Career Center

Sequoyah School is an independent K-12 day school in Pasadena, California offering an innovative college-preparatory curriculum in a student-centered, experiential, humanistic environment. The school offers a developmentally appropriate program from Kindergarten through high school. In keeping with its mission, “A Sequoyah education challenges the mind, nurtures the heart, and celebrates human dignity,” the school’s program supports a student’s social and emotional growth alongside their academic progress. The school was founded in 1958 and recently expanded its highly regarded elementary and junior high program to include a high school. The high school campus is located just a few miles away from the K-8 campus. 

Middle Grade Science Specialist and Classroom Support

Reports to: Assistant Head of School 

Job Summary

Sequoyah’s learning program schoolwide, and in each classroom, is developed through close collaboration with others. In the K-8 program, this collaboration includes Lead Teachers, Associate Teachers, the Director of Teaching and Learning and other subject-area Specialists. The Middle Grade Science Specialist is responsible for the science program in mixed-age classrooms. Specialists create a class culture with routines and expectations defined by Sequoyah’s mission and Habits of Mind. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Science

• Teach Middle Grade (mostly 5th and 6th) mixed-grade science classes
• Plan and implement science curriculum that includes high-quality projects that engage students in deeper learning and change-making, and reflect current DEI practices
• Continuously document student progress keeping in mind subject-area grade level goals
• Help students to set goals and reflect on their understanding and skills through the use of portfolios
• Prepare for student-parent conferences with notes that provide families with specific feedback regarding student understanding, skills and practice of the Habits of Mind
• Produce detailed narratives regarding student progress and curriculum updates to parents
• Look for opportunities to create emergent curriculum responsive to student interests and current events
• Understand individual students’ learning interests, strengths and needs 
• Implement instructional strategies that meet the needs of all students
• Employ technology to support curricular and community goals
• Chaperone overnight camping trips

5th/6th Grade Team Member

• Support Lead Teachers during periods not teaching science or DEI planning
• Participate in community building routines (morning meeting, quiet time, etc)
• Support students in small group work and/or one-on-one
• Assess student work
• Participate in planning meetings
• Work collaboratively to integrate science with SS and field studies curriculum

General

• Represent the school in its values and mission 
• Model professional and ethical standards and Habits of Mind when working with students, parents, teachers, administration and staff
• Provide a positive and safe environment for students physically and emotionally that reflects effective classroom management strategies
• Promote good citizenship and mindful behavior among students
• Support children on the playground during morning recess and lunch times
• Act as lead teacher when the lead teacher needs to step away for meetings, etc.
• Attends and participates in weekly faculty meetings (after school) and occasional workshops, in-service opportunities, and other training seminars
• Participate in parent-teacher conferences, back-to-school nights, admissions events or other events at the request of the administration, sometimes outside of contractual hours
• Seek knowledge of current instructional theories and best practices and demonstrate a commitment to professional growth by participating in professional development opportunities
• Perform duties as assigned by the Lead Teacher or Supervisor
• Assume responsibility for projects as assigned by the Assistant Head & Director of the K-8 or Head of School

Skills/Abilities  

• Commitment to anti-racist and inclusive practices that support students and families of all backgrounds to collaborate, feel belonging and personal growth
• An understanding of progressive education
• Proficient in Google and/ or Microsoft office suite 

• Strong written and oral communication skills

• Takes initiative and shows enthusiasm in the workplace
• A strong collaborator and communicator with adults and children

Education and Experience 

• Bachelor’s degree in Education or a related field
• Passion for learning and demonstrated interest in child development
• 3+ years of experience working with children

Sequoyah School has a rich history of diversity and seeks candidates to enhance that tradition. Sequoyah offers competitive salary and benefits.

The anticipated salary range the School reasonably expects to pay candidates for this position is $66,250 to $103,673, depending on factors such as experience or education.

To apply, interested candidates should send resume and cover letter to recruitment@sequoyahschool.org 

Sequoyah School is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in any phase of employment. We consider applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, sexual orientation, age, disability, marital status, or any other legally protected status.

 For more information about Sequoyah School please see our website at www.sequoyahschool.org  

About Sequoyah School

A progressive, K-12, independent school based in Pasadena, California.

Connections working at Sequoyah School