Institute for Applied Tinkering Elementary Collaborator (Teacher) San Francisco, CA · Full time

Apply for Elementary Collaborator (Teacher)

Brightworks and Tinkering School are projects of the Institute for Applied Tinkering. The Institute for Applied Tinkering is an organization dedicated to building a 21st-century model of education. Over the past 16 years we’ve brought child-centric, collaborative, hands-on education experiences to children in many different ways: sleep away camp, K-12 school, day camp, after-school programs, teacher workshops, and more. We believe that all children deserve opportunities to engage with their world in creative and adventurous ways. We are committed not only to making our programs available to families of all income levels but also to sharing our learnings with parents, teachers, and schools around the world.

Seeking World-Class Educators (Collaborator)

Brightworks is not a traditional school, and our teachers aren't traditional instructors. We call them Collaborators. We are looking for visionary educators to co-create a project-based, inquiry-driven curriculum for the upcoming school year.

At Brightworks, you’ll lead a small cohort (10–14 students), balancing the creative freedom of a designer with the rigorous project management of a professional mentor.

The Role

As a Collaborator, you are the architect of the student experience. Your responsibilities include:

• Curriculum Co-Creation: Designing interdisciplinary, real-world projects based on student interests.
• Accountability & Mentorship: Setting high standards for independent study and pacing complex projects.
• Narrative Assessment: Documenting the learning journey through weekly parent communications and student-led portfolios.
• Equity in Action: Engaging in deep power and privilege work to maintain an anti-racist, gender-inclusive, and radically welcoming environment.

Who You Are

• Experienced Educator: You have a background in progressive, inquiry-based education and a deep respect for student agency.
• Professional Communicator: You bridge the gap between "candid" and "kind," writing compelling narratives of student growth.
• Project Manager: You have a strong work ethic and the ability to help students navigate ambiguity to reach concrete goals.
• Social Justice Advocate: You actively leverage conversations about identity to build equitable spaces.
• Lifelong Learner: You possess high EQ, a growth mindset, and a spirit of mutual aid.
• Reflective & Adaptive: You possess a high degree of self-awareness, regularly seeking feedback and pivoting your approach as student needs or project directions evolve.

Employment Requirements

Required

Experience: 2-3 years working with school-aged children 

Compliance: Ability to pass background screening and compliance training, CPR/First Aid certification, and pass TB testing

Tech Literacy - Proficient in Google Suite

Physical Demands - Ability to lift 45 lbs and navigate the city on foot or via public transportation for off-site learning

Preferred

A background working with diverse learning styles

Benefits

Comprehensive medical/dental/vision, life/disability insurance, and a 4% immediate-vesting retirement match.

How to Apply

Please submit the following as PDF documents.

1. Cover Letter: Tell us where you learned about the open position, your journey, why Brightworks, and a recent project that excited you.
2. Resume: Focused on relevant educational and professional experience.
3. Writing Samples: 2–3 professional communication samples with dates (e.g., newsletters or family correspondence).

Note: Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. Brightworks is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and merit-based hiring.