Career Center

Position Summary: 

Head teachers are responsible for teaching and preparing for core subject areas: language arts, math, and social studies, and are responsible for all aspects of creating a dynamic learning environment for students in class. Teachers regularly collaborate with specialist teachers in music, PE, art, science/gardening, and Spanish. 

The head teacher must plan and conduct activities for a balanced program of instruction, demonstration, and work time that provides students with opportunities to observe, question, and investigate.

Head teachers must possess an elementary, multi-subject teaching credential and/or advanced degree and have at least five years of experience working in a classroom environment with elementary-aged students. 

 Primary Responsibilities: 

• Establish and maintain a learning environment that is physically, intellectually, and emotionally safe, and that reflects student learning and growth.
• Plan and implement a rigorous curriculum which includes highly relevant lessons that motivate and engage students in active learning.
• Consistently make appropriate adjustments in the instructional program to meet the differing needs of students.
• Plan and conduct learning activities that reflect a balanced program of instruction and provide students with opportunities to observe, question, and investigate.
• Establish clear objectives for all lessons, units, and projects and communicate those objectives to students.
• Perform on-going grade-level assessments of children, and utilize the results to guide instruction.
• Provides a variety of materials and resources for children to explore, manipulate and use, both during learning activities and during student-led time.
• Demonstrates cultural competency and respect for students’ backgrounds by incorporating their cultural, linguistic, and familial values and beliefs into lesson plans and classroom activities.
• Exchange information with colleagues and serve as a member of a multi-disciplinary intervention/prevention team.
• Plan and carry out periodic parent conferences to discuss students’ developmental progress, needs, and interests.
• Conduct active supervision of students inside the classroom and on the playground.
• Participate in on-going in-service and educational development opportunities provided by the School

School-wide Duties:

• Participation on committees as needed and appropriate..
• Attend All 4-STAR events (school-wide mandatory events).
• Ancillary duties include responsibilities that are part of elementary school life, e.g., team and staff meetings, attendance at school functions, and recess duties weekly

Required Qualifications and Skills: 

• BA/BS and an advanced degree or credential in a relevant field of study
• Experience teaching elementary grades (grades K–5)
• Fluency with Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice
• Expertise in student-centered, child development, inquiry-based teaching methodologies
• Ability to work collaboratively with other faculty
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Strong interpersonal skills and excellent verbal and written communication
• Experience with Google Classroom and/or Zoom
• High degree of professional behavior, discretion, judgment, and integrity
• Experience teaching Writing Workshop, phonics, and Bridges in Mathematics preferred
• Demonstrated ability to differentiate instruction.

About Black Pine Circle School

Black Pine Circle School is a K–8 independent school in Berkeley, California. For almost 50 years, we have inspired lifelong learners through an inquiry-based Socratic education that places equal emphasis on academics and the arts. Our Lower School (grades K–5) supports approximately 125 students, and our Upper School (grades 6–8) supports approximately 200 students. Mission Statement: BPC’s mission is to create a learning community that encourages humanity, empathy, moral depth, cultural understanding, and freedom in intellectual pursuits. Socially, it is our goal to instill mutual respect, compassion, and a sense of belonging among all of our students.

Connections working at Black Pine Circle School