Job Description

The K-8  English Lead is a key member of the middle school team, and will also provide critical coordination and support for our English team (K-8).  This is a role that functions as a master teacher, and team coordinator and requires both excellent teaching as well as team management.  The person in this role will report to the Head of the Middle School and also collaborate closely with the Head of Elementary to help ensure our program is aligned K-8.

The ideal candidate is a person who loves teaching Middle School English and enjoys mentoring  other English teachers to improve their craft.  Crucially, the person in this role is comfortable helping parents understand the research and philosophy of the English strand of the PKS program.  The ideal candidate will also have a thorough grounding and understanding of English language literacy development and strong familiarity with programs such as Fundations, Readers and Writers Workshop, and Fountas & Pinnell Reading Assessments.

The English Lead will conduct training for teachers, workshops for parents, and provide a visionary pathway for exemplary instruction in English Language Arts. Candidates should understand neurodiversity and be committed to strengthening our students’ foundational skills as well as interest in and love of reading and writing. Our diverse school values children’s questions, and we are seeking someone with the experience, talent, and energy to help inspire and equip students with not only skills and fluency, but also a deep understanding of how these skills empower students as communicators and changemakers.

The position is full-time and exempt and reports to the Head of Middle School.

Specific Responsibilities

• Provide leadership to the school’s English teachers on curriculum, instruction, and assessment, and serve as a leading voice to the community on issues of English language arts, literacy, reading, and writing
• Oversee the continuing development of our K-8 English Scope and Sequence
• Teach classes in the Middle School division, typically Grade 8, and support instruction in the classroom across all K-8 grade levels.
• Prepare High School reference letters as part of the High School Guidance process for G8 students.
• Coordinate English assessments (Fountas and Pinnell, running records, MAP, writing samples, phonics assessments) and track data for individual student growth, intervention needs, and program strengths and needs
• Work directly with the Learning Specialist to coordinate and communicate accommodations for individual students, and assist parents in identifying resources and tools when outside English literacy support is needed
• Assist in hiring and onboarding new English teachers and assistant teachers, including training on curriculum and instructional expectations.

Skills and Qualities

• Outstanding English teacher with experience teaching grades K-8.
• Willingness to understand how Mandarin immersion education works, and that Mandarin literacy and English literacy can support each other
• Ability to integrate theory with practice in designing and implementing appropriate learning strategies for K-8 students
• A commitment to professional development and a growth mindset about learning for adults. We believe that everyone can improve and should continually work toward excellence
• Strong commitment and track record with student-centered teaching, project-based learning, and performance-based assessment
• Strong written and oral communication skills and collaboration skills, and an ability to effectively discuss literacy development generally and in a bilingual/ language immersion setting
• 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
• The desire and ability to contribute 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
• 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

Qualifications

• BA required, Masters degree preferred
• Demonstrated ability to support English literacy across K-8 grade levels
• Familiarity with and experience using coaching models to support teacher development.
• Strong background in curriculum design and project-based learning.
• Contagious enthusiasm and charisma; the ability to engage and inspire students, parents and colleagues.
• Experience helping children construct interdisciplinary knowledge.
• 5+ years experience teaching in an independent school setting

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.
• Are ready to roll up your sleeves and join a team that has a deep commitment to student growth and a collaborative, solution-oriented mindset.

If you are excited by the opportunity to shape a dynamic learning experience within a joyful, mission-driven community, we would love to hear from you.

Salary & Benefits: PKS offers a competitive compensation package. The full-time salary range for faculty is $80,000 - $134,000 per year. Our teachers' base salaries are set according to years of experience and degrees earned. PKS offers a strong benefits package for all full-time employees. 

To apply: please submit your cover letter, resume and Statement of Philosophy and Beliefs, as one pdf.

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 knowledge. Classrooms are active laboratories of inquiry where students engage in hands-on, interdisciplinary projects that connect academic disciplines to real-world questions. Learning frequently extends beyond the classroom walls, to our campus, our city, and the world. Our students complete three projects each year on our state-of-the-art campus. Middle school students also participate in a field study experience each year. conducting research and applying learning in Hawaii, Taiwan and China. We prepare our students for competitive high school admission and have high expectations for them. While we maintain high academic standards and prepare students for competitive high school admissions, we do not grade or rank students. Instead, we emphasize narrative feedback, authentic assessment, and demonstrations of mastery to foster intrinsic motivation and deeper learning.

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.

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.

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 mandatory training is provided and paid for by the school.

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
• Celebration lunch as part of our Lunar New Year Festival
• Happy hour events: past events have been Ping Pong, Karaoke, SF Giants game, Mahjong, Christmas Party, End of School Year Celebration

About Presidio Knolls School

Presidio Knolls School (PKS) is an independent school currently serving preschool through eighth grade, innovating at the intersection of progressive education and Mandarin immersion. PKS nurtures the young heart and mind in a joyful learning environment, where the convergence of progressive education and Mandarin immersion ignites curiosity, connectedness, and engagement in the world.

Connections working at Presidio Knolls School