Relief & Support Educator (Part-Time)

Are you an experienced, imaginative, and collaborative educator who believes in progressive gifted education? Do you enjoy creating meaningful learning experiences, and being part of a diverse, supportive and talented community? If so, please consider joining our team at Tessellations. We are currently accepting applications for a part-time Relief & Support Educator position, starting immediately. We are seeking individuals who can substitute teach as needed, with the hope that you would grow into a full-time teaching position. Competitive salary available.

Tessellations is a modern, innovative Pre-K-8th non-profit school for gifted learners based in Cupertino, CA. Our mission is to provide challenging experiential education that recognizes and nurtures the individual strengths of gifted learners, empowering them to confidently express who they are, pursue a meaningful life, and advance an equitable and sustainable world.

At Tessellations, community is a core value. A strong community was instrumental in launching our school during the pandemic and has facilitated our rapid growth and success since then. Our team consists of passionate, qualified and dedicated staff from diverse backgrounds and includes a nationally renowned gifted expert. We believe that it is time to open a new chapter in 21st century gifted education by forging a model that fosters a cultural ecosystem within the school that promotes innovative thinking and intellectual risk taking. Moving on from an antiquated model born during the industrial revolution, we favor transferable skills over compliance and rote memorization, and collaboration over competition. We believe that assessments should function as guidance for depth and complexity of learning rather than for judgment or sorting.

Hours: 25 hours/week (~65% FTE)

Schedule: 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Monday through Friday

Employment Category: Non-exempt

Reports to: Director of Primary School

Primary Responsibilities

• Create and foster a safe and supportive learning environment where all students feel heard.
• Substitute teach as necessary across the school (TK-8). This may include a wide variety of subjects and classes and we will always work with you to provide adequate support so that you can perform this duty to the best of your ability.
• Handle various other teaching or classroom support needs as they may arrive (e.g., one-on-one student support to help a specific student get back on track, supporting a classroom as an extra adult, making photocopies).
• Assist with administrative duties as needed (e.g., drop-off, pick-up, lunch and recess duties, transition times, etc.).
• Join staff and teaching team meetings around the school when possible, to understand curriculum and to understand school support needs.

Collaborative Professionalism

• Utilize curiosity, questions, respect, and empathy in community conversations
• Use school resources, collaborate with colleagues, and seek out opportunities for professional development to ensure execution of educational programming, support of student learning, and growth as an educator
• Conduct action research and/or try new strategies and approaches to improve educational practices and curriculum development
• Be proactive in serving the community (such as picking up trash, supporting a colleague, volunteering to help cover an emergency absence etc.)
• Ensure proper supervision of all students under your care

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
• Prior elementary and middle school (or related) teaching experience
• Passing a criminal background check upon hire
• Proficiency with technology (GSuite in particular)
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Social-emotional teaching experience
• Familiarity with and commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion practices
• Openness and flexibility in designing improved learning experiences
• Values collegial collaboration and individual improvement
• Enthusiastic life-long learner
• Self starter

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience teaching gifted learners
• Experience teaching twice-exceptional learners
• Master’s degree

Compensation

Compensation range: $33 - $34.62 per hour, based on experience

Benefits for part-time employees include paid sick leave and 401(k).

This position is compensated for holidays and for hours worked. This position is not eligible for pay during school breaks or summer.

Tessellations is an Equal Opportunity Employer — we do not discriminate against any employee or job applicant on the bases of race, color, gender, national origin, age, religion, creed, disability, sex, or reproductive health decision making.

Pay: $33.00 - $34.62 per hour

Expected hours: 25.0 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)

Application Question(s):

• Have you provided a cover letter? Due to the high number of applicants for this position, we are requiring a cover letter be submitted alongside your application.

Work Location: In person