• Teaching credential or related Master’s degree in education preferred
• Five years or more of related experience preferred

About Ventana School

Ventana School is a progressive preschool and elementary school (K-5th) with a Reggio-inspired curriculum, tucked away in the serene quiet of Los Altos Hills. Please visit our school website to learn more : ventanaschool.org

Connections working at Ventana School