Khan Lab School Hiring for Computer Science Specialist (Upper School) Job at Palo Alto, CA Full Time

Computer Science Specialist (Lower School)

Khan Lab School (KLS) seeks a dynamic, flexible, and part-time Computer Science Specialist in the High School. The Computer Science Specialist is responsible for teaching computer science and designing applied learning experiences for students with an emphasis on computational thinking and the skills of programming. In addition, we hope to identify a candidate with the skill set to develop plans and build our computer science program efforts.

The Computer Science Specialist has all the roles and responsibilities that a specialist teacher staff member has, including progress reports; meeting with parents; attending school-wide, department, and team meetings; and supervising students during times designated by the administration.

WHO WE ARE

About Khan Lab School

Khan Lab School (KLS) is a non-profit, mastery-based school founded by Salman Khan in 2014 to extend Khan Academy’s student-centered philosophy into a physical school environment. Furthering his vision for Khan Academy, Khan wrote and published The One World Schoolhouse, in which he argues for mastery-based, blended, and mixed-age learning coupled with a departure from traditional letter grades. Today the KLS community is bringing that vision to life and also sharing knowledge within education more broadly.

In each academic area at KLS, there is a minimum pace our students must meet, but learning is decoupled from age; the time it takes a student to finish a course will vary but the depth of mastery is constant. We believe that students cannot “master” a course by performing well on one assessment. Instead, students are expected to demonstrate mastery of all skills and content before they can obtain foundational credit, thereby removing “gaps” in their education.

Every student is assigned to a mixed-age cohort, which they can expect to be part of for two to three years. There are currently seven cohorts for students ages 5 to 18+. Students also partner with faculty to explore their passions and deepen their learning. The quality of learning remains high but as a lab school, instructional methods are constantly being reimagined and tested. Learning is supported through weekly advising, real-world application, and a culture that fosters student agency. Faculty and students do not simply adhere to the status quo in education. As a lab school, KLS is a model for innovation in education.

WHO WE’RE LOOKING FOR

We have found that professional educators who are adept at serving as learners, demonstrating skills of observation and inquiry, and who love to teach and guide children as they learn and play, are well suited for teaching at Khan Lab School. All educator staff are regularly expected to exercise discretion and independent judgment in the performance of their teaching duties. This position reports to the Lower School Director and includes partnering with a teaching team and wider school community in support of the school’s mission and vision.

Role and Responsibilities

• • Teach computer science from an introductory level to advanced concepts for student grades 9-12
  • Teach AP CS A
  • Design and implement differentiated and developmentally appropriate instructional activities in computer science that contribute to a climate where students are actively engaged in meaningful learning experiences
  • Plan, prepare for, and execute daily lessons at designated times
  • Identify, select, and modify instructional resources to meet the needs of students with varying backgrounds, learning styles, and learning needs.
  • Appropriately and effectively coach and advise students, supporting them to find their voice and pace
  • Work with students on social emotional and executive function skills and build authentic relationships with students
  • Collaborate regularly with colleagues to reimagine the Computer Science program
  • Communicate and collaborate effectively with students, families, teachers, and other professionals on a regular basis about student progress and the computer science curriculum
  • Maintain effective and efficient documentation
  • Use assessment data effectively to inform and guide learning and to provide ongoing feedback to students and complete progress reports

• Build a positive, safe, inclusive, and fun classroom community

• Model professional and ethical standards when working with students, parents, peers, and community
• Invest in the life of the school by participating in professional development, team meetings, school events, and any and all aspects that support student growth.

The ideal candidates should possess many of the following qualifications:

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree; ideal candidates will have an academic background in computer science
• A clear understanding of child development and milestones in the elementary years
• Understanding and support of Khan Lab School’s core values, mission, and vision

WHAT YOU’LL BRING

Skills, Capabilities, and Mindset:

Successful candidates will have the following skills, capabilities, and mindset:

• Expertise in teaching computer science from an introductory level to advanced concepts
• Proficiency in software development
• Commitment to experiential, project-based learning, and other progressive pedagogies
• A passion for working with elementary school students and a keen understanding of where they are developmentally
• Prior experience analyzing student data and using a variety of assessment techniques
• Exceptional ability to respond well to feedback and implement it immediately
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills are required.
• Eagerness to partner closely with teaching teams
• Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills with the ability to communicate effectively and respectfully with all constituents
• Flexibility to shift and take on a variety of tasks as the lab school continues to be in the early stages of development and implementation
• Entrepreneurial mindset and service orientation

WHAT WE OFFER

Khan Lab School is a community of learners empowering every student to navigate their own path. We get things done and believe that in our highly collaborative environment that 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 school and our students.

Khan Lab School offers a stimulating and unique working environment. We seek team members who possess a unique skill set because this is a multi-faceted teaching and leadership position. To learn more about Khan Lab School or Khan Academy, please visit our websites.

Compensation:

Competitive compensation commensurate with experience
Free on-campus lunch and snacks

Start Date: August 2022

Location: Mountain View CA. This position is not remote.

Number of Positions to be Filled: 1

Employment: Part-time

APPLY NOW

To qualify, please provide a resume and a letter of interest using the job link on our school’s Careers webpage. Successful candidates will have a demonstrated familiarity with the Sal Khan’s school model outlined in his book The One World Schoolhouse.

Khan Lab School is an EOE and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, place of national origin, sex, age, veteran status, sexual orientation or physical handicap in its employment practice.

SPECIAL SCHOOL EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS

All Khan Lab School employees must undergo criminal background checks and TB risk assessments as mandated by California state law prior to their start dates at Khan Lab School. By submitting an application, you acknowledge that your employment with Khan Lab School would be conditioned on satisfactory background check and completion of the TB risk assessment.