Middle School Science Specialist (Grade 8)

Job Description

Job Description

ABOUT KHAN LAB SCHOOL

In 2012, Sal Khan wrote The One World Schoolhouse that outlines how modern education developed and how Khan Academy came to be. The book outlines a vision for the future of both in-person and online education given the tools we have and the need to participate in the knowledge economy. In 2014, he founded Khan Lab School to test and refine these ideas in an actual school setting.

Khan Lab School is a TK-12 independent school on two campuses serving over 300 students in Silicon Valley, CA. The Lower School (grades TK-5) is located in Palo Alto, CA, and the Middle and Upper Schools (grades 6-12) are located in Mountain View, CA.

ABOUT THE POSITION

The Science Specialist is an experienced teacher with a strong understanding of physics. The Science 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.

REPORTING LOCATION: Mountain View Campus || 1200 Villa Street, Mountain View, CA 94041

SCHEDULE: Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., and school events as required

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Academic Duties

• Teach a minimum of 8 hours per week of a high-school level conceptual physics course, making efficient use of existing materials and tools. Return student work in a timely manner, within 5 days.
• 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.
• 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 as approved by the Executive Director.
• 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 

• 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.  
• 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

• Bachelor’s degree required; credential or master’s degree preferred.
• Ideal candidates will have an academic background in middle school education.
• Prior middle school teaching experience required.
• Expertise in teaching curricula from an introductory level to advanced concepts.
• Understanding and support of Khan Lab School’s 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 one’s 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.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

To apply, please submit the following:

• A current resume. 
• A cover letter expressing interest in this position.
• A list of 3 professional references and their contact information.

WHAT WE OFFER

Khan Lab School is a community of learners and partners that have a deep commitment to their work. We get things done and believe that in our highly collaborative environment anything is possible. All of 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 our school and our students.

POSITION DETAILS

Start Date: By 1/5/2027

Status: Part-time or Full-time, leave replacement until June 15, 2027

Number of Positions to be Filled: 1

Classification: Exempt

Salary: $72,000-$100,000 DOE. This position may be hired at the Associate Teacher level for individuals with no prior formal teaching experience.

Benefits (Full time): 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. The organization does not unlawfully discriminate based on race, color, creed, gender (including gender identity or gender expression), religion (all aspects of religious beliefs, observance or practice, including religious dress or grooming practices), marital status, registered domestic partner status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disabilities, medical conditions (including medical history or genetic characteristics), sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related conditions), genetic information, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state, or local laws or regulations.