Open Mind School 5th-7th Grade Inclusion Teacher Menlo Park, CA · Full time

Apply for 5th-7th Grade Inclusion Teacher

Open Minds operates an Inclusive K-12 nonprofit private school and an Early Learning Center in Menlo Park. Open Mind School programs are relationship based and built on the firm belief that children are curious learners who thrive in supportive environments. Open Mind School is inspired by the vision of inclusive and universal designed learning opportunities for all students. We're dedicated to creating and providing a child-centered, personalized experience that leverages local experiential learning opportunities. Open Mind School's mission is for all students to access high quality education, enrichment opportunities, and social experiences in an inclusive and supportive environment.

GRADES 5–7  ·  UPPER ELEMENTARY & MIDDLE SCHOOL

Inclusion Teacher

Open Mind School  ·  Menlo Park, CA

Employment type: Full-time, Exempt

Compensation: $75,000–$95,000 depending on experience

Start date: Summer 2026

ABOUT OPEN MIND SCHOOL

Open Mind School is an inclusion nonprofit school in Menlo Park dedicated to rigorous academics, hands-on collaborative learning, and individualized educational experiences. Our mission is to ensure students access high-quality education, enrichment opportunities, and meaningful social experiences within an inclusive and diverse school community.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Inclusion Teacher for grades 5–7 plays a pivotal role in supporting students through one of the most academically and socially dynamic periods of their development. In this role, you will deliver rigorous, differentiated instruction across core subjects within a mixed-ability, multi-grade classroom model, applying Universal Design for Learning (UDL) to meet a wide range of academic profiles. You will work alongside special service providers, content-area specialists, and families to design learning experiences that are intellectually challenging, personally meaningful, and grounded in presumed competence. Strong content knowledge, sophisticated classroom management, and a nuanced understanding of adolescent social-emotional development are essential to success in this role.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Deliver content-rich instruction in ELA, Math, Science, History, and Study Skills within a small mixed-age class (maximum 5:1 student-to-teacher ratio)
• Apply UDL principles to design differentiated, experiential, and project-based learning activities aligned to CA Common Core State Standards for grades 5–7
• Develop and maintain individualized learning plans that address each student's academic level, learning profile, and social-emotional development
• Implement and model sophisticated classroom management systems that foster student independence, self-advocacy, and accountability
• Co-teach with content specialists (e.g., scientists, published authors, university professors) to bring expert perspectives into the classroom
• Collaborate with art and music educators to develop integrated, cross-disciplinary projects
• Guide students through increasingly complex social-emotional challenges with sensitivity and consistency
• Communicate student progress to families through regular updates, conferences, Back to School Nights, and Open House events
• Maintain up-to-date gradebooks and upload lesson plans a minimum of two weeks in advance
• Contribute to school-wide curriculum development, staff mentorship, and the ongoing refinement of inclusive education best practices

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Valid California teaching credential (Single Subject, Multiple Subject, or Special Education)
• Minimum 3 years of credentialed lead classroom teaching experience, with demonstrated experience at the middle school level
• Demonstrated experience with curriculum planning and implementation aligned to state standards
• Proficiency with educational technology, including Google Classroom and digital assessment tools

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 5+ years of lead classroom experience, preferably spanning both upper elementary and middle school grades in an inclusion setting
• Strong content-area knowledge across two or more of the following: ELA, Math, Science, History
• Experience supporting students with disabilities, particularly those with Autism Spectrum Disorder or Apraxia
• Familiarity with intervention methodologies including ABA, DIR, RDI, PRT, and/or RPM
• 3+ years integrating social-emotional learning into practice, with experience supporting early adolescents
• 3+ years of team leadership, mentorship, or educator management experience
• Special Education credential or equivalent specialized training
• Experience as a founding educator at a new school or school site

COMPETENCIES

• Presumption of competence for all learners
• Sophisticated behavior support and student self-advocacy facilitation
• Educator mentorship and team leadership
• Growth mindset and commitment to continuous improvement
• Confident, professional communication with students, families, and colleagues
• Ability to navigate adolescent social dynamics with consistency and care

BENEFITS

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Paid vacation and sick days
• 401(k) and flexible spending account
• Quarterly performance bonuses
• Professional development opportunities and tuition reimbursement
• Free private school enrollment and childcare for your children on school operating days

HOW TO APPLY

Start date is Summer 2026. To apply, please visit: https://www.openmindschool.org/careers

All offers are contingent on a satisfactory criminal background check, TB test clearance, and reference checks as required by California state law.