Early Childhood Associate Teacher (Temporary - Term 1)

Khan Lab School; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

An established educational institution is seeking a passionate Early Childhood Associate Teacher to join their dynamic team. This role is perfect for someone who loves working with young children and is eager to learn and grow in a collaborative environment. The ideal candidate will support instruction, classroom management, and foster a joyful learning atmosphere. With a commitment to inquiry-based and project-based learning, this position offers the chance to contribute to innovative educational practices. If you are adaptable, growth-oriented, and ready to make a positive impact on students' lives, this opportunity is for you.

Benefits

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Retirement Plan with Employer Match

Life Insurance

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification in elementary education is required.
• Prior elementary teaching experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Support classroom management and social-emotional development.
• Provide academic support and structure during independent work time.
• Collaborate with teachers to design and refine educational models.

Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Collaboration

Adaptability

Inquiry-Based Learning

Project-Based Learning

Classroom Management

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education

Tools

Khan Academy

Job description

KHAN LAB SCHOOL

In 2012, Sal Khan wrote The One World Schoolhouse that outlines how modern education developed and how Khan Academy came to be. The book outlines a vision for the future of both in-person and online education given the tools we have and the need to participate in the knowledge economy. In 2014, he founded Khan Lab School to test and refine these ideas in an actual school setting.

Khan Lab School is a K-12 independent school on two campuses serving over 290 students in Silicon Valley. The Lower School (K-5) program is located in Palo Alto, California. The Upper School (6-12) is located in Mountain View, California.

ABOUT THE POSITION

The Early Childhood Associate Teacher at Khan Lab School is someone who brings a love of working with young children, a strong sense of curiosity, and a collaborative spirit. This role is ideal for an educator who is not only passionate about teaching but also open to learning—someone who embraces observation, inquiry, and reflection as essential parts of their practice.

The Associate Teacher will work closely with a lead teacher and teaching team, under the guidance of the Lower School Director, and will actively contribute to a dynamic and evolving learning environment. This role involves supporting instruction, classroom management, and social-emotional development, as well as fostering a joyful, engaging classroom culture.

While prior knowledge of mastery-based learning is not required, we are looking for someone who is open and eager to learn how to implement this approach. We provide training and support in mastery-based instruction and assessment, and value educators who are adaptable and growth-oriented.

PRIMARY AREAS OF FOCUS WILL INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO

• Support teaching in the TK and K classes.
• May involve teaching Science, Math groups, or another subject in collaboration with the primary classroom teacher.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support teachers with assessment, preparation of class materials, and classroom management.
• Provide academic support and structure to students during independent work time.
• Support individual students through one-on-one tutoring or small group instruction; promote academic success & character development.
• Supervise & ensure safety of students, including before and after school, during lunch and transition times, and on field trips.
• Fill in other school positions, such as substituting for teachers as needed.
• Use classroom management systems that are effective with students with varying learning needs.
• Model professional and ethical standards when working with students, parents, peers, and community.
• Meet professional obligations through efficient work habits such as: meeting deadlines, honoring schedules, planning, and participating in school events.
• Collaborate with researchers, designers, technologists, and other educators to design and refine an innovative education model.
• Build a positive, safe, inclusive, and fun classroom community.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND EXPERIENCE INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification; ideal candidates will have an academic background in elementary education.
• Prior elementary teaching experience.
• Understanding and support of Khan Lab School’s core values, mission, and vision.
• A passion for working with elementary students and a keen understanding of where they are developmentally.
• Expertise in teaching Humanities, Science, and/or Math curricula from an introductory level to advanced concepts.
• Knowledge and experience using Khan Academy for instruction, when applicable.
• Commitment to inquiry-based, project-based learning, and other progressive pedagogies.
• Prior experience analyzing student data and using a variety of assessment techniques.
• Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills with the ability to communicate effectively and respectfully with all constituents.
• Flexibility to shift and take on a variety of tasks, as the lab school continues to grow and change.
• Ability to reflect on effectiveness of own practice, respond well to feedback, and adjust instruction accordingly.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to occasionally lift, carry, push and pull up to 25 pounds as some regular organizational tasks involve moving desks, chairs, electronics, paperwork and other school supplies and equipment as needed.
• Must be able to remain in a stationary position at least 50% of the time.
• Capability of occasionally moving about inside an office setting to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc.
• Ability to proficiently and frequently operate a computer and keyboard as well as other office equipment such as calculators, copy machines, printers, and projectors.
• Consistently practice safe working habits while using school supplies, equipment, and electronics as well as the ability to maintain a safe and hazard-free workstation for yourself and others at the school.
• Occasionally required to work weekends, nights, or be on-call for special events, which are sometimes held outside and require the ability and willingness to work in all weather conditions at any time of the year.
• Ability to properly communicate information and ideas so other people can understand as well as the ability to ascertain and understand information communicated from others.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Applications should include:

• A cover letter
• A resume
• Names and contact information for three professional references (optional)

Successful candidates will have a demonstrated familiarity with Sal Khan’s school model outlined in his book The One World Schoolhouse.

Start Date: August 1, 2025

Location: Palo Alto, CA

Employment Status: Full-time; Exempt

Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage; a retirement plan with an employer match; and life insurance

Salary range: $70,000 - $72,000 exempt, full-time. Actual salary will take into consideration a candidate's years of experience.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT

Khan Lab School is an equal opportunity employer. The organization does not unlawfully discriminate based on race, color, creed, gender (including gender identity or gender expression), religion (all aspects of religious beliefs, observance or practice, including religious dress or grooming practices), marital status, registered domestic partner status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disabilities, medical conditions (including medical history or genetic characteristics), sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related conditions), genetic information, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state, or local laws or regulations.