First Grade Lead Teachers (Full-time/Part-Time)

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

Position: Full-Time/Part-Time | Reports to: Head of School | Start Date: August 2026 | Location: Palo Alto, California

Overview

Imagination Lab School (ILS) in Palo Alto is a small, progressive TK–8 school integrating social-emotional learning (SEL), project-based learning (PBL), and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (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.

The ideal candidate is an experienced progressive educator who skillfully blends academic rigor with joyful exploration, SEL integration, and hands-on, interdisciplinary learning.

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.

Qualifications

• Experience teaching first grade or early elementary students in a progressive, inquiry-based, or project-based learning environment.
• Deep understanding of early childhood and elementary development and developmentally appropriate practice.
• Bachelor’s degree in education or a related field; master’s degree preferred.
• Experience designing differentiated learning experiences for students with a range of strengths and learning profiles.
• Commitment to creating an inclusive and culturally responsive classroom environment.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and organizational skills.
• A reflective, flexible, and joyful approach to teaching and learning.

Compensation

Full-Time salary $80,000 - $108,000 based on experience and qualifications, plus a comprehensive benefits package. Part-time salary will be prorated based on the position’s schedule.