Full-Time Lead Teacher (Elementary Level) at Brightside (Housing Available) – 2024–2025 School Year

• Location: Menlo Park, CA
• ‍Compensation: TBD + benefits (healthcare assistance, PTO, 401k)

A vibrant and intentional family in Menlo Park, CA is seeking an imaginative, grounded, and nurturing full-time educator to guide a personalized, joyful learning experience for their children. This unique opportunity centers on curiosity-led, holistic education in a home-based microschool environment.

The family is building a thoughtful educational experience for their four children, ages 11 and under, blending strong academics with nature, art, literature, and meaningful relationships. Their approach is inspired by the Charlotte Mason philosophy, a time-tested educational method that honors the whole child and emphasizes living books, habit formation, and a broad feast of subjects. They currently use the Alveary curriculum, a comprehensive program aligned with this philosophy and supported by robust training resources and planning tools, and are open to thoughtfully supplementing it with other curricula or materials that align with their values and the needs of the children. The right educator for this role is someone who thrives in a collaborative, child-centered atmosphere and is excited to help shape an emerging educational community. This is a non-traveling position focused entirely on the local learning environment.

Expectations

• Lead daily instruction in core subjects including reading, writing, and math using engaging, developmentally appropriate, and literature-rich methods.
• Deliver a broad weekly rotation of subjects—such as nature study, history, art, composer study, and geography—supported by the Charlotte Mason Alveary curriculum and additional trusted resources.
• Coordinate guest teachers and facilitate a community microschool day 1–2 times per week.
• Collaborate closely with parents to plan curriculum and long-term learning goals.
• Document children’s learning progress through online portfolios and informal reporting.
• Maintain a calm, tidy, and inspiring classroom space.
• Support the development of positive habits and social-emotional growth.
• Model curiosity, attentiveness, and a genuine love of learning.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher (teaching certificate not required).
• Experience working with children ages 0–11.
• Organized, flexible, and responsive to the needs of growing learners.
• Passionate about creative, hands-on, and relationship-based education.
• Valid U.S. driver’s license and passport.
• Willingness to participate in professional development, including training through the Charlotte Mason Institute (covered by the family).

Additional Details

• Schedule: Full-time (40–50 hrs/week), M–F 9:30am–3:30pm plus prep and communication time.
• Start date: August 2025, with optional part-time onboarding prior to the school year.
• Housing: A guesthouse may be available for the right candidate if necessary.

If you're excited about co-creating a learning journey that honors the individuality of each child and the beauty of discovery, we would love to hear from you!