Posted: 04-Dec-25
Location: Palo Alto, California
Type: Contract
Salary: $40.00 to $55.00 per hour DOE
Categories:
ABOUT KHAN LAB SCHOOL:
In 2012, Sal Khan wrote The One World Schoolhouse, which explains how modern education developed and how Khan Academy came to be. The book outlines a vision for the future of both in-person and online education given the tools we have and the need to participate in the knowledge economy. In 2014, he founded Khan Lab School to test and refine these ideas in an actual school setting.
Khan Lab School is a TK-12 independent school on two campuses, serving over 290 students in Silicon Valley, CA. The Lower School (grades TK-5) is located in Palo Alto, CA, and the Middle and Upper Schools (grades 6-12) are located in Mountain View, CA.
ABOUT THE POSITION:
The Temporary Lower School Grade Math Teacher is a position for an experienced teacher with a clear understanding and background in mastery-based learning in the context of a Lower School experience. This teacher partners with the Executive Director and Lower School faculty to teach a rigorous, mastery-based curriculum, facilitate active learning experiences aligned with the school's vision, guiding students in their social and emotional development. In addition, the role involves contributing to the broader life of the school via participation in school activities, events, admissions, and team meetings.
SPECIFIC JOB DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
Academic Duties:
- Teach Math a minimum of 20 hours per week, utilizing the KLS approach to math, as assigned by the Executive Director.
- Perform additional tasks including lesson planning and preparation, side duties (e.g., playground, drop-off, pick-up supervision), advisories, and other responsibilities, as assigned.
- Teach using California content and Common Core Standards as a guide, with a commitment to mastery-based and project-based approaches aligned with KLS vision.
- Lead Advisory students in assigned grade level.
- Work with students on social emotional and executive functioning skills and build authentic relationships with students.
- Maintain regular communication with students, families, teachers, and other professionals about student progress and submit progress reports by the end of each term.
- Prepare students to participate in student-led parent-teacher conferences.
- Other related job duties, as assigned.
Teaching & Vision Alignment:
- Teach a minimum of 20 hours per week of lower school level courses, as assigned by the Executive Director, making efficient use of existing materials and tools.
- Facilitate classes with an emphasis on active learning by primarily utilizing methods such as project-based learning, think-pair-share, experiential learning, and real-world scenarios and case studies.
- Leverage assessment data to inform instruction and provide timely feedback to students.
- Utilize external instructional resources, including Khan Academy and other provided curriculum, to accommodate diverse learning needs and backgrounds.
- Collaborate with school leadership to identify and modify materials.
- Develop learning experiences aligned with the KLS teaching vision.
- Create real-world projects that are relevant to students and apply the knowledge they’ve learned through asynchronous curriculum and in-class activities.
- Identify, select, and modify instructional resources to meet the needs of students with varying backgrounds, learning styles, and learning needs in collaboration with the school leadership and founder.
- Integrate technology into the classroom appropriately including AI tools relevant to each discipline.
- Create an inclusive environment where students of diverse backgrounds and political perspectives feel welcome, fostering critical thinking through thoughtful questioning.
Contribution to KLS:
- Complete duties during the school day, as assigned, including, but not limited to, morning drop-off, recess supervision, lunch supervision, afternoon pick-up, front desk, and substitute teaching coverage for colleagues.
- Attend all team meetings and participate in professional development including departmental meetings (e.g. - Humanities team, STEM team, etc.).
- Invest in the life of the school by participating in additional school events, activities, and any and all aspects that support student growth.
- Uphold professional and ethical standards in all interactions within the school community.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES, & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED FOR THE ROLE:
- Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree preferred.
- Ideal candidates will have an academic background in elementary education.
- Prior elementary teaching experience required.
- Expertise in teaching math curricula from an introductory level to advanced concepts.
- Understanding and support of Khan Lab School’s core values, mission, and vision.
- A passion for working with elementary students and an understanding of where they are developmentally.
- Knowledge and experience using Khan Academy for instruction, when applicable.
- Commitment to inquiry-based, project-based learning, and other progressive pedagogies.
- Prior experience analyzing student data and using a variety of assessment techniques.
- Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills while able to communicate effectively and respectfully.
- Flexibility to shift and take on a variety of tasks as the school continues to grow and change.
- Ability to reflect on one’s own effectiveness, respond well to feedback, and adjust instruction accordingly.
PHYSICAL WORK REQUIREMENTS:
- Ability to occasionally lift, carry, push and pull up to 20 pounds as some regular organizational tasks involve moving desks, chairs, electronics, and other school supplies and equipment, as needed.
- Must be able to remain in a stationary position at least 50% of the time.
- Capability of occasionally moving around an office setting to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc.
- Ability to proficiently and frequently operate a computer and keyboard as well as other office equipment such as calculators, copy machines, printers, and projectors.
- Consistently practice safe working habits while using school supplies, equipment, and electronics as well as the ability to maintain a safe and hazard-free workstation for yourself and others at the school.
- Occasionally required to work nights and/or weekends for special events, which are sometimes held outside, and require the ability and willingness to work in all weather conditions at any time of the year.
- Ability to properly communicate information and ideas so other people can understand as well as the ability to ascertain and understand information communicated from others.
WHAT WE OFFER:
Khan Lab School is a community of learners and partners that has a deep commitment to its work. We get things done and believe that in our highly collaborative environment, anything is possible. All our decisions are made through the lens of what is best for our students. We tackle tough questions without ego, are results-oriented, and have high expectations for school and our students.
APPLICATION PROCESS:
To apply, please submit the following:
- A current resume.
- Cover letter expressing your interest in, and qualifications for, this position.
- List of 3 professional references with their full name, phone number, e-mail, job title, and your working relationship with them. References will not be contacted without the candidate’s permission.
PAY & BENEFITS:
- Start Date: January 6, 2026 (through May 5, 2026)
- Reporting Location: Palo Alto, CA 94306.
- Classification: Full-time, temporary employment
- Status: Non-exempt; hourly.
- Schedule: Mon. - Fri., 8:00am - 4:00pm, and some nights and/or weekends for school events, as required.
- Pay Rate: $40.00 to $55.00 per hour; dependent upon experience.
Khan Lab School is an equal opportunity employer. The organization does not unlawfully discriminate based on race, color, creed, gender (including gender identity or gender expression), religion (all aspects of religious beliefs, observance or practice, including religious dress or grooming practices), marital status, registered domestic partner status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disabilities, medical conditions (including medical history or genetic characteristics), sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related conditions), genetic information, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state, or local laws or regulations.