RISE Academy 2026-2027 School Year Preschool Early Childhood Teacher

Job Description

Job Description

About RISE Education System

RISE Academy is a subsidiary of RISE Education System, a 501(c)(3) non-profit educational organization accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and Cognia. Our mission is to promote the holistic development of the child through an authentic and experiential learning experience, grounded in faith, family, and community. RISE Academy strives to develop the whole child—academically, emotionally, spiritually, and socially—by providing excellence in academic preparation within a faith-based environment. Our vision is to guide and nurture students to become role models who exhibit high levels of God-consciousness, professional excellence, and civic leadership through service to society at large.

Position : Preschool / Early Childhood (ECE) Teacher
Location : RISE Academy, San Jose, California (in-person)
School Year : 2026–2027

RISE Academy is seeking warm, skilled Early Learner / Preschool / Early Childhood (ECE) Teachers to join our team for the 2026–2027 school year. We are looking for educators who understand early childhood development, create joyful and structured learning environments, and build strong partnerships with families in a mission-driven, faith-based school community.

Job Expectations

• Shared Vision: Supports a vision of excellence for all students by maximizing every opportunity to help children thrive developmentally and socially
• Culture of Excellence: Fosters a safe, culturally responsive, nurturing classroom where children feel secure, curious, and excited to learn
• Innovation: Uses developmentally appropriate and creative strategies to ensure a well-rounded, engaging early learning experience
• Professional Growth: Commits to continuous improvement, actively engages in professional development, and contributes to our professional learning community
• Community Outreach: Builds strong relationships with families through consistent communication and participation in school community events

Key Responsibilities

• Design and implement a developmentally appropriate daily schedule that supports learning through play, exploration, and intentional instruction
• Balance teaching between cognitive, language, motor, and social-emotional development through purposeful activities
• Provide basic care and caregiving routines (arrival/dismissal, meals/snacks, restroom support as applicable, transitions) with warmth and professionalism
• Use a variety of teaching methods (stories, chants, media, hands-on learning centers, indoor/outdoor games, art, sensory play) to support children’s growth
• Observe, assess, and document student progress to ensure children are on track developmentally and academically
• Maintain consistent communication with parents/guardians and provide updates on student progress, growth, and classroom activities
• Observe and document children’s interactions and social-emotional development; support positive peer relationships and conflict resolution
• Identify behavioral or developmental concerns and collaborate with leadership and families on appropriate next steps and support plans
• Collaborate with colleagues on classroom planning, transitions, events, and student support
• Maintain a safe, clean, organized learning environment and adhere to all licensing/safety regulations and school policies
• Participate in staff meetings, professional development, and school community events as required
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications (Required)

• Educational background meeting one of the following:
  • 12 semester units or 18 quarter units in Early Childhood Education (ECE), or
  • Bachelor’s degree in Child Development or a closely related field
• Excellent knowledge of child development and developmentally appropriate practices
• Strong classroom management and ability to support young children with structure, warmth, and consistency
• Methodical, creative, and able to plan engaging learning experiences
• Patience, flexibility, and a genuine love for working with young children
• Strong communication and time management skills
• CPR and First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain upon hire)
• Alignment with RISE Academy’s mission and comfort working in a faith-based school environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior teaching experience with preschool or early elementary students
• Experience using play-based, inquiry-based, or project-based early learning approaches
• Experience documenting student growth through observation notes, portfolios, and developmental checklists

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

• Ability to stand, walk, and actively supervise young children throughout the day in indoor and outdoor settings
• Ability to lift/carry up to 20 pounds (classroom materials, supplies, and occasional child-related items as appropriate)
• Ability to sit on the floor, bend, and move easily to support young children during learning and caregiving routines
• Ability to maintain a safe, organized, hazard-free classroom environment and follow health and safety procedures

Compensation
Compensation is based on education, relevant experience, degrees, and certifications. In addition to salary, staff members may be eligible for tuition discounts for their children.