Middle School English Teacher

Middle School English Teacher

Alta Vista School | San Francisco, CA

The School

Founded in San Francisco in 2010, Alta Vista School (AVS) is an independent K-8 school serving approximately 310 students across two campuses. We implement an inquiry-based STEAM program where students are encouraged to go beyond academic foundations to pursue their passions.  Class sizes are intentionally small, ranging from 8-15 students. 

At AVS, we are "serious about play." We believe children learn best in joyous, authentic settings where teachers serve as guides in an inquiry-based journey of discovery. Our approach is rooted in the scientific method, design-thinking, and the belief that technology, guided by the arts, can benefit all.

The Position

We are seeking a dynamic, energetic Middle School English Teacher to join our dedicated team. This role is responsible for a course load of three 6th-grade classes and one 8th-grade class. The ideal candidate is a responsive educator passionate about Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) and creating inclusive environments for students from diverse backgrounds. This candidate will bring a lens of equity and inclusion to all aspects of their work — ensuring that English instruction reaches and affirms every learner, and that innovation and design opportunities are accessible to all students regardless of background or learning profile.

Key Responsibilities

• Curriculum Design: Develop high-quality, innovative English curricula anchored in STEAM and Project-Based Learning (PBL).
• Student Mentorship: Spark a love of reading and writing while providing students with opportunities to question, investigate, and wonder.
• Differentiation: Address a variety of learning needs and interests through intentional instruction and a standards-based assessment framework.
• Classroom Culture: Maintain a vibrant, calm, and responsive classroom environment that models SEL principles.
• Collaboration: Work collegially with faculty, administration, and parents to maintain an exemplary school community and participate in school-wide activities and conferences.

Desired Characteristics & Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree required; Master’s Degree and/or Teaching Certification preferred.
• Experience: Proven experience teaching middle school English and a deep understanding of PBL.
• Communication: Exceptional written and verbal skills; ability to communicate with transparency and professional ethics.
• Mindset: Team-oriented, flexible in a fast-paced environment, and a strong advocate for curiosity and innovation.
• Organizational Skills: Proficiency in managing multiple projects, deadlines, and classroom priorities effectively.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Requires physical presence on campus.
• Ability to sit/stand for 4–8 hours and navigate stairs regularly.
• Occasional lifting (1–20 lbs.), bending, stooping, and kneeling.

Compensation

Salary Range: $78,000 – $115,000 (Based on experience)

How to Apply

Alta Vista School is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. Interested candidates should send a cover letter and resume to:

Laura Bridges-Pereira Head of Middle School laura.bridgespereira@altavistaschool.org

NOTICE: This position is not limited to those duties in the job description. Duties and responsibilities can be changed, expanded, reduced, or deleted to meet the needs of Alta Vista School. The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

 

Alta Vista School values a diverse workforce and inclusive work environment and as an Equal Opportunity Employer, AVS does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other status legally protected by Federal, State, or Local law.