Head-Royce School seeks a dynamic, creative educator to serve as our K–2 Science and Garden Teacher in the Lower School, beginning August 2026. This position is an exciting opportunity to cultivate scientific curiosity and environmental stewardship in our youngest learners through hands-on investigation, outdoor exploration, gardening, and project-based learning.
The K–2 Science and Garden Teacher leads engaging science instruction aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and helps steward the Lower School’s garden as a living laboratory for inquiry and discovery. Working closely with classroom teachers and the 3-6 science teacher, this educator designs developmentally appropriate experiences that nurture curiosity, observation, and a deep appreciation for the natural world. Head-Royce values educators who bring warmth, intellectual curiosity, cultural competence, and a collaborative spirit to their work with students and colleagues.
Responsibilities
Science InstructionTeach weekly science classes for students in Kindergarten through 2nd grade.Design and implement hands-on, inquiry-based science lessons aligned with NGSS.Develop units grounded in life science conceptsFoster curiosity through experiments, observation, data collection, and discussion.Use project-based learning and design challenges to deepen student engagement.Garden and Outdoor LearningIntegrate the Lower School garden into science instruction as a hands-on learning space.Guide students in seasonal garden activities, including planting, harvesting, composting, and ecological observation.Maintain the garden as a learning environment in collaboration with colleagues and facilities staff.Help students develop a sense of environmental stewardship and connection to nature.Collaboration and Curriculum DevelopmentCollaborate closely with K–2 classroom teachers to integrate science with literacy, math, and social studies.Participate in grade-level and Lower School meetings to support curricular alignment and student learning.Contribute to the ongoing development of a coherent K–5 science program.Assessment and CommunicationUse a variety of formative and summative assessments to monitor student growth.Communicate clearly and proactively with students, families, and colleagues.Support students’ development of scientific thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.Community EngagementHelp foster a classroom culture rooted in belonging, curiosity, and respect.Support Head-Royce’s commitment to equity, inclusion, and culturally responsive teaching.Participate in the broader life of the school through Lower School events and activities.
Skills
A genuine love for working with young childrenEnthusiasm for hands-on, experiential science learningStrong organization and program management skillsCultural competence and a commitment to inclusive teaching practicesA collaborative mindset and willingness to partner with colleaguesA growth mindset and curiosity as a lifelong learnerPossession of excellent skills for the Scientific processFlexible attitude and willingness to teach at all levels, from introductory to our most advancedFlexible in pedagogical approach, using multiple modalities to deliver a concept. Clear desire to experiment with a variety of teaching approaches in order to reach different student populations and adapt to better serve their learning styles and needsDemonstrated understanding of curriculum design, pedagogical approaches, and developmental appropriateness in order to deliver engaging, active, student-centered lessons, practice, and assessmentFamiliar with and uses different kinds of assessment (formative and summative) as well as different types Strong collaborator and willing to partner with colleagues to design curriculum, projects, activities, and experiencesUses technology to enhance the learning experience
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Science, Education, Environmental Studies, or a related fieldExperience teaching elementary science (K–5 preferred)Knowledge of Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)Experience with project-based and inquiry-based learningStrong collaboration and communication skillsExcellent organizational and executive functioning skills
Expertise or strong background in life sciencesExperience with garden education, outdoor learning, or environmental educationExperience integrating science with interdisciplinary projectsAdvanced degree in science or educationExperience working in independent schools
Interested candidates are asked to submit a letter of interest as well as a current resume.
All candidates must be able to provide TB and background clearance before employment begins.
Application materials should be submitted through our
website.
Located on a 22-acre campus in Oakland, California, Head-Royce School (HRS) is a pre-eminent, co-educational, independent, K-12 day school with a 138-year history. Our mission is to develop students of character, intellect, and creativity. We deliver on our mission by living our values:
* Students First: We prioritize student learning, development, and well-being.
* Academic Excellence: We pursue knowledge and assess our learning to better ourselves and our community.
* Diversity: We embrace our different perspectives, backgrounds, experiences and identities to expand and enrich what we can learn and do together.
* Belonging: We create the conditions in which everyone thrives and brings their authentic selves.
* Civic Engagement: We connect students to the local community and beyond to enhance their academic experiences and foster genuine engagement.
Head-Royce enrolls approximately 920 students in the three separate divisions—Lower, Middle and Upper—and provides a dynamic, whole-child education to every student. We envision a future where education unlocks the promise and purpose of every student to better the world.
HRS is unable to provide immigration sponsorships such as H1B Visas. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States and be willing to undergo both Livescan background check and TB screening as part of the hiring process. Employment is also contingent upon successful completion of background checks and compliance with California SB 848, which requires prior educational institution employers to disclose credible complaints, substantiated investigations, or discipline involving egregious misconduct.
Head-Royce provides equal employment opportunities on the basis of merit, fitness, qualifications, and experience. The school’s commitment to equal employment opportunity extends to all job applicants and employees and to all aspects of employment. Head-Royce makes employment decisions without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions and breastfeeding), reproductive health decision-making, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, citizenship, military or veteran status, age, or other categories defined by state law, federal law or local ordinance. Head-Royce prohibits discrimination or harassment based on these classifications. Discrimination and harassment based on a perception that anyone is in any of these protected classifications or is associated with a person who has or is perceived as being in any of these protected classifications, are also prohibited. Head-Royce School seeks to be a community in which every individual is treated with sensitivity, courtesy and respect.
Required Disclosure: AB 2534 & SB 848- As of January 1, 2026, in accordance with Education Code section 44939.5 (as amended by California AB 2534 & SB 848) and Education Code 44051 (as amended by SB 848) applicants for all positions are required by law to provide a complete list of every school district, county office of education, charter school, state special school, diagnostic centers operated by the CA Department of Education, and/or private schools with which they have previously been employed, regardless of the length of service. Please include any full-time, part-time and/or substitute employment positions on your application. Failure to disclose all previous educational employment, regardless of length or location, may result in the disqualification of your application and/or may be deemed dishonestly in the hiring process and subject to discharge should you become employed.