Aurora School is a progressive K-8 independent school with a strong social justice focus.

 We believe in empowering students to make a meaningful difference in the world.  Instead of viewing the middle school years as simply "awkward" or "difficult," we see  them as a critical time for growth and transformation—academically, socially, and  emotionally.

 We've designed an innovative middle school model that blends engaging, project-based  academics with an emphasis on social-emotional learning, mindfulness, and real-world  skill development. Our students thrive in an integrated learning environment where  critical thinking, creativity, and personal growth are equally valued.

 At the heart of Aurora’s success are our teachers, whom we call Guides. Guides serve  not only as educators but as mentors and role models, fostering deep, meaningful  connections with students.

ABOUT THE POSITION

 Status: Part-Time or Full-Time Teaching Option Available 

Reports to:  Head of School

 We are seeking a passionate, student-centered educator to join our middle school team  as a Humanities Guide. In this role, you will:

• Teach project-based, interdisciplinary "Quests" that center on Humanities while incorporating other disciplines.
• Lead a weekly advisory group to support students' social-emotional development.
• Collaborate with fellow middle school educators to create a cohesive, engaging learning experience.
• Teach High School Prep Class for 7th and 8th Graders (one semester each)

 WHAT WE LOOK FOR IN A MIDDLE SCHOOL GUIDE

A Whole-Self Approach to Education Aurora prioritizes self-awareness and social-emotional learning, recognizing that student  success is about more than just academics. Our Guides create safe, inclusive spaces  where students reflect on their personal growth, develop emotional intelligence, and  build resilience.

A Commitment to Social Justice & Equity
We actively work to dismantle systems of oppression and create an anti-racist,  multicultural learning environment. Our Guides model cultural competency, foster  conversations about equity, and embrace diverse perspectives in their teaching.

A Passion for Educating Middle Schoolers
You genuinely love working with adolescents and appreciate the uniqueness of this  developmental stage. You see middle school as a time for transformation—not just  intellectually, but socially, emotionally, and ethically.

A Growth Mindset & Love for Learning
You are constantly learning—whether through teaching, travel, personal study, or life  experiences. You bring a curiosity-driven mindset to your work and model lifelong  learning for your students.

 An Entrepreneurial, Real-World Perspective

 You bring a global, pragmatic approach to education. You understand how real-world  experiences—from community engagement to problem-solving—can enhance academic  learning and make it more relevant.

 KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Teaching & Curriculum Development
Lead  interdisciplinary, project-based Humanities Quests which begin with questions like:

• "What are your big dreams for U.S. democracy, and how can you make them real?"
• "How can we as podcasters persuade adults to let kids read banned books?"
• "What's the recipe for a revolution?"
• Guide students through inquiry-based learning, critical thinking, research, reading complex texts, writing throughout various genres and forms, and socratic seminar-style discussions.
• Encourage real-world application of academic concepts through culminating projects and presentations.
• Schedule, organize, and chaperone excursions related to curriculum content.
• Shape and refine curriculum, incorporating student interests and current events.

 Advisory & Social-Emotional Learning

• Lead a weekly advisory group where students develop social-emotional skills, ethical awareness, and personal growth strategies.
• Foster a structured, inclusive, and engaging classroom environment by setting high expectations and fostering a culture of respect, accountability, and academic  excellence where students feel seen, heard, and valued.
• Implement restorative justice practices to foster accountability, repair harm, and support students in resolving conflicts constructively.

Collaboration & Community Engagement

• Work closely with middle school colleagues to create an integrated learning
• Partner with families to support student success.
• Contribute to faculty meetings & school-wide initiatives

QUALIFICATIONS

• At least 2 years of experience teaching Humanities (ELA/Social Studies) at the middle school or upper elementary level.
• Experience designing curriculum for adolescents.
• Passion for guiding students' social-emotional development in addition to
• Experience with project-based learning and progressive teaching methods.
• Dedication to anti-racism, equity, and social justice in education.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.
• (Preferred) Experience with mindfulness, restorative justice, or social-emotional learning practices.
• (Preferred) Expedition or trip-leading experience.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• Salary: $60,000 - $130,000, based on experience and education.
• Health & retirement benefits , disability insurance, and professional development 

HOW TO APPLY

Please send your resume and a cover letter to  Abbie Koss ,  Head of School.

 Aurora School is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applications from  individuals of all backgrounds and evaluate all candidates based on merit.

