About Presidio Knolls School

Founded in 2008, Presidio Knolls School (PKS) is a relatively new addition to the Bay Area’s independent school community—one that has grown rapidly since it opened in 2008. The mission of Presidio Knolls School is unique in its blending of progressive education and Mandarin immersion—a curricular combination that has caught on with families across the Bay Area. 

The progressive philosophy of Presidio Knolls School embraces kids as co-collaborators in their education-helping children to shape their own learning journey toward topics of greatest interest. The school has a commitment to social-emotional learning that pervades the culture of the school.

The PKS curriculum is Reggio Emilia- inspired in preschool; project-based and interdisciplinary; elementary Units of Exploration integrate math, science, social studies, art, drama, and movement around overarching topics of inquiry in English and Chinese, contextualizing all learning through a real-world lens. Critical to this approach is hands-on, experiential instruction. As such, learning often takes place outside of the classroom.

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 Preschool Instructional Coach (Coach) will partner with Head of Preschool, the Preschool Pedagogical Team, preschool teachers, specialists and wellness team to provide an engaging, balanced program to students, and to specifically support teachers to develop professional skills and deliver a unique, progressive, Mandarin-Immersion curriculum through reflection, mentorship and coaching. The Coach will be consistently present in the classrooms and provide support, modeling, and interventions to help teachers improve their instruction. Coaching will involve an ongoing process of pre-teaching goal setting, in-class experiences and observations, and debriefing conversations; primary to the success of this dialogue and observation loop is the Coach’s deep understanding of child development, progressive Mandarin-Immersion pedagogy and best practices, communication skills and proactive attitude. 

This position is full-time and exempt, will report to the Head of Preschool.

Key Responsibilities

• Program Quality 

• Work with the Head of Preschool to identify areas of instructional growth for each team and support the implementation of innovative strategies in the classroom, ensuring alignment and implementation of best practices and developmentally appropriate classroom management strategies across all preschool classes.

• Collaborate with the Pedagogical Team and the Wellness Team to support teachers and students and understand areas of growth as a program.

• Co-design inquiry-based learning opportunities that match the developmental needs of children. Assist classroom teachers in implementing and differentiating the progressive Mandarin curriculum. 

• Observe flow of the day, provide actionable feedback and troubleshoot challenging transitions or high-needs times of day with teaching teams, providing strategies for continuous improvement.

• Provide community workshops, presentations on various curricular topics as part of the community education programs at PKS. 

• Mentorship and Coaching

• Provide job-embedded professional development for teachers through model teaching, team-teaching, and co-planning. 

• Ensure that teachers plan, document, and implement high quality curriculum following the school’s teaching principles and practices.

• Coach teachers to improve and implement students’ observation, data gathering, pedagogical documentation, 

• Conduct classroom teacher observations in Mandarin and provide feedback that facilitates teacher reflection, accountability and growth.

• Provide individual and/or group instructional coaching and mentoring to teachers to improve classroom instruction for all learners.

• Provide coaching and modeling for teachers on creating conference reports, student portfolios and conducting high-quality, data-supported parent-teacher conferences.

• Provide coaching and support for teachers to communicate pedagogical plans and learning outcomes through events such as Back to School Night, Learning Celebrations, etc.

• Staff development

• Together with the Pedagogical Team, the Preschool Instructional Coach will 
• Identify training needs and implement follow-up systems to ensure new skills are integrated into classroom practice.
• Plan, design, and deliver professional development opportunities that extend the Reggio Emilia principles, Mandarin immersion best practices, and educational values of the PKS Preschool program and curriculum. 
• Manage and distribute instructional resources to teachers and provide training on the use of those resources.
• Perform other duties as necessary and as assigned by the Head of Preschool to ensure program compliance and quality services to children and parents.

Skills and Qualifications

• A deep understanding of child development, developmentally appropriate teaching strategies, Reggio Emilia approach and progressive education
• 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.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Education or Curriculum required.
• Five years teaching experience in a progressive Mandarin-Immersion environment required.
• Ability to skillfully offer constructive feedback to facilitate change
• Proven coaching experience and training
• Understanding and experience with student-centered teaching, project-based learning, and performance-based assessment
• Familiarity with integrated learning and planning
• The ability to seek resources and solutions to effectively solve problems
• Fluency in reading, writing and speaking in both Mandarin and English
• Proven ability to collaborate, motivate, and work constructively and effectively with a team of teachers
• Positive and proactive attitude, flexibility, and growth mindset
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Strong time management and organizational skills
• Experience in an independent school setting is helpful.

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 $89,300 - $139,500 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 

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.

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