Open Positions

Description:

Almaden Country Day School seeks a dedicated Educational Technology Teacher & Coach (ETTC). The ETTC is focused on support, training, and collaboration with teachers to co-design lessons and integrate technology across the elementary and middle school grades. 

The ETTC will understand and help implement the “why” of technology at ACDS: 

Technology at ACDS is an educational tool used to enhance learning and increase engagement. In this capacity, the ETTC’s primary responsibility is to provide training and support that helps teachers extend their instructional effectiveness. Their time will be spent helping teachers answer our four technology Essential Questions:

1. How can ACDS use technology to enhance student learning and engagement for both students and teachers?
2. How can ACDS use technology to increase equity and access to the curriculum?
3. How can ACDS help students use technology ethically?
4. How can ACDS prepare students for high school and beyond?

Classroom Instruction and Coaching:

The ETTC will understand the “Why” of technology at ACDS and the developmental needs of students across grade levels; recommendations will fit within these parameters. With this in mind, the ETTC will deliver instruction to model best practices. The ETTC and the homeroom teachers will collaborate and decide on the structure that will be most effective in each class. 

As a coach, the purpose of regular classroom visits is to understand the curriculum and identify opportunities for integration of technology. Additionally, the ETTC will connect with teachers, understand their tech skills and comfort level, and provide suggestions that meet student, teacher, and curricular needs. Outcomes will include regular meetings with teachers, technology recommendations that meet teacher and student needs, and demonstration lessons as appropriate. 

Key Responsibilities of the ETTC:

• Actively and intentionally build strong collaborative relationships with teachers, staff, and students, and establish a regular presence in the classrooms
• Take initiative across instructional technology domains on campus, including but not limited to creating a working schedule for classroom involvement and support
• Help lead effective and responsible student and teacher use of AI, monitoring rapid advances in AI to anticipate and address instructional needs and concerns proactively
• Suggest apps and other resources that will help faculty meet their instructional goals 
• Make recommendations on effective ways to support struggling learners and those who need additional challenge, including assistive technology as appropriate
• Coordinate and facilitate tech initiatives, including AI
• Be active in networks such as ISTE and CUE 
• Provide ongoing lessons to students on technological literacy and acceptable use, including resources such as Commonsense Media
• Collaborate with the tech team and Instructional Support Team in conversations regarding the misuse of technology, in the context of ACDS philosophy
• Other duties as assigned   

Qualifications: 

• Minimum of 3 years teaching experience required
• College degree, preferably in technology education or a related field
• Broad experience and proficiency with instructional technology
• Certification and/or experience substantiating the expertise required in this role
• Demonstrated ability to work efficiently in an environment where managing multiple projects and responsibilities simultaneously is the norm

Technical Skills:

• Fluency with MacOS, ChromeOS, Google Workspace, Google Apps for Education, Apple TV, web applications, and presentation software 
• Database and grading applications competence

Personal Qualities Necessary:

• Collaborative, can-do, team-player orientation
• Enjoys working with and among teachers and children
• Patience and calm under pressure
• Action-oriented approach – takes initiative rather than waiting for direction 
• Commitment to inclusion and belonging 

To Apply:

If this sounds like you, please (1) complete the ACDS Application for Employment, and (2) send a letter of interest and résumé to:

Jane Murphy, Head of Early Childhood & Elementary
Cecilia Robb, Head of The Learning Center
Almaden Country Day School
6835 Trinidad Drive
San Jose, CA 95120 

Email: jobs@almadencountryday.org

Finalists may be asked to teach a demonstration lesson, to participate in a faculty-led interview, and to provide a writing sample, along with other hiring activities. ACDS utilizes a variety of HR tools to assess candidates and select finalists for our job vacancies. Interviews begin immediately, and this position remains open until filled.

 

Overview of Almaden Country Day School

Almaden Country Day School is an independent, pre-K through 8th grade school located in the Almaden Valley of San Jose. The school's mission is to "discover the gifts in every child." Parents are drawn to ACDS for its emphasis on the balance of rigorous academics, character development, and joyful learning. ACDS promotes the belief that children learn best in a high-opportunity, low-stress environment, and when instruction is age-appropriate, highly individualized, and fun.

We serve 425 students in small classes with multiple sections at each grade level. Our graduates are prepared for a rigorous high school experience. Over the past ten years, more than 98% of our middle schoolers who apply to private high schools have been admitted; and it is not unusual for half of the students in an ACDS graduating class to be accepted into high school with academic distinction or honors placement. It’s important to note that these outcomes are byproducts of our program and philosophy; they are not “the goal.” Our goal is ensure that our students are challenged, stimulated, and cared for, every day. If we do this, with the support of caring and involved parents, our students soar. 

ACDS strives to develop well-rounded learners; the middle school includes extensive choices for nearly 50 elective classes, in addition to overnight field trips and an array of sports, performing arts, speech and debate, clubs, and more. The school’s signature enrichment programs, hands-on science featuring an outdoor classroom, and a robust integrated technology program all contribute to our emphasis on whole-child instruction. 

ACDS parents are very committed to the school and follow the progress of their children carefully. Teachers are held to high expectations for meeting the needs of our children and families.  

We seek educators and school leaders who are well versed in developmental pedagogy and differentiated teaching methods, and who are committed to providing individualized attention to our students and parents. A collaborative work style and a receptive attitude toward cooperative efforts are required in our small school, as is a can-do, glass-half-full attitude. All positions involve additional required duties, such as playground and lunch supervision, chaperoning field trips, and more.

For more information about Almaden Country Day School, candidates are encouraged to further explore our website.