Lead Teacher (K-6)

Lead Teacher (K-6) – Teaching & Learning Community Member

Full-Time Faculty Position Position Overview

PS1 Pluralistic School is a K–6 independent elementary school in Santa Monica serving 170 students in multi-age classrooms. We seek Lead Teachers who are reflective practitioners, collaborative partners, and values-driven educators.

Lead Teachers work in teaching partnerships and are responsible for designing and implementing interdisciplinary curriculum; supporting students’ academic, social-emotional, and identity development; communicating clearly with families; and contributing actively to the life of the school. Teachers are expected to be visible, engaged members of the PS1 community who understand how their classroom practice supports student outcomes, family retention, and the school’s mission.

Teachers report to the Director of Teaching and Learning, and work in close partnership with the Director of Student and Community Life, Head of School, and colleagues across the school.

Essential Responsibilities Teaching & Learning

• Design and teach developmentally responsive, interdisciplinary curriculum grounded in progressive and pluralistic education.
• Foster classrooms rooted in joy, curiosity, inquiry, and productive struggle.
• Differentiate instruction to meet a wide range of learners in multi-age settings.
• Use observation, documentation, and reflection to guide instruction and assessment.
• Write clear, thoughtful narrative reports that reflect each child’s academic and social-emotional growth.

Student Development & Wellbeing

• Support students in developing self-awareness, empathy, responsibility, and agency.
• Collaborate with the Director of Student & Community Life and the learning support team to support students’ social-emotional and behavioral growth.
• Model restorative practices and inclusive community norms.
• Serve as a trusted adult who helps students navigate challenges and celebrate growth.

Collaboration & Professional Practice

• Work closely with co-teachers and team colleagues to plan, reflect, and problem-solve.
• Participate actively in faculty meetings, professional development, and learning communities.
• Serve on committees and contribute to school-wide initiatives aligned with the strategic plan.
• Engage in ongoing reflection, feedback, and professional growth.

Family Partnership & Community Engagement

• Communicate with parents in timely, respectful, and transparent
• Participate in parent conferences, curriculum nights, admissions events, parent education events, and community gatherings.
• Understand and articulate PS1’s educational philosophy and value proposition to families.
• Support enrollment and retention by helping families see the long-term value of a PS1 education.

School Citizenship

• Attend faculty orientation and end-of-year professional development weeks.
• Participate in school events, field trips, and shared supervision responsibilities.
• Collaborate respectfully with administrators and colleagues.
• Uphold school policies and contribute to a culture of trust, accountability, and care.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (Master’s degree preferred)
• Strong respect for children, families, and colleagues
• Commitment to pluralism, equity, and collaboration across differences
• Demonstrated reflective practice and openness to feedback
• Strong written communication skills
• Curiosity and appreciation for the experiences of childhood and raising children
• Experience and commitment to building a community of belonging
• Demonstrated belief in the value of life long learning and the power of yet
• Experience with progressive, child-centered education
• Familiarity with the science of reading instruction and constructivist math
• Interest in integrated, place-based, and project-based learning
• Experience writing narrative assessments and providing learning documentation