Lower School Assistant Teacher

About Us

Gideon Hausner Jewish Day School is an independent TK‑8 community day school in Palo Alto with a commitment to academic excellence, Jewish values, and whole‑child education. Our inclusive, values‑driven culture nurtures a love of learning, a sense of belonging, and the confidence to think deeply and act ethically.

About The Position

Start Date:

July 1st or August 1st, 2026. Assistant Teachers are instructional partners who collaborate with lead teachers to bring hands‑on, student‑centered learning to life, build strong relationships with students, and help create inquiry‑based experiences that balance rigor, care, and joy.

Core Responsibilities

• Collaborate with lead teachers to implement interdisciplinary learning aligned with standards.
• Support learning by helping students connect their work to real‑world contexts.
• Assist in launching lessons with provocations that invite curiosity and problem‑solving.

• Support active learning, including small‑group facilitation, conferring, and guided practice.
• Help create learning goals & success criteria so students understand what quality work looks like.
• Encourage persistence through challenge and emphasize process over product.
• Support student choice and creativity within structured learning experiences.
• Help ensure every student has a meaningful role in collaborative work.
• Work with lead teachers to differentiate instruction and scaffold learning.
• Support students in revising and improving their work.
• Provide additional support to students who need help with regulation, organization, or focus.

• Support students in giving and receiving feedback from peers and adults.
• Help facilitate reflection throughout the learning process (e.g., “What are you noticing?” “What’s changing in your thinking?”).
• Model a growth mindset and reflective practice with students and colleagues.
• Help maintain a respectful, safe, inclusive, and joyful classroom environment.
• Build positive relationships with students grounded in trust, consistency, and care.
• Serve as a professional, positive presence for families and the school community.

• Communicate clearly and professionally with colleagues, families, and administrators.
• Attend and actively participate in faculty meetings and professional development.
• Participate in school events such as Back‑to‑School Night and student performances.
• Substitute for colleagues.
• Be willing to teach in person and through virtual platforms as needed.
• Flexibility, initiative, and a collaborative mindset.
• Strong organizational and time‑management skills.
• Openness to feedback and continuous learning.
• Ability to balance structure with warmth, humor, and joy.

Requirements

• Experience working with children in an educational setting.
• Strong interpersonal skills and a passion for working with elementary‑aged students.
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education.

Compensation

• $24‑$29/hour, commensurate with experience.
• Benefits:
  Medical, Dental, Vision, 403(b) Retirement Plan, Long‑ and Short‑term Disability, Voluntary Life/Accident Insurance, Work‑Life Balance Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Commuter Checks, and Flexible Spending Account (pre‑tax payroll deduction).

Contact

Please submit a cover letter and resume to Dr. Sarina Fierro at sfierro.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Gideon Hausner Jewish Day School is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to a welcoming and inclusive community where individuals of all backgrounds are respected and valued. We do not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, religion, veteran status, national or ethnic origin, or any other status protected by law.