2026 Lead Teacher - San Jose

ABOUT AIM HIGH

At Aim High, students unlock their limitless potential by participating in a multi-year summer joyful, enrichment program that empowers middle school students navigating systemic barriers, igniting their love of learning and yielding real results—98% of Aim High alumni graduate high school and go on to college. Grounded in the CORE Values (Community, Opportunity, Respect, and High Expectations), every student feels seen and supported.

Aim High gives students the confidence to succeed in high school and beyond. Aim High also fosters a supportive professional community where educators—from aspiring to experienced—grow personally and professionally. For more about Aim High, please visit (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

Aim High is seeking educational professionals who are skilled at creating joyful teaching experiences, both for students and other members of the teaching team. This role is ideal for classroom teachers who want to stay engaged in pushing their teaching practice forward, reinvigorate their passion for teaching, or further their teaching practice in a different kind of teaching environment with smaller class sizes, more in‑classroom support, and no academic year pressure.

Lead Teachers orchestrate the instrumental role in allowing Aim High to deliver our summer program. Lead Teachers, in partnership with their classroom team, will include a high school intern or a college‑age assistant, Assistant Teacher, and other educational specialists. Lead Teachers teach core classes in project‑based STEM, Humanities, or Issues & Choices, which includes social‑emotional learning and college and career awareness.

You will get to cultivate learning experiences that: build a community of trust among students and teachers; stimulate brain growth in students; foster academic mindsets; and make learning fun. You will also provide coaching and mentorship to the classroom team as they explore and learn more about educational careers. This is a six‑week position: you will be provided with one week of training before the summer program and five weeks of teaching middle school students.

All Aim High summer staff also have access to online training materials before the start of the summer program.

• Lead academic core classes with the support of a teaching team, Assistant Teacher or High School Instructional Assistant.
• Lead lesson planning and implementation, utilize restorative practices for creating a safe learning space, and create an effective team teaching environment.
• Set and work towards teaching and leadership goals to strengthen and explore new teaching practices and participate in goal setting and observation cycle during the program.
• Mentor and support the growth of their teaching team, which involves:
  • Co‑planning lessons and meeting learning objectives.
  • Support Assistant Teachers in developing their confidence as aspiring educators.
  • Supporting the development of professional skills such as time management, communication, accountability, and taking initiative.
• Co‑lead advising groups, work to create a positive environment, and build relationships with students and colleagues.
• Lead daily/weekly check‑ins with teaching team members to successfully meet the learning needs of students, lesson planning, and classroom preparation.
• Collaborate with specialists (Instructional Coach and Student Support Specialist).
• Co‑lead, plan, and support enrichment activities such as sports, city exploration, arts & crafts, etc.
• Other duties as assigned.

• A deep commitment to Aim High’s Mission, Vision, Purpose, and CORE Values
• A Bachelor’s degree (preferred) or 4+ years of relevant work experience will suffice
• Prior experience in teaching and leading a K-12 classroom or pursuing a teaching credential or graduate degree in education or related fields (youth development)
• Experience in culturally responsive teaching, as well as project‑based and inquiry‑based approaches to student learning
• The ability to uphold and maintain confidential information
• A positive, can‑do attitude with a propensity for action and efficiency
• Strong attention to detail and communication skills
• The ability…