Middle School English Literacy Teacher

Middle School English Literacy 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. 

The progressive philosophy of Presidio Knolls School embraces kids as co-collaborators in their education, valuing their voice and agency to shape their own learning journey. The school has a commitment to social-emotional learning that permeates the culture of the school. The PKS curriculum is project-based and interdisciplinary. In Middle School, students learn about half the time in English, and half in Chinese.  Our English department delivers a rich, rigorous curriculum and works closely with the rest of the middle school faculty to make sure all learning is aligned.

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. 
 
Job Description
The English-Literacy Teacher partners with the Middle School Faculty to provide an engaging, balanced, English Literacy program to our students. The ideal candidate will understand how to provide rigor and extended learning experiences within the context of a progressive, diverse learning environment.  Along with teaching literature, reading, and writing skills, members of our English team help develop and deliver a curriculum with elements of history, current events, and social studies. 

This is a full-time, exempt position that reports to the Head of Middle School.

Specific Responsibilities

• Create a warm and caring classroom community.
• Teach English language arts to Middle School students, grades 5-8.
• Advise a group of 6-8 students in an SEL curriculum
• Collaborate with a team to create a classroom space that is differentiated, engaging, responsive, and beautiful.
• Chaperone one trip per year as part of our travel program.
• Identify and respond to individual students’ social and emotional needs, including learning differences in collaboration with Learning Specialist and Wellness Team.
• Create enrichment and extension opportunities for advanced students.
• Use a variety of teaching techniques and strategies to engage students in learning.
• Plan, design, and implement authentic assessment of student progress.
• Plan and develop curricula and assessments with English-Humanities team.
• Write progress reports and conferences with parents.
• Participate in reflection and coaching activities.
• Use documentation to make learning visible to the children and families; contribute to student portfolios.
• Perform other duties as directed.

Skills and Qualifications

• Willingness to model professional and ethical standards when working with students, teachers, and families. We are a warm and friendly community that works with respect for each other.
• A commitment to social justice and 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.
• Teaching Credential or Master’s in Education preferred.
• Minimum of three years teaching experience.
• Knowledge of and experience with reading and writing programs for Grades 5-8 students including but not limited to guided reading, Readers’ and Writers’ Workshop, and Structured Word Inquiry or similar etymology-based word-study program.
• Understanding and experience with student-centered teaching, project-based learning, and performance-based assessment is preferable.
• Familiarity with integrated learning and planning; ability to teach early literacy within an integrated curriculum context.
• Ability to screen, monitor progress, and implement small group instruction to support the acquisition of reading and writing.
• Experience using backwards design for curricula and applying effective and varied ways of assessing students.
• An ability to collaborate and work comfortably with a team of teachers.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Strong time management and organizational skills.

Salary & Benefits: PKS offers a competitive compensation package. The full-time salary range is $85,000 to $134,000 annually. 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