Temporary Lower School Teacher (1st Grade)

Bentley School; Oakland (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Bentley School, a K-12 independent day school in Oakland, is seeking a temporary full-time lead teacher to cover a leave through Feb 2027. The role requires developing and implementing core curricula, collaborating with staff, and fostering positive relationships with families across both on-campus and remote activities.

The ideal candidate has a background in elementary education, 3–5 years of interdisciplinary experience, and a passion for integrating innovative teaching practices with

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and/or Master’s in elementary education or related field preferred.
• Three to five years’ experience in an interdisciplinary elementary environment.
• Ability and willingness to work with students in large and small group settings using multiple teaching methods.

Responsibilities

• Plan and implement core curriculum as a lead teacher.
• Collaborate with administration, grade level teachers, specialists and teaching associates.
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with colleagues, students, and families.
• Communicate effectively with parents through conferences, reports, and newsletters.
• Support school policies and create a positive learning environment on campus and remotely.
• Plan, implement, and assess grade-level language arts, math, social studies, and science curricula.
• Collaborate on innovative curricula considering academic and social-emotional growth.
• Participate in supervisory duties and regular meetings.
• Attend school events as needed and contribute to Bentley community.

Skills

Lead curriculum development

Strong communication with parents

Mentoring Teacher Associate

Collaborative teamwork

Student growth focus

Education

Bachelor’s degree in elementary education

Master’s in elementary education (preferred)

Tools

Responsive Classroom

Reading and Writing Workshop

Inquiry-based math

Job description

Reports To: K-8 Director

Position is temporary full-time, exempt, to cover for an employee on a leave of absence. Position is tentatively scheduled to be late November 2026 through February 2027.

Bentley School is a K-12 co-educational, independent day school located on two campuses in Oakland (K-8) and Lafayette (9-12), California. Founded in 1920, Bentley School's legacy of excellence in teaching and learning maximizes student success in college and throughout their lives. Bentley is an inclusive community that shares a vision of academic achievement, balance, and the cultivation of character.

Engaging in continual reflection, re-assessment, and pursuit of mission-driven pedagogical practices, Bentley faculty members maintain a growth mindset by observing and learning from each other and participating in robust professional development. Teachers are expected to align unequivocally with student growth and success, establishing pedagogical objectives that are consistent with students’ development, reflecting high expectations along with demonstrated flexibility based on student achievement. Beyond the classroom, Bentley faculty members participate meaningfully in aspects of student and campus life serving as role models of compassion, respect, justice, and inclusivity as citizens of the world.

Criteria:

Self-motivated individuals who want to play an integral role in a dynamic school community.

Responsibilities (including but not limited to):

• Planning and implementing core curriculum as a lead teacher
• Working collaboratively with administration, grade level teachers, specialists and teaching associates
• Developing and maintaining positive relationships with colleagues, students, and families
• Working and communicating effectively with parents in formal and informal conferences, written reports, newsletters, and other school-approved channels
• Supporting and following school policies and procedures
• Creating a positive learning environment both remotely and on campus where students thrive academically
• Planning, implementing, and assessing grade-level language arts, math, social studies, and science curricula
• Collaborating with the team to implement innovative curricula in which both academic and social-emotional growth are considered
• Engaging in regular supervisory duties including drop off, recess, lunch and pick up
• Attending regular faculty, grade-level, and weekly department meetings
• Attend and participate in various school events as needed, including but not limited to: Open Houses, Curriculum Nights, Admissions events, assemblies and other special events
• Being a positive and contributing member of the Bentley community

• Communicating effectively with parents through conferences, and report writing
• A passion for working with young children
• Mentoring a Teacher Associate and supporting them in their professional development

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree and/or Master's in elementary education or related field preferred
• Three (3) to five (5) years’ experience in an interdisciplinary elementary environment
• Ability and willingness to work with students in large and small group settings using multiple teaching methods to reach a broad range of students

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of educational technology
• Experience with Responsive Classroom, Teachers College Reading and Writing Workshop as well as inquiry-based instructional practices in math preferred
• Desire to continually examine one’s practice with the goal to improve student learning
• Experience in innovative course design, planning, implementation, and assessment
• A desire to collaborate in a dynamic community of teachers and administrators
• Experience in innovative course design, planning, implementation, and assessment
• Excellent interpersonal, writing, and communication skills

Pay Range:

Bentley uses a competitive salary scale, which takes into account experience, education, and skill level. The salary scale for this position ranges from $70,000 for teachers with no prior teaching experience to $140,000 for teachers with over 40 years of prior experience and will be pro-rated based on length of assignment.

Bentley School is an equal opportunity employer and seeks rich diversity among faculty and administration. Bentley School offers equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and all employees without regard to sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender, race, color, caste, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, religion, religious creed, sexual orientation, age, marital status, military or veteran status, genetic characteristic or genetic information, physical or mental disability, medical condition, citizenship, medical leave or other types of protected leave, domestic violence victim status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. An applicant who does not meet the minimum qualifications of the position(s) for which the applicant applies will not be considered for employment. If you need a reasonable accommodation to apply or interview for the position, or otherwise participate in the hiring process, please notify Human Resources.