Dynamic Second Grade Needed Teacher for Progressive School: 2024/2025

About Manzanita School:

Located in the beautiful Santa Monica Mountains outside of Los Angeles, and situated on a breathtaking 21-acre campus, Manzanita School is a unique educational institution in its 10th year. Nestled in the heart of Topanga, California, and dedicated to providing an innovative and holistic learning experience for students, Manzanita School embraces fostering a deep connection with the natural world while nurturing academic excellence and social-emotional growth. At Manzanita School, we believe in fostering a love for learning that extends beyond the classroom walls, preparing students to become compassionate, critical thinkers and active participants in their communities.

Position Overview:

Manzanita School is looking for a dynamic and skilled Second Grade Teacher to join our committed team. We are searching for an ideal candidate who possesses a genuine passion for the natural world, a contagious enthusiasm for learning, excellent classroom management abilities, a track record of collaborative teamwork and curriculum development, and a solid foundation in elementary education. The ideal candidate should also demonstrate expertise in reading and writing workshop approaches as well as familiarity with the Everyday Math curriculum

Responsibilities :

• Inspire students to develop their individual voice, authentic expression, and an embodied relationship to learning and community.
• Utilize effective classroom management strategies to maintain a positive and respectful learning environment.
• Foster a supportive and inclusive classroom environment that promotes collaboration, critical thinking, and social-emotional development.
• Develop and implement engaging and differentiated lesson plans aligned with the school's curriculum, focusing on embodied nature connection, place-based science, a culture of diversity and inclusion, and literacy and mathematics.
• Utilize a workshop approach to reading and writing instruction, providing opportunities for students to explore, create, and reflect on their learning.
• Implement the Everyday Math curriculum, incorporating hands-on activities and real-world applications to enhance mathematical understanding.
• Integrate nature connection and outdoor learning experiences into the curriculum, leveraging the school's natural surroundings to enhance student learning and connection to the Earth.
• Collaborate with colleagues, parents, and community partners to support student growth and well-being.
• Regularly assess student progress and provide timely feedback to support individual learning goals.
• Participate in professional development opportunities to enhance both embodied and academic teaching practices. Application Process:

  Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and three professional references to Gabrielle Cartelli, Assistant Head of School, at Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Manzanita School is an equal opportunity employer and encourages candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply.

  Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in Education or related field; Master's degree preferred.
  • Valid teaching credential or certification. Based on a candidate's experience, this requirement can be waived.
  • Minimum of 5 years of teaching experience in an elementary setting with demonstrated skill and strong references.
  • Expertise in reading and writing workshop methodologies and the Everyday Math curriculum.
  • Strong understanding of child development, differentiated instruction, and assessment practices.
  • Passion for nature connection, experience facilitating student connections with natural landscapes, and knowledge of forest school principles.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues, parents, and community members.
  • A positive, 'can-do' attitude towards work and relationships.
  • High expectations for all students and a commitment to foster a culture of academic excellence and equity.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage a diverse classroom environment and support student behavior and social-emotional growth.
  • Must be available to start work on July 22, 2024