Hands-On Elementary Science Teacher

Trinity School; Menlo Park (CA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

Trinity School in Menlo Park, CA seeks an Elementary Science Teacher to design and deliver engaging, NGSS-aligned science instruction for K–5 students. The role blends hands-on inquiry, outdoor learning, and garden-based experiences across a developmentally appropriate curriculum.

The teacher collaborates with homeroom and specialists, supports math/literacy, and contributes to a diverse, inclusive, and joyful learning community. Salary ranges $85,000–$105,000 for a 10-month position.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; graduate degree or degree-in-progress related to education preferred.
• A minimum of three to five years of teaching experience in an elementary classroom or elementary science setting preferred.
• Experience designing and implementing inquiry-based, hands-on, standards-aligned science instruction.
• Familiarity with the Next Generation Science Standards preferred.
• Experience with differentiated instruction and small-group instruction.
• Appreciation for outdoor learning, place-based education, sustainability, garden-based learning, and experiential education.
• Strong understanding of the developmental and age characteristics of elementary-aged students.
• Demonstrated proficiency with educational technology and a thoughtful approach to technology integration.
• Ability to support Trinity School's Episcopal identity, values, and traditions.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement an engaging, hands-on, inquiry-based elementary science curriculum aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards.
• Foster a safe, joyful, inclusive, and respectful classroom environment where students feel valued, known, and supported.
• Encourage curiosity, observation, questioning, experimentation, critical thinking, and creative problem-solving.
• Use outdoor learning, Trinity's school garden, and the natural campus environment to help students connect science concepts to the world around them.
• Incorporate sustainability, environmental science, stewardship, and appreciation for the natural world into the science program.
• Support day and overnight camping or outdoor education experiences when appropriate and connected to the science curriculum.
• Implement small-group instruction strategies to support students at varying levels of academic, social-emotional, and developmental readiness.
• Integrate social and emotional learning into lessons, activities, discussions, and classroom routines.
• Build strong relationships with students and families to better understand and support each child’s growth and well-being.
• Provide ongoing feedback and encouragement to students to promote a growth mindset, self-confidence, and perseverance.
• Incorporate diverse perspectives and experiences into the curriculum to promote cultural competence, empathy, and belonging.
• Continuously assess student progress and adjust instruction to help all students reach their full potential.
• Support math and literacy instruction for part of the day in a homeroom classroom, in partnership with the lead teacher.
• Reinforce foundational math and literacy concepts through small-group instruction, targeted practice, and differentiated support.
• Collaborate with classroom teachers to integrate science learning across disciplines.
• Collaborate with teacher assistants and other support staff to help maximize student learning and classroom engagement.
• Communicate professionally and thoughtfully with students, families, colleagues, and administrators.
• Engage in professional development to stay informed about best practices in education, especially around DEI, inquiry-based learning, SEL, science instruction, and elementary education.

Skills

Inquiry-based instruction

Outdoor learning

Differentiated instruction

Small-group instruction

Technology integration

Collaboration

Diversity, equity, inclusion

Cultural competence

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Graduate degree preferred

Job description

Trinity School in Menlo Park, CA seeks an Elementary Science Teacher to design and deliver engaging, NGSS-aligned science instruction for K–5 students. The role blends hands-on inquiry, outdoor learning, and garden-based experiences across a developmentally appropriate curriculum.

The teacher collaborates with homeroom and specialists, supports math/literacy, and contributes to a diverse, inclusive, and joyful learning community. Salary ranges $85,000–$105,000 for a 10-month position.