Friends Western School (FWS) is a cooperative Quaker elementary school that values inquiry, participation, examination, and reflection. We believe in each child’s natural curiosity and compassion and we work with students to nurture a lifelong love of learning and a strong sense of integrity. Students of Friends schools grow into compassionate and responsible adults who recognize their interconnectedness with the world around them.

Learn more at friendswesternschool.org/

Schedule
This part-time position includes instructional hours from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM, Monday through Friday. In addition, attendance is expected at occasional school events outside these hours, including professional development trainings, Back to School Night, Open House, and other community events.

Essential Duties, Responsibilities, and Expectations

• Teach a combined Kindergarten/1st grade class of up to 15 students
• Build a warm classroom community where all students feel welcomed, safe, and have clear expectations and boundaries. 
• Provide strengths-based, emotionally responsive support to children and families
• Maintain regular, proactive communication with families (face to face, email, phone)
• Write biannual progress reports that include a narrative portion
• Be an active member of the Student Study Team to support students with mild to moderate disabilities 
• Engage in professional development and mentorship to build on and develop existing curriculum and curriculum framework
• Collaborate with colleagues and Head of School to develop and administer curriculum-based assessments, and use that data to inform instruction
• Supervise and coordinate with assistant teachers as needed
• Promote and maintain a restorative classroom culture informed by the Quaker values of simplicity, peace, integrity, community, equality and stewardship
• As a staff member of the cooperative, attend and participate in monthly Membership Meetings 
• Contribute to the school’s philosophy of civic engagement and social justice. 

Requirements 

• BA/BS in Education 
• CA teaching credential or completion of a teacher preparation program strongly preferred 
• Minimum two years of experience teaching a Kindergarten, First Grade, or Early Childhood Education classroom
• Demonstrated ability to work flexibly with children with mild to moderate special needs and students who are gender non-conforming in an inclusive classroom
• Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills 
• Passion for creating engaging, developmentally appropriate lessons in language arts, math, inquiry and social-emotional learning
• Commitment to collaboration with and support of other teachers, assistants, and staff 
• Experience with Social and Emotional learning practices such as: The Zones of Regulation, Responsive Classroom, Nonviolent Communication, or similar program

To Apply

Please send your resume, a brief cover letter outlining your teaching philosophy, and at least two references to:
Natalie Zajac, Head of School
natalie.zajac@friendswesternschool.org

About Friends Western School

Friends Western School (FWS) is a cooperative Quaker elementary school (K-5) in Pasadena, CA that values inquiry, participation, examination, and reflection. We believe in each child’s natural curiosity and compassion and we work with students to nurture a lifelong love of learning and a strong sense of integrity. Students of Friends schools grow into compassionate and responsible adults who recognize their interconnectedness with the world around them.

Connections working at Friends Western School