First Grade Lead Teacher — Progressive, Inquiry-Based Learning

Imagination Lab School; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 108,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

Imagination Lab School (ILS) in Palo Alto is a small, progressive TK–8 school that integrates social-emotional learning, project-based learning, and the UN SDGs to nurture agency, belonging, and competence.

The First Grade Lead Teacher will join a collaborative, mission-driven faculty dedicated to fostering curiosity, critical thinking, confidence, and connection in young learners, blending academic rigor with joyful exploration and SEL integration in daily practice.

Qualifications

• Experience teaching first grade in progressive, inquiry-based settings.
• Strong understanding of early childhood development and developmentally appropriate practice.
• Bachelor’s degree in education; master's preferred.

Responsibilities

• Create a classroom culture rooted in care, curiosity, and collaboration.
• Design and facilitate integrated thematic units connected to real-world contexts and student interests.
• Guide students in developing strong foundations in literacy, numeracy, and inquiry.
• Incorporate social-emotional learning, mindfulness, and opportunities for student agency into daily routines.
• Collaborate with colleagues to plan and reflect on student learning and school-wide initiatives.
• Differentiate instruction to support a range of academic strengths, learning profiles, and developmental needs.
• Maintain regular thoughtful communication with families through conferences, newsletters, and student portfolios.

Skills

First grade teaching

Curriculum differentiation

Communication

Collaboration

Organizational skills

Reflective practice

Joyful teaching

Education

Bachelor’s degree in education

Master’s degree preferred

Job description

Imagination Lab School (ILS) in Palo Alto is a small, progressive TK–8 school that integrates social-emotional learning, project-based learning, and the UN SDGs to nurture agency, belonging, and competence.

The First Grade Lead Teacher will join a collaborative, mission-driven faculty dedicated to fostering curiosity, critical thinking, confidence, and connection in young learners, blending academic rigor with joyful exploration and SEL integration in daily practice.