Employment
Berkwood Hedge School’s uniquely child-centered program and ethos draws experienced and diverse educators who believe in the school’s mission and values. For almost eighty years, the school’s committed faculty and staff uphold our distinctive educational philosophy and reflect the innovative streak that has set our school apart for decades.
Job Opportunities
Fifth Grade Lead Teacher
Title
Fifth Grade Lead Teacher
Location
Berkeley, California
Description
Berkwood Hedge School is seeking an experienced Fifth Grade Teacher for the 2025-26 school for our Upper School (grades 5-8).
Berkwood Hedge School’s pedagogy is based on the understanding that children construct their knowledge of the world through hands-on, integrated, and active child-centered learning experiences, their environment needs to be positive and joyful, and; play and creativity are essential to healthy development. The strength of our school is our community. Each individual is valued and significant. We cultivate our children’s creative participation in their own learning. Our teachers support this development across the cognitive, physical, social, and moral domains, and collaborate to make our entire school strong.
The successful candidate will:
- Plan and implement all aspects of a project based fifth grade curriculum
- Collaborate effectively with colleagues in all aspects of student learning and school culture
- Maintain active and open communication with parents/guardians of the children and with all members of the Berkwood Hedge School community
- Be creative, innovative, agile, and flexible
- Have a sense of humor and a growth mindset
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Three years classroom lead teaching experience
- Deep understanding and appreciation for progressive education
- Teaching Credential
- Strong communication skills (speaking, writing) with both children and adults
REQUIRED SKILLS
- Experience planning and implementing differentiated project-based learning
- Ability to develop and align a project-based constructivist curriculum
- Ability to articulate the Fifth Grade program
- Capacity to focus on the whole child, intentionally developing each individual academically, physically, emotionally, and socially
- Ability to exercise daily flexibility by wearing many hats, prioritizing and problem solving while maintaining a poised professional demeanor
- Willingness to seek opportunities that grow students’ cultural competency
- Ability to utilize sound and developmentally appropriate educational practices related to technology to enhance teaching and learning
PERSONAL QUALITIES
- Love of children and understanding of child development
- Collaborative, creative, and curious nature
- Maturity, professionalism, and good judgment
- Willingness and capacity to assume a wide range of responsibilities
- Interested in learning new skills and engaged in continuous improvement of practice
- Excellent organizational and time management skills
ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
- Maintain and support a climate of mutual respect which encourages students to take healthy risks: asking questions, sharing opinions, and making mistakes necessary to learn.
- Accurately assess each student's progress; inform student, parents, and the Head of School immediately of any relevant information.
- Cultivate each student's creativity, intellectual curiosity, social-emotional development in an academically rich and relevant context.
At Berkwood Hedge School a teacher's engagement includes various activities in addition to teaching and classroom duties, such as giving extra help to students who need it, communicating feedback directly to the Head of School, encouragement of the efforts of colleagues, concern for the appearance of the classroom and of the grounds, promptness in meeting all School obligations and flexibility and cooperation in supporting our school’s advancement. Attendance at School events and activities, such as plays, concerts, festivals, and fairs, staff meetings, and open houses is required.
We look for candidates who thrive on ownership, service, creativity and collaboration. For more information about Berkwood Hedge School, please visit us at http://www.berkwood.org .
Salary and benefits are commensurate with experience. We will accept applications until the position is filled. Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis. This job starts mid-August 2025. Submit cover letter and resume to Love Weinstock at [email protected]. Cover letter REQUIRED. Resumes received without a cover letter will not be considered.
Why Join Us?
At Berkwood Hedge School, you will be joining a community of mission-driven educators and leaders who believe in the joy and possibility of childhood. This role is an opportunity to be part of something meaningful—to build lasting relationships, nurture a vibrant school culture, and help shape the future of a beloved school community.
If you are energized by community, inspired by purpose, ready to be all in for our students and families, and excited to lead with your whole heart—we can't wait to meet you.
Berkwood Hedge School actively seeks to build a diverse student, staff and parent community. We are an avid equal opportunity employer and seek applicants who reflect the rich diversity of the Bay Area. We do not discriminate on the basis of basis of age, ancestry, citizenship, ethnicity, family-care status, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, medical condition, disability, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status.
Contact
Love Weinstock
(510) 883-6990
[email protected]
1809 Bancroft Way, Berkeley, CA 94703
