Atherton, California
Posted: 02-Jun-26
Location: Menlo Park, California
Type: Full Time
Salary: 90,000 - 120,000 DOE
Categories:
SYNAPSE SCHOOL POSITION OVERVIEW
The Synapse School in Menlo Park, CA, an innovative TK-8 independent school located in the heart of Silicon Valley, dedicated to rethinking and reimagining education, seeks a LOWER SCHOOL SEL SPECIALIST.
Synapse educates a community of change makers by combining social-emotional learning (SEL), leading-edge academics, and the practice of innovation. We have an unwavering belief in children's capacity, and our teachers work alongside our students to unlock their curiosity, discovery, and creativity. Synapse’s program provides a deep and unique range of integrated academic, social, and creative experiences to help children use their hearts and hands to unleash their passion for learning. Synapse draws students from around the San Francisco Bay Area.
POSITION DESCRIPTION
Synapse School has a full-time opening for a lower school Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) specialist for the 2026-27 school year. We need a candidate passionate about social and emotional learning for younger students.
Ideal candidates should be creative, enthusiastic teachers with a strong commitment to meeting each student's individual learning needs. They should have teaching methods that support differentiated instruction and a collaborative spirit. They should also be interested in building community and enjoy working with young learners.
We are seeking a teacher who loves younger students, excels at collaboration, is keen on innovation and design, possesses a growth mindset, always prioritizes the child, is dedicated to SEL, and wants to join a team of forward-thinking educators aiming to make significant contributions.
RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING
- Plan, develop, and deliver Self Science lessons for grades TK–4.
- Design and develop a project-based SEL curriculum, differentiating for each grade level.
- Partner with classroom teachers to integrate social-emotional learning within ongoing classroom instruction, with attention to Synapse's learner-centered, project-based approach.
- Develop and implement lessons on topics such as friendship, navigating social challenges, wellness, conflict resolution, emotional fluency, and communication skills.
- Build and maintain the online repository of SEL tools and resources for teachers.
- Lead professional development and provide coaching for classroom teachers on SEL integration and strategies.
- Conduct classroom observations and provide written feedback to teachers and administration.
- Represent the SEL program at admissions events and communicate Synapse's approach to student well-being to prospective families.
- Attend student check-in meetings, weekly faculty meetings, professional trainings, and other necessary meetings.
- Engage actively in the life of the Synapse community to maintain a visible, trusted presence and cultivate strong relationships with students, families, and faculty.
- Perform other tasks and responsibilities as required to support the goals of the SEL department, as defined by the Director of SEL.
AN IDEAL CANDIDATE WOULD POSSESS THE FOLLOWING QUALIFICATIONS
- Minimum of three years of teaching experience, preferably with young children and in independent schools.
- Experience designing and implementing project-based, learner-centered curriculum, as well as explicit SEL skill development.
- Extensive knowledge of current developmental, cognitive science, and social-emotional learning research and evidence-based strategies.
- Effective classroom management skills and a strong understanding of neurodiversity and varied learning profiles in the school environment.
- Desire to be innovative and creative in curriculum design and pedagogy; genuine enthusiasm for learner-centered and strengths-based educational models.
- Ability to model flexibility in implementing best learning practices and differentiated instruction.
- Demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion, and belonging in education.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage and prioritize multiple responsibilities.
- Exhibit kindness, enthusiasm, a sense of humor, investment in continued learning and professional growth, and a passion for supporting children as they grow and learn.
- A passion for working cooperatively with colleagues and actively cultivating an inclusive environment grounded in empathy, social responsibility, and respect for individual differences.
SALARY RANGE AND BENEFITS
$90,000 - 120,000
Synapse offers a generous benefits package, including health, dental, and retirement benefits, as well as additional lifestyle perks. Housing stipends available to those who qualify.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Applicants should email a cover letter of interest, three reference names with contact information, and a résumé to May Duong, Director of SEL, at may.duong@synapseschool.org. This position is open until filled.
Synapse School does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex or sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, familial affiliation, or any other characteristic protected by law. All applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States.
