Mandarin Elementary Homeroom Teacher
San Francisco, CA
Full Time
Elementary
Mid Level
Mandarin Elementary Homeroom Teacher
About Presidio Knolls School
Presidio Knolls School (PKS) was founded on a bold premise: that progressive, student-centered education and rigorous Mandarin immersion are not competing priorities—but powerful complements. For nearly two decades, PKS has demonstrated that children can experience deep joy in learning while achieving exceptional academic and linguistic fluency.
Our progressive philosophy positions students as co-constructors of their knowledge, helping children to shape their own learning. Classrooms are active laboratories of inquiry where students engage in hands-on, interdisciplinary project-based learning that connect academic disciplines to real-world questions. Units of Exploration integrate math, science, social studies, art, music, drama and movement around overarching topics of inquiry in English and Chinese, contextualizing all learning through a real-world lens. Critical to this approach is hands-on, experiential instruction. Learning frequently extends beyond the classroom walls, to our campus, our city, and the world.
PKS offers equal opportunity to all, and considers all qualified applicants for employment PKS does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, identity, national origin, ancestry, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression, ability or any other characteristic protected by law. We strongly encourage those with a demonstrated dedication to social justice, collaboration, innovation and student-centered education to apply.
Mandarin Elementary Homeroom Teacher
The Mandarin Elementary Homeroom Teacher is a key member of our dynamic elementary school team, playing a critical role in developing a thriving Mandarin immersion program. We are seeking an enthusiastic educator who is fluent in Mandarin at a native level and has expertise in teaching Simplified Chinese. This teacher will guide our students through a comprehensive, immersive learning experience across subjects such as math, science, and social studies within the context of Mandarin instruction.
Our ideal candidate is a bilingual and bicultural educator with a deep passion for working with elementary school children. They will bring a strong commitment to progressive educational practices and interdisciplinary instruction, ensuring a well-rounded and rigorous learning environment. With a student-centered approach, this teacher will foster curiosity, creativity, self-awareness and academic growth in each child, prioritizing both academic achievement and social-emotional development.
This is a full-time, exempt teaching position, and reports to the Head of Elementary.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Create a warm, caring, joyful learning community where students feel valued and supported.
- Demonstrate teaching excellence, through their passion for education, their professionalism and integrity.
- Design and maintain a differentiated, engaging, responsive, and welcoming classroom space that fosters student growth and creativity.
- Collaborate with grade-level teams, specialists, and pedagogical teams to plan, coordinate, and implement a well-organized, dynamic and focused curriculum tailored to students’ needs.
- Develop and execute authentic assessments that effectively make students’ learning visible and inform ongoing instruction.
- Use a variety of teaching techniques and strategies to engage students and support their diverse learning styles.
- Create enrichment and extension opportunities that challenge advanced students.
- Respond to individual social, emotional and learning needs in collaboration with ES Counselor and Learning Specialist.
- Integrate technology meaningfully into the curriculum to enhance student learning and engagement.
- Document student progress by completing individual checklists, report cards and student narratives, support student-led conferences and conferences with parents, keep communication open with parents.
- Show their own growth mindset and participate in reflection and coaching activities.
- Use documentation to make learning visible to the children and families; contribute to student portfolios.
- Perform additional responsibilities as assigned and actively engage in school-wide community events and activities.
- Joy in working with children and nurturing their growth
- Minimum of 2 years’ experience teaching in respective grade level, preferably in an immersion program
- Bilingual and biliterate in Mandarin Chinese and English with native Mandarin Chinese proficiency, including ability to teach simplified and pinyin writing systems.
- Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree desirable, CSET, CBEST, BCLAD or home country certification a plus: (http://www.ctc.ca.gov).
- Proven track record in achieving strong academic results using progressive educational best practices, specifically guided inquiry, or project-based learning.
- Contagious enthusiasm and charisma; the ability to engage and inspire students, parents, and colleagues.
- Creativity, excellent multitasking skills, and ability to thrive in an innovation-driven environment.
- Outstanding verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills.
- Must have authorization to work in the US, and the ability to pass a Livescan background check.
- Have a commitment to professional development and a growth mindset about learning for all. We believe that everyone can improve and should continually work toward excellence.
- Enjoy contributing to student and community life inside and outside the classroom. PKS is a community, and our close relationships build a solid foundation for our kids.
- Work towards social justice and support multicultural education. As a progressive school, we are growing engaged global citizens equipped with empathy, compassion and practices that position them to thrive in a diverse society.
- Possess an ability to integrate theory with practice in designing and implementing appropriate learning strategies for each student.
- A collaboration mindset, eager to work with a team to innovate and refine education practices.
- Be to roll up your sleeves and work with a team that will do whatever it takes to support students as they learn, grow, and thrive.
Start your application here: Mandarin Elementary Homeroom Teacher
Offers of employment are contingent upon clear LiveScan fingerprinting and TB risk assessment. Other requirements include completing first aid/CPR training, mandated reporter training, anti-harassment training, and Workplace Violence Prevention training. Access to all required clearances and training is provided and paid for by the school.
SB848 Disclosure: As required by California law (SB 848 and related Education Code sections), applicants are required to provide a complete list of prior educational employers as part of the application process. By applying for this position, you consent to the school contacting all prior educational employers listed on your application to inquire about any credible complaints, substantiated misconduct investigations, or disciplinary actions, as required by California law.
Work Life at PKS
Presidio Knolls School is committed to fostering a workplace where talented educators and professionals thrive. We prioritize competitive compensation, robust benefits, and a supportive culture that values innovation, reflection, and collaboration. Our 2025-2026 benefits package includes:Signature PKS Advantages
- Monthly commuter benefits up to $325/month, PKS subsidizes $60
- A unique bicultural learning environment that promotes personal growth, intentional practice, and collective purpose
- 5% Employer match contribute to your 403(b)-retirement plan
- Salaries aligned with Bay Area market rates, with annual cost-of-living adjustments
- Tuition remission offered for full-time employees who have child(ren) enrolled at PKS, to 75% discount on tuition for one enrolled child, subject to admissions process and eligibility.
- 100% employer- paid medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability, and life insurance for employees
- Affordable options for spouse family coverage
- Pre-tax Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for healthcare and dependent care
- Wellness benefits and EAP
- Mental health benefits via Springhealth
- Paid holidays in accordance with the school calendar
- Non-exempt admin / support employee accrued 120 hours / year
- Accrual of 10 sick days annually
School Culture & Appreciation
- Regular staff appreciation lunches
- Monthly Birthday celebration
- Complimentary tickets to our annual Gala event
- Celebration lunch as part of our Lunar New Year Festival
- Happy hour events: past events have been Ping Pong, Bowling, Karaoke, SF Giants game, Mahjong, Holiday Party, End of School Year Celebration
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