Elementary Educator

Elementary Educator San Mateo, CA Job Details Full-time $65,000 - $80,000 a year 1 day ago Qualifications Mandarin Academic program development Spanish CPR Certification Childhood development Learning technology Teaching Certification Engaging lesson design (student motivation techniques) First aid Mid-level Master's degree Bachelor's degree First Aid Certification Classroom experience Elementary school teaching Classroom behavior management Collaborative teaching Leadership Communication skills Teaching K-12 education instructional development Full Job Description Elementary Educator 2026-2027 Are you looking for an incredible school with the opportunity for creativity and creation of your own curriculum? Do you love organized chaos and project based learning? Our educators say they couldn't imagine working anywhere else. You are organized, hard-working, and ready to be a changemaker in education. Strong interpersonal communication skills and leadership are a must. Open-mindedness, willingness to learn, ability to be coached, and a strong emphasis on relationships with colleagues and families is essential. Understanding differentiation for a small group of gifted, neurodiverse, and neurotypical learners is important for success. We can't wait to meet you, collaborate with you, and advocate for innovative learning together! This position requires experience with curriculum development and building school culture. As a teacher with UP Academy you will be responsible for creating and implementing a project-based and inquiry-based learning curriculum that is age appropriate for a small mixed age classes within TK - 5. We believe in the professionalism and creativity of our educators and this position requires creation of large, cross-curricular projects focused on a theme. Learning at UP Academy is a differentiated and active experience led by its students and facilitated by its educators. You will work with students to set goals, create projects and measure progress. We believe in student agency and building the skills necessary for success in a changing world. We are a competency based school that focuses on building community, a love of learning, expressing ideas, solving problems and building character. Our educators work closely together to coordinate differentiated lessons between classes and grade levels to continually meet students where they are and challenge their strengths while supporting their weaknesses. It is a collaborative environment that respects new research and opinions. An open mind, creativity, and curiosity to learn new ways of teaching are necessary. As a well rounded educational team you will have access to mentors and consultants to assist with curriculum development, vetting ideas and personal and professional growth.

Duties:

Work with student, family and UP Academy team to create individual learning opportunities that draw on the students interests to promote a love of learning and skill mastery Maintain a high level of integrity, intensity, purpose, communication and transparency Provide a learning environment that stimulates creativity and individuality to support student success Differentiate learning and scaffold projects for each students strengths and challenges. Create an environment of love and joy where students feel free to express themselves, create, learn, and ask questions Promote a healthy self image in students Demonstrate flexibility and enthusiasm Support students in the process of developing projects and staying on task for their individual projects and effective use of their agency time Design and structure appropriate projects for elementary school students Ability to map and plan year long learning goals Ability to learn and adapt quickly to changing educational research and structures Curiosity and resourcefulness to develop and create new, engaging material for students Participation in the admissions process, family visits, marketing fairs, shadow days, open houses, and other admission events Other duties as assigned/necessary

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

Ability to translate student interest into learning and skill building projects Ability to write and speak effectively Provide instructional leadership and assume curriculum development responsibilities when needed Foster positive professional relationships and ability to work well with students, peers and parents Use technology to perform professional duties, including support for instruction, student learning, monitoring and communication of pupil achievement Child Development, Therapeutic knowledge helpful Bilingual preferred (Spanish and/or Mandarin)

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Demonstrated evidence of effective classroom management, discipline, and direct instruction Employs a variety of instructional techniques Demonstrated initiative and ability to plan and organize Possesses positive personal qualities such as flexibility, patience, and sensitivity Solid understanding of blended learning ideas Bachelor's degree (minimum) - Master's Preferred Teaching credential preferred

LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

TB test and background check CPR/First Aid certification