ABOUT US: 

Aurora School is an independent K-8 school that combines challenging academics, multi-grade  classrooms, differentiated instruction, and a keen awareness of student’s social and emotional  development. A leader in progressive education since 1988, our mission is to nurture students’ love of  learning by cultivating academic excellence, emotional intelligence, and social engagement. We foster  students’ development into self-aware, confident lifelong learners and leaders who step up to advocate  for themselves and others throughout school, in our Oakland community, and the world at large. Our  talented staff provides a safe learning atmosphere that extends beyond the classroom to every aspect of  the school. The result is that Aurora graduates have a strong foundation for social and academic success  in high school and beyond. 

We seek culturally competent Lead Teachers to work with our dedicated, diverse, and supportive  community. We are committed to hiring talented staff who reflect the diversity of the communities and  audiences. As a proud Equal Opportunity Employer, we are committed to considering applicants  regardless of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or  expression, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state, or local protected  class. 

Position Status: Full-Time 

Reports to: Head of School 

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Knowledge of Progressive Education principles and practices 
• 3-5 years of teaching experience with both onsite and remote teaching 
• Teaching credential required 
• Bachelor’s degree required 
• A graduate degree or degree in progress related to education is preferred 
• Experienced planning and implementing integrated curricula 
• Experience using technology to support teaching and learning 
• Commitment to academic excellence and culturally responsive teaching 
• Open and motivated to work collaboratively 
• Understanding of child growth, development, and social needs 
• Strong communication and organizational skills 
• Strong commitment to working in a diverse, multicultural community 

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Lead Teachers instruct our K-5 classes in language arts, math, social studies, social justice, nd science.  Depending upon class size, classrooms have either a full- or part-time Teaching Assistant in addition to  the Lead Teacher. 

Curriculum: 

• Coordinate with the Head of School, Lead Teacher peers, and Teaching Assistant to implement  an appropriate curriculum consistent with the Aurora philosophy and goals, including instruction  of small and large groups of students and regular assessments and evaluations of students.

Classroom environment: 

• Set up a classroom for onsite and remote learners. 
• Keep the classroom clean, safe, and uncluttered throughout the year. 
• Organize materials at the end of the year for summer storage. 
• Report any classroom maintenance problems to the appropriate staff person. • Help maintain the common areas of the school. 
• Demonstrate effective classroom management and record-keeping techniques. 

Meetings and Committees: 

• Attend meetings and staff in-service days; rotate chairing and recording at these meetings. • Act as an educational staff representative to one school committee, as determined annually  during August planning sessions. 

Communication with Families: 

• Recognize and respect the primary role of the parents in the education of their children. Work to  facilitate parent involvement and respond to communications initiated by parents/guardians within  72 hours and be responsive to any concerns expressed. 
• Notify parents in case of child illness/injury/behavior problems per Aurora Behavior and  Communication Policies. 
• Hold formal parent/teacher conferences twice a year for each student, as well as other  conferences that may be necessary throughout the year. 
• Write twice-yearly progress reports for each child. 
• Write and distribute class newsletter (Grades K-1 weekly; Grades 2-5 every other week). • Maintain and encourage open communication with parents, and communicate any feedback  received as necessary. 
• Work to help parents understand Aurora’s philosophy of learning and how day-to-day teaching  strategies and curricula are aligned with the school mission. 

Field trips: 

• Implement and safely carry out class field trips to support learning as related to the curriculum. • Notify the administration in advance of any trips planned, including any materials and registration  needed and possible scheduling conflicts. 

After-hours school-wide events attendance: 

• Back-to-School Night (fall) 
• Tinker Faire (Saturday afternoon in the fall) 
• Admissions Events (1-2 Saturday mornings) 
• Assigned Class Performance 
• 2 Saturday Assessments 

Substitutes: 

• Plan lessons and extensions for substitutes. 
• Procuring your substitute from our substitute list or Teachers on Reserve. 

