POSITION TITLE:            Lower School Lead Faculty (2nd Grade)

FLSA CLASSIFICATION:   Exempt | Contractual Dates -August 14, 2026 - June 8, 2027

REPORTS TO:   Lower School Division Head

QUALIFYING CHARACTERISTICS:

• Knowledge, understanding, and commitment to the Riviera Ridge School mission, vision, and core values.
• Bachelor’s and/or Master’s degree in Education or a relevant field (required).
• State of California Multiple Subject Teaching Credential (preferred).
• At least two to five years of experience as a Lead Teacher at the elementary school level, preferably within an NAIS-recognized Independent School.
• Full capability to lead all subject areas (Reading, Writing, Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies), demonstrating mastery of current and innovative pedagogy without the need for shared instructional support.
• Demonstrate expert proficiency in teaching foundational and advanced reading skills, employing a balanced and research-based approach to phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and deep comprehension strategies to ensure all students reach or exceed grade-level benchmarks.
• Demonstrated expertise in independent curriculum design, classroom management, and assessment; ability to own the entire scope and sequence of the grade level.
• Strong knowledge of how to independently modify and accommodate lessons and assessments for students with identified learning differences.
• Demonstrated knowledge of social emotional learning (SEL) curriculum such as Yale’s RULER program or Responsive Classroom as well as restorative practices with the ability to manage a classroom environment decisively and facilitate student growth
• Conversant in 21st-century education practices and able to implement them to drive student engagement.
• Expert-level proficiency in Google Suite and Google Apps for Education.
• Experience teaching with standard educational software and various classroom technologies (Mac, digital projectors, document cameras, Interactive Whiteboards, and iPads).
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills; serves as the primary voice for the classroom to all stakeholders.
• Strong public speaking skills for leading parent orientations, school presentations, and student assemblies.
• Ability to interact professionally and confidently with students, parents, faculty, and staff as the lead representative of their classroom.
• Ability to work collegially with the Division faculty and Student Support Team while maintaining accountability for the instructional path of their students.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

• Maintain a current, expert-level understanding of best practices across all subject areas and developmental milestones; design and implement sophisticated differentiation strategies for a diverse cohort of learners.
• Deliver core subject areas through a self-directed, creative lens, utilizing advanced problem-solving strategies, Project-Based Learning (PBL), and design thinking to foster critical thinking skills.
• Execute a robust reading program using research-based methodologies to ensure all students meet or exceed grade-level benchmarks in decoding, fluency, and comprehension.
• Establish and sustain a classroom culture that prioritizes social and emotional development; create a safe, inclusive, and high-functioning learning environment tailored to a wide range of student needs.
• Serve as the primary evaluator of student progress; synthesize complex data to provide parents and administrators with detailed, timely, and professional written and oral reports regarding each child’s holistic educational growth.
• Design and maintain a highly organized, visually engaging, and professional classroom environment, including regularly curating instructional bulletin boards and learning centers that reflect current student work.
• Supervise students during recess, lunch, drop-off, pick-up, and assemblies.
• Represent the classroom in weekly faculty and grade-level meetings, contributing expertise to the division while maintaining responsibility for classroom outcomes.
• Proactively seek and engage in high-level professional development to maintain mastery of pedagogical trends and educational training.
• Actively lead and participate in the “life of the school” through admission events, service projects, assemblies, community garden initiatives, and advancement events.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Works in a school environment, dealing with a wide variety of challenges, deadlines, and a varied and diverse array of contacts
• Occasionally bend, stoop, and squat
• May work at a desk and computer for extended periods of time
• Be able to occasionally lift up to 40 lbs.
• Willing to work some evenings and weekends for school-related events or projects

The above description covers the most significant duties performed,but does not exclude assignments not mentioned.

This position is a permanent, full-time position. Pay is competitive and commensurate with education, experience, and skills. 

Salary Range: $70,000 - $100,000, depending on experience

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, educational philosophy, teacher certifications (if applicable), and a copy of transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate work, and direct any questions to careers@rivieraridge.org or 805-569-1811 ext. 106. 

The Riviera Ridge School does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnic origin, national origin, ancestry, religion, creed, gender, gender identity or expression, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military status, or economic or social circumstances.

About The Riviera Ridge School

The Riviera Ridge School invites all families seeking a quality, high school-preparatory education for their child. The Riviera Ridge School offers a challenging academic curriculum balanced with social, emotional, and ethical dimensions of learning. Our students thrive in an open, respectful and supportive environment, which allows them to individually and collectively discover and celebrate the similarities and differences of all, fosters their intellectual curiosity, shapes them into responsible, compassionate, intelligent leaders and prepares them for the next phase of their journey in a diverse and complex world. Employees at The Riviera Ridge School are devoted to the School and to its students and their families. Teachers relish the freedom to create their classroom and work environments. Faculty and staff alike are encouraged and empowered to use their creativity to engage with students and each other to enjoy an environment that promotes life-long learning for all. The Riviera Ridge School is fully accredited by the California Association of Independent Schools, and a member in good standing with the National Association of Independent Schools, and Educational Record...s Bureau. The Riviera Ridge School also holds memberships with CSEE (Center for Spiritual & Ethical Education, AISAP (Association of Independent School Admissions Professionals) and The HEADS Network.

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