Middle School Science Specialist; Grade 8

In 2012, Sal Khan wrote The One World Schoolhouse that outlines how modern education developed and how Khan Academy came to be. The book outlines a vision for the future of both in-person and online education given the tools we have and the need to participate in the knowledge economy. In 2014, he founded Khan Lab School to test and refine these ideas in an actual school setting.

Khan Lab School is a TK-12 independent school on two campuses serving over 300 students in Silicon Valley, CA. The Lower School (grades TK-5) is located in Palo Alto, CA, and the Middle and Upper Schools (grades 6-12) are located in Mountain View, CA.

The Science Specialist is an experienced teacher with a strong understanding of physics. The Science Specialist partners with the Middle School Director and Middle School teaching team to teach a rigorous, mastery-based curriculum, facilitate active learning experiences aligned with the KLS vision and guide students in their social and emotional development. In addition, this position involves contributing to the broader life of the school via participation in school activities and events, school admissions and faculty and staff meetings.

POSITION: MIDDLE SCHOOL SCIENCE SPECIALIST (Grade
8) Leave Replacement (By January 5, 2027 through June 15, 2027)

REPORTS DIRECTLY TO:
Middle School Director

REPORTING

LOCATION:

Mountain View Campus || 1200 Villa Street, Mountain View, CA 94041

SCHEDULE:

Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m.

- 4:00 p.m., and school events as required

• Teach a minimum of 8 hours per week of a high-school level conceptual physics course, making efficient use of existing materials and tools. Return student work in a timely manner, within 5 days.
• Clearly outline and document the course curriculum including the syllabus, all assignments, and assessments at the beginning of Term 1 using the school's Learning Management System (LMS) Canvas. Materials must be able to be repurposed by other instructors. Use internal materials, and external resources such as Khan Academy, where applicable.
• Participate in regular Canvas course reviews.
• Maintain regular communication with students, families, teachers, and other professionals about student progress and submit progress reports by the due date at the end of each term. Prepare students to participate in student-led parent-teacher conferences.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Facilitate classes with an emphasis on active learning and real-world contexts, minimizing direct instruction. Utilize methods such as think-pair-share, experiential learning, case studies, role-playing, and peer teaching.
• Support student-driven passions and interests through the Applied Learning Program.
• Leverage assessment data to inform instruction, provide timely feedback to students, and complete progress reports by identified deadlines.
• Clearly outline and document the course curriculum including the syllabus, all assignments, and assessments by the beginning Term 1 using the school's Learning Management System (LMS) Canvas. Materials must be able to be repurposed by other instructors. Use internal materials, and external resources such as Khan Academy, where applicable.
• Identify, select, and modify instructional resources to meet the needs of students with varying backgrounds, learning styles, and learning needs in collaboration with the school leadership and as approved by the Executive Director.
• Actively explore and stay current with emerging technologies, including AI tools, and apply them meaningfully to your role.
• Create an inclusive environment where students of diverse backgrounds and perspectives feel welcome, fostering critical thinking through thoughtful questioning.

• Fulfill duties as assigned by the Middle School Director, such as lunch and goal time supervision.
• Be accessible to students throughout the school day for interaction, office hours, and support.
• Attend all faculty meetings and participate in professional development, including morning meetings, and any scheduled professional development programming (including Faculty In-service). Faculty must also attend community meetings and other culture-building experiences alongside students. This will account for up to 4 hours during a typical week, accounting for the faculty meeting and professional development meetings.
• Participate in community events such as the middle school dinner, moving up day, annual…