Guest Teacher/Extended Day Staff (2023-24 School Year)

Portola Valley, CA

Position Overview 

Woodland School is seeking a full time guest teacher who will support our after school extended day program. The substitute teacher works under the direction of the Director of Teaching, Learning, and Professional Growth to teach in the absence of classroom teachers or specialists (science, music, art, design & tech, Spanish, or physical education). The successful substitute teacher will be culturally competent and able to foster a safe, nurturing environment for children in the absence of the homeroom teacher or specialist.

Woodland School specializes in education that inspires students by nurturing each individual’s voice, intellect, and character. With rich content and an emphasis on inquiry-based and student-driven projects, students are empowered and encouraged to be active and engaged learners. Our students’ innate sense of wonder is the foundation of learning at Woodland School. Teachers craft meaningful, multisensory learning experiences which enable creativity, ingenuity, and deep interdisciplinary connections. Students explore and develop complex understandings that engender a sense of self and purpose in the world. Woodland School’s faculty create a school environment that is as supportive and nurturing as it is challenging, and they embody the core values of the school—stewardship, integrity, curiosity, resilience, equity, and respect.

Guest Teacher Position Specifics

  1. Instruct lessons, implement regular routines, and supervise all duties according to the classroom or specialist teacher's plans.

  2. Establish and practice rules for behavior and routines for keeping up students’ focus and energy.  

  3. Instruct students individually and in groups, using various and creative teaching methods.

  4. Provide support for students with learning differences via needed accommodations as outlined in lesson plans.

  5. Implement administrative policies and rules governing students.

  6. Use computers, audiovisual aids, and other equipment and materials to supplement instruction.

  7. Instruct and monitor students in the use and care of equipment and materials, in order to prevent injuries and damage.

  8. Provide a written report at the end of the day to communicate with the teacher about the day’s events.

  9. Sign in and out with front office staff upon arrival and at any point of departure from campus.

Extended Day Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  • Provide student supervision and circulate among extended day program spaces.
  • Actively engage with students during program hours, including assisting students with homework, supervising play time, and supporting creative projects.
  • Provide leadership, energy, and spirit for students, constantly assessing group dynamics and the needs of individual students.
  • Set up and clean activities each afternoon.
  • Maintain a channel of communication with parents, teachers, and administrators.
  • Assist with maintaining registration, enrollment, and payment records.
  • Assist with management of logistical needs and supplies for the extended day program.
  • Document medical incidents.

Minimum Qualifications

  • BA or equivalent in education or related field  
  • Experience teaching elementary and/or middle school aged children  
  • Intercultural competency, ability to engage appropriately with a diverse community and to teach diverse groups of students effectively  
  • Digital literacy; intermediate Google Docs/Drive and other web-based applications, as appropriate to job duties, ability to adapt as digital tools evolve and change  
  • Ability to pass background checks and employee screenings
  • Demonstrated professional behavior, including discretion, judgment and integrity.
  • Effectively interacts with a diverse population of students and faculty.
  • All prospective employees must be able to clear a background check, LiveScan fingerprinting and TB screening.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Bachelors, Masters or equivalent in education or related field  
  • Teaching credential  
  • Three-five years of classroom experience

Physical Demands and Work Environment 

The position can be physically demanding. Reasonable accommodations may be made if requested in advance. 

How to Apply

Candidates for this position should submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information for a minimum of three references (at least one recent supervisor is required).

Salary range: $55,000-$58,000

Woodland School is dedicated to the goal of building a culturally diverse and pluralistic faculty committed to teaching and working in a multicultural environment and strongly encourages applications from candidates who reflect such diversity.  Woodland School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin in the administration of its educational or admission policies, financial aid distribution, or other school programs.