Lower School Lead Teacher: Grade 2 in Palo Alto, California at Gideon Hausner Jewish Day School

Why Teach Second Grade at Hausner?

Second grade at Hausner is a place of wonder and momentum. It is the year when children become readers and writers with real confidence, when their curiosity about the world begins to take shape as genuine inquiry, and when their capacity for collaboration, empathy, and intellectual risk-taking deepens in remarkable ways. At Hausner, second grade teachers are trusted as thoughtful designers of learning, not just deliverers of curriculum. You will build meaningful units that connect literacy, math, science, social studies, and Jewish learning; you will know your students as whole people; and you will partner closely with families and colleagues in an environment that values reflection, creativity, and care.

If you believe that early elementary education should be joyful and rigorous and that children deserve to be challenged and celebrated, Hausner is a place where your work will matter.

About the Role

We are seeking a warm, skilled, and collaborative educator to join our Lower School as a Grade 2 Lead Teacher beginning August 2026. The ideal candidate brings a deep love of this developmental stage, strong instructional expertise across core subject areas, and a genuine commitment to building community in and beyond the classroom.

Our second grade program emphasizes:

• Literacy development through direct phonics instruction and rich reading and writing experiences
• Problem-Based Math instruction grounded in conceptual understanding and problem-solving
• Integrated, project-based units that connect disciplines and spark curiosity
• Social-emotional learning woven into the fabric of daily classroom life
• Student voice, choice, and agency as cornerstones of the learning environment
• Partnership with families as an essential part of each child's growth

Professional Qualities & Skills

• Deep knowledge of early elementary development and best practices
• Student-centered teaching grounded in curiosity, warmth, and high expectations
• Ability to differentiate instruction to meet the needs of a diverse range of learners
• Strong classroom management rooted in clarity, consistency, and care
• Commitment to collaboration with colleagues and proactive communication with families
• Reflective practice and genuine openness to feedback and professional growth

Key Responsibilities

Instruction and Curriculum

• Design engaging instructional units that connect disciplines and deepen learning
• Use a range of formative and summative assessments to guide instruction and communicate student progress
• Differentiate instruction to support all learners; collaborate with the Learning Support Team to provide appropriate accommodations

Community and Relationships

• Serve as an anchor for your students, attending to their academic and emotional wellbeing
• Build trusting partnerships with families through proactive and transparent communication
• Collaborate closely with grade-level colleagues and specials teachers to design coherent, integrated learning experiences
• Contribute to a classroom culture grounded in respect, inclusion, and joy

School Citizenship

• Actively participate in faculty meetings, professional learning, and school initiatives
• Participate in school events including Back to School Night and student programs
• Serve as an ambassador for Hausner's mission and values in all professional interactions

Required Education/Experience

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
• California Multiple Subject Teaching Credential (or equivalent; candidates in process considered)
• Prior classroom teaching experience, with demonstrated strength in literacy and classroom management
• Experience working with elementary-age students, preferably in grades TK–3

Compensation

• Competitive salary range: $85,000–$105,000 annually, dependent on experience
• Comprehensive Benefits Package: Medical, Dental, Vision, 403b Retirement Plan, Long- and Short-term Disability, Voluntary Life/Accident Insurance, Work-Life Balance Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Commuter Checks, and Flexible Spending Account (pre-tax payroll deduction)

Contact: Please submit a cover letter and resume to Dr. Sarina Fierro at sfierro@hausnerschool.org

Gideon Hausner Jewish Day School is an independent TK–8 community day school in Palo Alto with a commitment to academic excellence, Jewish values, and whole-child education. Our inclusive, values-driven culture nurtures a love of learning, a sense of belonging, and the confidence to think deeply and act ethically. Our faculty enjoy a collaborative, professional environment with significant opportunities for leadership and growth. Our beautiful campus includes modern classrooms, specialty spaces, and outdoor learning environments designed to support innovation and well-being.