Transitional Kindergarten (TK) Teacher-Preschool or Elementary School

Salary Range: $72,943-$137,945/annually

Length of Appointment: 2026-2027 School Year

Calendar: Full Time / Full Year

2026-2027 Transitional Kindergarten (TK) Teacher

Preschool or Elementary School

Who We Are

The San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) is the seventh largest school district in California, serving more than 50,000 students who speak more than 44 documented languages across 121 schools in the city of San Francisco every year. We aim for every student who attends SFUSD schools to discover his or her spark, along with a strong sense of self and purpose, and that all students graduate from high school ready for college and career, and equipped with the skills, capacities and dispositions outlined in SFUSD’s Graduate Profile. Every day in our quest to achieve this mission we provide each and every student the quality instruction and equitable support required to thrive in the 21st century.

What It Means to Work Here

The SFUSD community is unified by our Core Values:

• Student-centered: We put students’ needs first
• Fearless: We persist through challenges
• United: We celebrate and build on each other’s strengths
• Social Justice: We stand with those most vulnerable in our community
• Diversity-driven: We respect and seek to understand each person

We are also inspired by Vision, Values and Guardrails which captures our aspirations and vision for the future of public education in San Francisco. Alongside the District’s strategic plan. SFUSD is reimagining how public education will change over the next decade to meet the dynamic future of San Francisco. As a CORE district, SFUSD is also a leader in critical systems change for more comprehensive school accountability and innovations that help strengthen the instructional core, which is the foundation of our strategic plan and Vision 2025.

Who We Want

We want talented people from diverse backgrounds and experiences, who are inspired by our mission, steeped in equity, and who are motivated to unleash our children’s potential. We want people who are strong collaborators, skilled communicators, and problem solvers who are comfortable in a community of continuous learning.

Transitional Kindergarten (TK) Teacher

Under the supervision of the site administrator, the Transitional Kindergarten (TK) teacher provides developmentally appropriate instruction that bridges preschool and kindergarten. Instruction is aligned to the California Preschool Transitional Kindergarten Learning Foundations and is driven by ongoing assessment of student learning. TK teachers create inclusive, engaging classrooms that support the academic and social-emotional development of all students.

We are looking for educators who demonstrate:

• Experience teaching in an early education setting
• Strong knowledge of developmentally appropriate practices
• Familiarity with the California Preschool Transitional Kindergarten Learning Foundations and Desired Results Developmental Profile (DRDP)
• Commitment to ongoing professional growth and collaboration
• Ability to analyze assessment data and use it to inform and differentiate instruction
• Experience implementing culturally responsive and inclusive practices

Key Responsibilities & Role Details

In alignment with the California Standards for the Teaching Profession, TK teachers are responsible for:

1. Supporting School-Wide Learning Goals

• Align learning experiences with school and district priorities in ways that are developmentally appropriate for 4–5-year-olds
• Use observation and assessment (e.g., DRDP) to understand each child’s development and plan responsive, play-based learning experiences
• Set flexible short- and long-term goals that support children’s growth across social-emotional, language, and early academic domains

2. Delivering Rigorous and Developmentally Appropriate Instruction

• Implement a TK curriculum that prepares students for kindergarten
• Plan and deliver developmentally appropriate, play-based instruction
• Use a variety of instructional strategies to support diverse learners
• Differentiate instruction to meet individual student needs
• Maintain a warm, inviting, and intentionally designed classroom environment that serves as a “third teacher,” with organized indoor and outdoor learning areas aligned to the Creative Curriculum

3. Creating a Culturally Responsive Learning Environment

• Foster a safe, inclusive, and engaging classroom community
• Implement positive behavior supports aligned to school expectations
• Ensure necessary accommodations and modifications for all learners

4. Using Assessment to Drive Instruction

• Administer and analyze assessments, including DRDP
• Monitor student progress and adjust instruction accordingly
• Prepare meaningful progress reports for families

5. Building Family and Community Partnerships

• Communicate regularly with families regarding student progress
• Facilitate parent conferences at least twice annually
• Participate in school community events and engagement opportunities

6. Collaborating and Growing Professionally

• Participate in grade-level and cross-grade collaboration (e.g., ROCI)
• Engage in ongoing professional development and reflective practice
• Work collaboratively to address student and program needs

7. Additional Responsibilities

• Maintain compliance with district, state, and Board of Education policies
• Ensure the safety and welfare of all students at all times
• Perform other duties as assigned by site administrators

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

• Work in a classroom setting with both indoor and outdoor activities
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, and sit on the floor for extended periods
• Ability to lift and carry up to 30 pounds occasionally
• Perform tasks that require attention, organization, and multitasking
• Use basic equipment and maintain a safe learning environment
• Communicate effectively with students, families, and colleagues from diverse backgrounds

Minimum Qualifications

• SFUSD requires all teachers to hold or be pursuing a valid California teaching credential and an English Learner or Bilingual Authorization. Transitional Kindergarten teachers must also have, one of the following:
  • At least 24 units in early childhood education, or childhood development, or both.
  • A Child Development Teacher permit issued by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC).

Preferred Qualifications

• Bilingual skills (e.g., Cantonese or Spanish) desirable
• Demonstrated collaboration and communication skills with diverse students, families, and staff
• Experience in TK, preschool, or early primary grades

What We Offer

SFUSD offers a competitive salary of $72,943-$137,945/annually commensurate with experience in a similar position. We offer a comprehensive benefits plan including dental and vision plans, a defined benefit pension plan, disability, life insurance, flexible spending account options and vacation time. We also offer an inclusive and equity-centered environment where we encourage staff to bring their whole selves to work.

SFUSD offers a competitive base starting salary depending on the size and grade level of your school as determined by the collective bargaining unit.

** SFUSD will credit years of verified service if you were an educator in another school district.

* We offer fully subsidized health benefits for individual coverage including free dental and vision benefits.

***NEW: Starting 7/1/2026: District pays 50% of Kaiser employee contribution for Employee+1 and Family (Employee Only status quo); non-Kaiser = pay difference vs Kaiser; eligible = 50%+ FTE and already receiving employee-only premium contribution

***NEW: Starting 1/1/2027: District pays 100% of Kaiser premium for Employee Only, Employee+1, Family ; non-Kaiser = pay difference vs Kaiser; same eligibility