Teaching Specialist (Grades 4-8)
8 days ago
Wichita
Job DescriptionSalary: KHAN LAB SCHOOL In 2012, Sal Khan wrote The One World Schoolhouse which outlines how modern education developed and how Khan Academy came to be. The book outlines a vision for the future of both in-person and online education, given the tools we have and the need to participate in the knowledge economy. In 2014, he founded Khan Lab School to test and refine these ideas in an actual school setting. A decade later, the first affiliate school, KLS Wichita, was opened in Kansas. Khan Lab School: Wichita is an independent school located at the Learning Lab in downtown Wichita, KS. ABOUT THE POSITION This role requires a teacher with a clear understanding of mastery-based learning in the context of an educational experience. This teacher collaborates with the Wichita School Director and faculty to deliver a rigorous, mastery-based curriculum, facilitate active learning experiences aligned with the KLS Wichita vision, and guide students in their social and emotional development. Additionally, this position entails contributing to the broader life of the school through participation in school activities and events, as well as involvement in school admissions and faculty and staff meetings. SPECIFIC JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Academic Duties: • Teach a minimum of 20 hours per week of elementary and middle school level courses, as assigned by the School Director, making efficient use of existing materials and tools., • Clearly outline and document the course curriculum, including the syllabus, all assignments, and assessments., • Use internal materials and external resources such as Khan Academy, when applicable., • Lead advisory sessions for a group of students, focusing on academic progress, extracurricular and college goals, and daily practices in mindfulness, character development, and executive functioning skills., • Maintain regular communication with students, families, teachers, and other professionals about student progress and submit progress reports by the due date at the end of each term. Prepare students to participate in student-led parent-teacher conferences., • Other related job duties, as assigned. Teaching & Vision Alignment: • Facilitate classes with an emphasis on active learning and real-world contexts, minimizing direct instruction. Utilize methods such as think-pair-share, experiential learning, case studies, role-playing, and peer teaching., • Support student-driven passions and interests, • Leverage assessment data to inform instruction, provide timely feedback to students, and complete progress reports by the identified deadlines., • Identify, select, and modify instructional resources to meet the needs of students with varying backgrounds, learning styles, and learning needs in collaboration with the school leadership and founder., • Integrate emerging technology into the classroom appropriately, including AI tools relevant to each discipline., • Create an inclusive environment where students of diverse backgrounds and perspectives feel welcome, fostering critical thinking through thoughtful questioning. Contribution to KLS Wichita: • Participate in student orientation., • Fulfill all other duties, as assigned by the Wichita School Director, such as lunch and goal time supervision., • Be accessible to students throughout the school day for interaction and support., • Serve as a faculty ambassador for the Admissions team during our re-enrollment and admissions period in the fall and spring., • Lead at least one activity each year that contributes to the life and culture of KLS Wichita, to be determined in collaboration with the Wichita School Director at the start of the school year. This may include overseeing the student leadership group, club, or organization, or starting a new program at the school (e.g., tutoring center)., • Attend all faculty meetings and participate in professional development, including morning meetings and any scheduled professional development programming such as Faculty In-service. Faculty must also attend community meetings and other culture-building experiences alongside students, which accounts for up to 4 hours in a typical workweek., • Participate in community events such as a school dinner, an annual fundraiser, group field trips, and other related activities., • Uphold professional and ethical standards in all interactions within the school community. REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES, & EXPERIENCE FOR THE ROLE • Bachelors degree required; masters degree preferred., • 3 to 4 years of prior teaching experience is required., • Expertise in teaching various curricula, including STEM, math, and science, from an introductory level to advanced concepts., • All teachers are required to participate in several admissions events and after-school events that are beyond the end of the regular workday hours at 4:00 PM., • An understanding and support of KLS Wichitas core mission and vision., • Knowledge and experience using Khan Academy for instruction, when applicable., • Commitment to inquiry-based, project-based learning, and other progressive pedagogies., • Prior experience analyzing student data and using a variety of assessment techniques., • Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills with the ability to communicate effectively and respectfully., • Flexibility to shift and take on a variety of tasks as the lab school continues to grow and change., • Able to reflect on ones own effectiveness, respond well to feedback, and adjust instruction accordingly. PHYSICAL WORK REQUIREMENTS OF THE POSITION • Ability to occasionally lift, carry, push, and pull up to 25 pounds, as some regular organizational tasks involve moving desks, chairs, electronics, paperwork, and other school supplies and equipment as needed., • Must be able to remain in a stationary position at least 50% of the time., • The capability of occasionally moving about inside an office setting to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc., • Ability to proficiently and frequently operate a computer and keyboard as well as other office equipment such as calculators, copy machines, printers, and projectors., • Consistently practice safe working habits while using school supplies, equipment, and electronics, as well as the ability to maintain a safe and hazard-free workstation for yourself and others at the school., • Occasionally required to work weekends, nights, or be on-call for special events, which are sometimes held outside and require the ability and willingness to work in all weather conditions at any time of the year., • Ability to properly communicate information and ideas so other people can understand as well as the ability to ascertain and understand information communicated from others. WHAT WE OFFER Khan Lab School is a community of learners and partners that has a deep commitment to its work. We get things done and believe that in our highly collaborative environment, anything is possible. All 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. APPLICATION PROCESS To apply, please submit the following: • A current resume., • Cover letter expressing your interest in, and qualifications for, this position., • List of 3 professional references with their full name, phone number, e-mail, job title, and your working relationship with them. References will not be contacted without the candidates permission. JOB DETAILS & BENEFITS • Start Date: Fall 2025, • Location:Wichita, KS 67202, • Status:Full-time, • Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. CST, and some nights and/or weekends for school events, as required., • Benefits:Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage as well as a 401(k) retirement plan with an employer match, basic life insurance, long-term and short-term disability insurance, a flexible spending account, employee assistance program (EAP), and generous PTO. Khan Lab School is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The organization does not unlawfully discriminate based on race, color, creed, gender (including gender identity or gender expression), religion (all aspects of religious beliefs, observance or practice, including religious dress or grooming practices), marital status, registered domestic partner status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disabilities, medical conditions (including medical history or genetic characteristics), sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related conditions), genetic information, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state, or local laws or regulations.