Middle School Humanities Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Salary: $85K to $114K per year, depending upon experience

ABOUT KHAN LAB SCHOOL

Khan Lab School, founded by Sal Khan in 2014, is an innovative TK-12 independent school with 3 campuses, serving over 260 students in Silicon Valley, CA and Wichita, KS. Our Lower School (grades TK-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 Humanities Specialist is an experienced teacher with a clear understanding and background in mastery-based learning in the context of the Middle School experience. The Humanities Specialist partners with the Middle School Director and Middle School teaching team to teach a rigorous, mastery-based curriculum, facilitate active learning experiences aligned with the KLS vision and guide students in their social and emotional development. In addition, this position involves contributing to the broader life of the school via participation in school activities and events, school admissions and faculty and staff meetings.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Academic Duties

• Teach a minimum of 16 hours per week of middle school level subject-area courses as assigned by the Middle School Director, making efficient use of existing materials and tools. Return student work in a timely manner.
• Clearly outline and document the course curriculum including the syllabus, all assignments, and assessments at the beginning of Term 1 using the school's Learning Management System (LMS) Canvas. Materials must be able to be repurposed by other instructors. Use internal materials, and external resources such as Khan Academy, where applicable.
• Participate in regular Canvas course reviews.
• Design and teach elective courses (2 hours per week) during the fall, winter and spring Exploratory sessions.
• Facilitate advisory and life skills lab sessions for a group of students, focusing on academic progress, extracurricular and college goals, and daily practices in mindfulness, character development, and executive functioning skills.
• Lead elective offerings during the fall, winter and spring sessions.
• Maintain regular communication with students, families, teachers, and other professionals about student progress and submit progress reports by the due date at the end of each term. Prepare students to participate in student-led parent-teacher conferences.
• Other duties as assigned.

Teaching & Vision Alignment

• Facilitate classes with an emphasis on active learning and real-world contexts, minimizing direct instruction. Utilize methods such as think-pair-share, experiential learning, case studies, role-playing, and peer teaching.
• Support student-driven passions and interests through the Applied Learning Program.
• Leverage assessment data to inform instruction, provide timely feedback to students, and complete progress reports by identified deadlines.
• Clearly outline and document the course curriculum including the syllabus, all assignments, and assessments by the beginning Term 1 using the school's Learning Management System (LMS) Canvas. Materials must be able to be repurposed by other instructors. Use internal materials, and external resources such as Khan Academy, where applicable.
• Identify, select, and modify instructional resources to meet the needs of students with varying backgrounds, learning styles, and learning needs in collaboration with the school leadership and founder.
• Actively explore and stay current with emerging technologies, including AI tools, and apply them meaningfully to your role.
• Create an inclusive environment where students of diverse backgrounds and perspectives feel welcome, fostering critical thinking through thoughtful questioning.

Contribution to KLS

• Participate in student orientation for 6th-8th graders, which may include up to three days of overnight stay.
• Chaperone a trip during Intersession, which may include up to five nights of overnight stay.
• Fulfill duties as assigned by the Middle School Director, such as lunch and goal time supervision.
• Be accessible to students throughout the school day for interaction, office hours, and support.
• Serve as a faculty ambassador for the Admissions team during our re-enrollment and admissions period in the Fall and Spring. This includes, at minimum, 6-8 hours for Pre-Admission events (Open House, Preview Days, and Shadow Days) and 10 hours of Post Application Events (Student Visits and Observations, Application reads); these events may take place outside of school hours.
• Write letters of recommendation for summer and school programs, as requested.
• Lead at least one activity each year that contributes to the life and culture of KLS, to be determined in collaboration with the Middle School Director at the start of the school year. This could include: advising a student publication (e.g., Yearbook) or facilitating a student club or organization during the academic year.
• Attend all faculty meetings and participate in professional development, including morning meetings, and any scheduled professional development programming (including Faculty In-service). Faculty must also attend community meetings and other culture-building experiences alongside students. This will account for up to 4 hours during a typical week, accounting for the faculty meeting and professional development meetings.
• Participate in community events such as the middle school dinner, moving up day, annual fundraiser, group field trips, and other related activities.
• Uphold professional and ethical standards in all interactions within the school community.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES, & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED FOR THE ROLE

• Bachelors degree required; masters degree preferred.
• Ideal candidates will have an academic background in middle school education.
• Prior middle or high school teaching experience is required.
• Expertise in teaching curricula from an introductory level to advanced concepts.
• Understanding and support of Khan Lab Schools core values, mission, and vision.
• A passion for working with middle school students and an understanding of where they are developmentally.
• Knowledge and experience using Khan Academy 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 while able to communicate effectively and respectfully.
• Flexibility to shift and take on a variety of tasks as the school continues to grow and change.
• Ability to reflect on ones own effectiveness, respond well to feedback, and adjust instruction accordingly.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to occasionally lift, carry, push and pull up to 25 pounds as some regular organizational tasks involve moving desks, chairs, electronics, paperwork 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 occasionally moving about inside an office setting to access file cabinets, office machinery, 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 held outside and require the ability and willingness to work in all weather conditions at any time 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 who 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:

• Current resume.
• A cover letter expressing interest in, and qualifications for, this position.
• A list of 3 professional references with their name, phone number, email address, job title, and what your working relationship was with them. References will not be contacted without the candidates permission.

PAY & BENEFITS

• Start Date:August 1, 2026
• Reports To: Middle School Director
• Reporting Location:Mountain View, CA 94104
• Classification:Full -time; Exempt
• Schedule:Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:00pm PST, and some nights and/or weekends for school events, as required.
• Salary Range:$85K to $114K per year, depending upon experience.
• Benefits:Medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage; a 401K retirement plan with an employer match; basic life insurance; short-term and long-term disability insurance; and generous paid time off including paid holidays, sick time, and floating holidays.
  

Khan Lab School is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate based on race, color, creed, place of national origin, sex, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender (including gender identity, gender expression, and transgender), religion (beliefs, observances, or practices, including religious dress or grooming), marital status, registered domestic partner status, ancestry, genetic information, physical or mental disabilities, medical conditions, and/or military or veteran status in its employment practices or any other considerations made unlawful by federal, state, or local laws.