Miscellaneous:

• Actively engage with each student in a manner that fosters a positive self-concept, enjoyment and development of academic competency, and a feeling of respect for themselves, the Aurora  community, and beyond. 
• Ensure that teaching style, curricula, and interactions with students, parents, staff, and teachers  reflect Aurora’s mission and core values. 
• Make appropriate referrals for the benefit of the student, if in-class instruction does not meet their  needs. 
• Be responsible for the safety of all children when supervising on schoolyard at recess and lunch.  This includes, but is not limited to, consistent monitoring, disciplining, and/or facilitating conflict  resolution for behaviors such as the use of inappropriate language, teasing, physical aggression, and exclusion. 
• Assess and evaluate prospective students. 
• Supervise and monitor parent volunteers. 
• Interact with all staff as equal and respected partners. 
• Participate in the interview process for selecting new staff as needed. 
• Accept accountability and professional evaluation of performance and respond to feedback  positively and professionally. 
• Exhibit professional standards of attendance, punctuality, grooming, language, preparation, and  relationship with students. 
• Notify the office when leaving the school grounds, with or without a class, during school hours. • Read the Staff/Faculty Handbook in its entirety and submit a signed Acknowledgement of Staff  Handbook Understanding form. 
• Other duties as assigned by the Head of School. 

COMPENSATION: Salary Range: $60,000-$130,000. Commensurate with experience and credentials. 

TO APPLY: Please submit your cover letter and resume to the attention of Katheryn Negrosa, Human  Resource Coordinator at hr@auroraschool.org. 

The position begins in August 2025 No phone calls, please. For more information, please visit:  www.auroraschool.org 

EEO Policy: Aurora School is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on race,  color, creed, gender, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, gender identity and expression, domestic  partner status, age, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, veteran  status, or any other unlawful consideration.

 

We are seeking a Teaching Assistant to join our dedicated and diverse faculty. Teaching Assistants work alongside Lead Teachers to support students in both academic and social-emotional learning. They assist with classroom management, differentiated instruction, and curriculum implementation. Teaching Assistants also lead the Partner Pal program, frequently facilitate social-emotional lessons, and take the lead on yard duty oversight.

POSITION DETAILS:

• Status: Non-Exempt
• Salary Range: $31.00–$50.00 per hour (based on experience and degrees earned)
• Reports to: Lead Teachers & Head of School

QUALIFICATIONS:

• 1+ years of experience working with school-aged children
• Bachelor’s degree (preferred)
• Commitment to academic excellence and culturally responsive teaching
• Understanding of child development and social-emotional needs
• Strong communication and organizational skills
• Open-minded, collaborative, and motivated to work in a team environment
• Responsible, enthusiastic, and passionate about working with children
• Experience in a diverse, multicultural educational setting (preferred)

RESPONSIBILITIES

CLASSROOM SUPPORT:

• Assist Lead Teachers in maintaining a structured, engaging classroom environment
• Prepare materials and assist with daily activities
• Lead small and large group instruction as needed
• Facilitate social-emotional learning activities in cross-grade groupings
• Refer parents to Lead Teachers when appropriate

ACTING LEAD TEACHER:

• Assume Lead Teacher responsibilities in their absence

SCHOOCOMPENSATION:

• Attend and participate in school-wide events and staff meetings, including:
  • Back-to-School Night (September)
  • Admissions assessment and Open House days
  • Student performances
  • Monthly staff meetings
  • Wednesday afternoon meetings (as needed)
  • Bi-annual parent-teacher conferences
  • Scheduled staff in-service days
  • Evening and weekend events (e.g., class performances, picnics, Tinker Faire)

STUDENT SUPERVISION:

• Ensure student safety and engagement during recess and lunch
• Monitor behavior, facilitate Restorative Justice dialogues when necessary, and apply consistent discipline practices

ADDITIONAL DUTIES:

• Maintain professional standards of attendance, punctuality, preparedness, and student relationships
• Collaborate flexibly with faculty
• Serve multiple classrooms as needed
• Assist with admissions assessments as assigned
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Head of School or Lead Teachers

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:

Aurora offers competitive compensation. Full-time Teaching Assistants are eligible for medical, dental, life insurance, and retirement benefits.

HOW TO APPLY:

Please submit your employment application, resume, and cover letter electronically to hr@auroraschool.org. The position begins in mid-August 2025. No phone calls, please.

Aurora School is always looking for experienced and enthusiastic substitute teachers for our K-8 classrooms as well as our specialists’ classes. 

COMPENSATION:

• Onsite Classroom – $30/hr
• Recess Duty – $21/hr
• Extended Care – $17/hr
• Remote Learning- $16/hr

TO APPLY: Please submit your cover letter and resume to the attention of Katheryn Negrosa, Human Resource Coordinator at hr@auroraschool.org.  

Candidates are invited to call the main office during school hours at (510) 428-2606.