Elementary Assistant Teacher

About Presidio Knolls School

Presidio Knolls School (PKS) was founded on a bold premise: that progressive, student-centered education and rigorous Mandarin immersion are not competing priorities—but powerful complements. For nearly two decades, PKS has demonstrated that children can experience deep joy in learning while achieving exceptional academic and linguistic fluency. 

Our progressive philosophy positions students as co-constructors of their knowledge, helping children to shape their own learning. Classrooms are active laboratories of inquiry where students engage in hands-on, interdisciplinary project-based learning that connect academic disciplines to real-world questions.Units of Exploration integrate math, science, social studies, art, music, drama and movement around overarching topics of inquiry in English and Chinese, contextualizing all learning through a real-world lens. Critical to this approach is hands-on, experiential instruction. Learning frequently extends beyond the classroom walls, to our campus, our city, and the world. 

PKS offers equal opportunity to all, and considers all qualified applicants for employment PKS does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, identity, national origin, ancestry, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression, ability or any other characteristic protected by law. We strongly encourage those with a demonstrated dedication to social justice, collaboration, innovation and student-centered education to apply. 

Elementary Assistant Teacher Position Overview

We are seeking a passionate and dynamic Elementary Assistant Teacher to join our team. The role provides an excellent opportunity for professional development with a two-year training program for teaching assistants with the goal of preparing them to step into a homeroom teacher role. The Elementary Teaching Assistant will support the academic, social, and emotional growth of students and collaborate with homeroom teachers in creating a nurturing and effective learning environment.

 

This is a full-time, non-exempt position working 40 hours Monday to Friday, and reports to the Head of Elementary.

Responsibilities

• Interact with children using positive, supportive, respectful, and open-minded attitude, language and tone.
• Maintain visual and auditory supervision of children at all times to ensure their safety in the classroom, on the playground, and on field trips.
• Encourage children to develop friendships through play, language, games, and activities.
• Encourage critical and creative thinking in children through inquiry-based learning, observation, and hands-on experimentation.
• Collaborate with the teaching team to develop daily open-ended activities which encourage questioning, problem solving, language, creativity, and concept forming in young children.
• Assist in the social and emotional growth of students.
• Support early care and dismissal activities. 
• Participate in reflection and coaching activities.
• Performs additional duties as directed.

Skills & Qualifications

• Joy in working with children and assisting their progress.
• Bachelor’s Degree in education or a related field, or in the process of obtaining preferred. 
• At least 6 months teaching experience is desirable.
• Contagious enthusiasm and charisma, the ability to engage and inspire students, parents, and colleagues.
• Fluency in Mandarin and English.
• Knowledge of Progressive Education preferred.
• Strong knowledge of child development and a passion to grow in the field.
• A commitment to reflective practice, and an openness to continual professional development.
• Contagious enthusiasm and charisma; the ability to engage and inspire students, parents, and colleagues.
• Creativity, excellent multitasking skills, and ability to thrive in an entrepreneurial start-up environment.
• Outstanding verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills.

We encourage you to apply if you:

• Have a commitment to professional development and a growth mindset about learning for all. We believe that everyone can improve and should continually work toward excellence.
• Enjoy contributing to student and community life inside and outside the classroom. PKS is a community and our close relationships build a solid foundation for our kids.
• Work towards social justice and support multicultural education. As a progressive school, we are growing engaged global citizens equipped with empathy, compassion and practices that position them to thrive in a diverse society.
• Possess an ability to integrate theory with practice in designing and implementing appropriate learning strategies for each student. 
• Love collaboration, iteration, and innovation.

Salary & Benefits: PKS offers a competitive compensation package. The full-time salary range is $27.50 to $38.90 per hour. Salaries are set according to years of experience and degrees earned. PKS offers a strong benefits package for all full-time employees.  

Start your application here

Offers of employment are contingent upon clear LiveScan fingerprinting and TB risk assessment. Other requirements include completing first aid/CPR training, mandated reporter training, anti-harassment training, and Workplace Violence Prevention training. Access to all required clearances and training is provided and paid for by the school.

SB848 Disclosure: As required by California law (SB 848 and related Education Code sections), applicants are required to provide a complete list of prior educational employers as part of the application process. By applying for this position, you consent to the school contacting all prior educational employers listed on your application to inquire about any credible complaints, substantiated misconduct investigations, or disciplinary actions, as required by California law.

Work Life at PKS

Presidio Knolls School is committed to fostering a workplace where talented educators and professionals thrive. We prioritize competitive compensation, robust benefits, and a supportive culture that values innovation, reflection, and collaboration. Our 2025-2026 benefits package includes:

Signature PKS Advantages

• Monthly commuter benefits up to $325/month, PKS subsidizes $60
• A unique bicultural learning environment that promotes personal growth, intentional practice, and collective purpose

Financial Well-Being

• 5% Employer match contribute to your 403(b)-retirement plan
• Salaries aligned with Bay Area market rates, with annual cost-of-living adjustments
• Tuition remission offered for full-time employees who have child(ren) enrolled at PKS, to 75% discount on tuition for one enrolled child, subject to admissions process and eligibility. 

Comprehensive Health Coverage

• 100% employer- paid medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability, and life insurance for employees
• Affordable options for spouse family coverage
• Pre-tax Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for healthcare and dependent care
• Wellness benefits and EAP
• Mental health benefits via Springhealth

Paid Time Off & Holidays

• Paid holidays in accordance with the school calendar
• Non-exempt admin / support employee accrued 120 hours / year
• Accrual of 10 sick days annually

School Culture & Appreciation

• Regular staff appreciation lunches
• Monthly Birthday celebration
• Complimentary tickets to our annual Gala event
• Celebration lunch as part of our Lunar New Year Festival
• Happy hour events: past events have been Ping Pong, Bowling,  Karaoke, SF Giants game, Mahjong, Holiday Party, End of School Year Celebration