Institute for Applied Tinkering Upper School Math Collaborator "Teacher" San Francisco, CA · Full time

Apply for Upper School Math 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.

About the School

Since 2011, Brightworks has redefined education by saying, “Yes” to student inquiry and ambition, whether it’s launching weather balloons or building sail cars. We view children as instinctual learners and act as partners, rather than just instructors, in each child’s educational journey. 

By prioritizing student agency, we empower our community members to explore bold ideas and bridge the gap between the classroom and the world. At Brightworks, we don’t just belong in our community; we work together to strengthen it. 

The Role

Brightworks is seeking experienced candidates for the teaching position of  Upper School Math Collaborator. As Upper School Math Collaborator, you are the architect of the students’ mathematical experience. You will be responsible for working with fellow educators and students to design and implement a holistic interdisciplinary math curriculum. Candidates will have a deep familiarity with, or a strong desire to master, inquiry-based frameworks like Dan Meyer’s Three Act Math, Jo Boaler’s You Cubed, and Desmos’s Middle School Curriculum.   

Status: Full Time, Exempt

Your responsibilities include:

Curriculum Co-Creation: Designing interdisciplinary, real-world projects based on student interests.

Accountability & Mentorship: Guiding students while 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 work on power and privilege to maintain an anti-racist, equitable, gender-inclusive, neurodiversity-safe, and radically welcoming environment.

Develop Multi-Modal Approaches: Ability to share mathematical learning and build fluency with different learning styles.

Who You Are

Experienced Educator: You have Experience teaching math to students in grades 7-12, 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.

Flexible Adapter: You can find different approaches for different learners, never offering a one-size-fits-all lesson. 

Project Manager: You have a strong work ethic and the ability to help students navigate uncertainty 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 

Experience with Dan Meyer’s Three Act Math, Jo Boaler’s You Cubed, and Desmos’s Middle School Curriculum

Compliance: Ability to pass background screening and compliance training, CPR/First Aid certification, pass TB testing, and provide 3 professional references from direct supervisors when requested

Tech Literacy - Proficient in Google Suite

Physical Demands - Ability to lead students on off-site excursions around the city or via public transportation for off-site learning

  

Preferred

A background working with diverse learning styles

Bonus points for ability and willingness to advise on lower school mathematics curriculum development

Compensation and Benefits

Brightworks offers an experience-based salary ranging from $70,583.87 – $110,775.36, alongside comprehensive medical, dental, and vision options. Employees receive life/disability insurance and a 4% retirement match with immediate vesting.

How to Apply

Please submit the following as PDF documents via our application portal.

Cover Letter: Tell us where you learned about the open position, your journey, why Brightworks, and a recent project that excited you.

Resume: Focused on relevant educational and professional experience.

Writing Samples: Lesson plan for a project-based learning experience and a professional communication sample to a former parent or parents. (e.g., newsletters or family correspondence).