Posted: 16-Jul-25
Location: Palo Alto, California
Type: Full Time
Salary: $85K to $108K per year, DOE
Required Education:
ABOUT KHAN LAB SCHOOL
Khan Lab School, founded by Sal Khan in 2014, is an innovative K-12 independent school with 3 campuses, serving over 260 students in Silicon Valley, CA and Wichita, KS. Our Lower School (grades K-5) is in Palo Alto, CA, our Middle and Upper Schools (grades 6-12) are in Mountain View, CA, and the newest KLS campus (grades 4-9) is in Wichita, KS.
We were established to test and refine the educational vision outlined in Sal Khan's 2012 book, "The One World Schoolhouse," which explores the development of modern education, the origins of Khan Academy, and a forward-thinking approach to both in-person and online learning.
Building on this foundation, Sal Khan's latest book, "Brave New Words," further expands on his educational philosophy and vision for the future. At Khan Lab School, we're committed to implementing these innovative ideas and preparing students for success in the rapidly evolving knowledge economy.
ABOUT THE POSITION
The Kindergarten Teacher position at Khan Lab School requires an experienced teacher who is also adept at inhabiting the role of a learner, demonstrating skills of observation and inquiry, and who loves to teach and guide children as they learn and play. The teacher in this position is expected to exercise discretion and independent judgment in the performance of their teaching duties. This position reports to the Lower School Director and includes partnering with a teaching team and wider school community in support of the school’s mission and vision. This role also requires a teacher who has experience teaching in a mastery-based environment and/or who is curious and open to implementing mastery-based instruction and assessment and who is comfortable serving as an advisor to guide students in their social and emotional development, through regular direct instruction and integrated practices.
PRIMARY AREAS OF FOCUS INCLUDE BUT NOT LIMITED TO
Teach one section of Kindergarten to elementary-aged students. Kindergarten courses incorporate English Language Arts (ELA), Social Studies, Science, Math, and Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) curricula.
SPECIFIC JOB DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
- Design and implement differentiated and developmentally appropriate instructional activities.
- Identify, select, and modify instructional resources to meet the needs of students with varying backgrounds, learning styles, and learning needs.
- Use assessment data effectively to inform and guide learning and to provide ongoing feedback to students and complete progress reports.
- Appropriately and effectively coach and advise students, supporting them with social emotional and executive function skills.
- Set clear expectations and oversee student behavior, as well as manage classroom procedures, resources, materials, and non-instructional duties (e.g., recess duty, assemblies).
- Build a positive, safe, inclusive, and fun classroom community.
- Incorporate DEIB (diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging) best practices into teaching and community interactions.
- Communicate and collaborate effectively with students, families, teachers, and other professionals on a regular basis about student progress.
- Maintain effective and efficient documentation of student progress, communication with families, and other documentation, as needed.
- Model professional and ethical standards when working with students, parents, peers, and community.
- Invest in the life of the school by participating in professional development, team meetings, school events, and any and all aspects that support student growth.
- Other related job duties, as required.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES, & EXPERIENCE FOR THE ROLE
- Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree preferred.
- Ideal candidates will have an academic background in elementary education.
- Prior kindergarten/elementary teaching experience required.
- Understanding and support of Khan Lab School’s core values, mission, and vision.
- Passion for working with young students and a keen understanding of where they’re at developmentally.
- Expertise in teaching curricula from an introductory level to advanced concepts.
- Knowledge and experience using Khan Academy or Khan Academy Kids for instruction, when applicable.
- Commitment to inquiry-based, project-based learning, and other progressive pedagogies
- Prior experience analyzing student data and using a variety of assessment techniques.
- Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills with the ability to communicate effectively and respectfully with all constituents.
- Flexibility to shift and take on a variety of tasks, as the lab school continues to grow and change.
- Able to reflect on one’s own effectiveness, respond well to feedback, and adjust instruction accordingly.
PHYSICAL WORK REQUIREMENTS OF THE POSITION
- Ability to occasionally lift, carry, push, and pull up to 20 pounds as some regular organizational tasks involve moving desks, chairs, electronics, and other school supplies and equipment, as needed.
- Must be able to remain in a stationary position at least 50% of the time.
- Capability of moving about inside an office setting to access file cabinets, office equipment, etc.
- Ability to proficiently and frequently operate a computer and keyboard as well as other office equipment such as calculators, copy machines, printers, and projectors.
- Consistently practice safe working habits while using school supplies, equipment, and electronics as well as the ability to maintain a safe and hazard-free workstation for yourself and others at the school.
- Occasionally required to work weekends, nights, or be on-call for special events, which are sometimes outside and require working in varying weather conditions at all times of the year.
- Ability to properly communicate information and ideas so other people can understand as well as the ability to ascertain and understand information communicated from others.
WHAT WE OFFER
Khan Lab School is a community of learners and partners that have a deep commitment to their work. We get things done and believe that in our highly collaborative environment anything is possible. All our decisions are made through the lens of what is best for our students. We tackle tough questions without ego, are results oriented, and have high expectations for school and our students.
APPLICATION PROCESS
To apply, please submit the following:
- A current resume.
- Cover letter expressing your interest in, and qualifications for, this position.
- List of 3 professional references with their full name, phone number, e-mail, job title, and your working relationship with them. References won’t be contacted without the candidate’s permission.
PAY & BENEFITS
- Start Date: August 1st, 2025
- Location: Palo Alto, CA
- Classification: Exempt; Salaried
- Status: Full-time
- Pay Range: $85K to $108K per year, dependent upon experience.
- Benefits: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage as well as a 401(k) retirement plan with an employer match, basic life insurance, long-term and short-term disability insurance, a flexible spending account, employee assistance program (EAP), and generous PTO.
Khan Lab School is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The organization does not unlawfully discriminate based on race, color, creed, gender (including gender identity or gender expression), religion (all aspects of religious beliefs, observance or practice, including religious dress or grooming practices), marital status, registered domestic partner status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disabilities, medical conditions (including medical history or genetic characteristics), sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related conditions), genetic information, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state, or local laws or regulations.